Day 10 Kratie to Dondet (Laos)

Yesterday I was determined to put in a shift on the bike. I started my assault to the Laos border around 6:00 am and packed it in after 188 km cycled. I ended up 18 km away from the Laos border spending the night in a hammock off the highway with a family of six. Everyone was sleeping in a hammock and occasionally I would wake up to a car flying by on the highway or a disgruntled pig wanting to eat.....but I was grateful for the place to rest since I was battling hills and the winds all day.
昨天我早上6点就开始向老挝边境出发，骑行188公里后穿越了边境，在老挝境内18公里的地方过夜，那有个6口之家，每个人都睡在吊床上，我也是。只是我时不时地被路上飞驰的汽车和一只哼哧哼哧的小猪吵醒，我还是很感谢这家人能让我在山地在风中骑行了一天后能在这里休息。

Along my travels I met the myth, the legend Heinz Stucker who has cycled over 650 000 km in his lifetime! I believe it was a rare spotting to find Heinz because he has lived most of his life off the grid....I managed to get a photo while he was ranting about his travels through Africa and through our brief conversation he had a few good stories to tell....He is from Germany and he told me that I am incredibly stupid to be pulling a trailer......but once I told him about the cause, he took back his judgements.....He autographed my bike and we shook hands....Maybe I was getting a glimpse of my future by meeting Heinz.....
骑行中我遇见了传奇人物Heinz Stucke，他已经骑行了65万公里。我相信能遇见他真是奇迹，因为他生命中一直在路上。我设法和他照了个像，他则滔滔不绝讲着他在非洲的奇遇。他从德国来，并且笑话我带个小拖车看着好傻，但是当我告诉他小拖车的用场时，他收回了他的玩笑。他在我车上亲笔签了名，然后我们握手告别。遇见他，我似乎看见了我的未来。

This stretch of the tour had very small communities, but it was very pleasant to ride through the country side in my solo pursuit. I felt like I was riding through cottage country back home in Canada with the constant smell of wood burning through the air. The people were very chill and inviting. I ate all my meals yesterday with families since there were no places to eat. I learned how to say "eat rice" in Khmer so it went long way yesterday to ensure I had fuel to move forward.
今天路上只有一些很小的村庄，就这样一个人独自骑着也很快乐。有时候觉得就象回到了故乡加拿大的乡村，空气中也时不时地飘来木头焚烧的气味。这里的人们很热情，昨天的三餐都是和当地人一起吃的，也没有别的什么地方可以吃。我学会了高棉语的“吃饭”，昨天一直在用这句话，得吃饱才能前进啊！

It is a great feeling today to cross the border into Laos, but I will hold fond memories of Cambodia and my experience. They really opened their doors and I felt welcomed every single time I approached a family or handing out donations. The enthusiasm from the kids and appreciation was worth all the hard work and I am looking forward to coming back and helping out the way I know how.....
今天穿越边境进入老挝，柬埔寨有很多美好回忆，他们的确打开家门欢迎我，看着孩子们这么开心，我觉得所有的辛苦付出都非常值得。我期待再一次回来，我值得该怎样帮助他们了。

I cycled into Laos and made a stop in a place famous for having 4000 islands. I am in Don det and I brought my bike over by boat to enjoy the water,relax and get ready for my final push into Vientiane. I will be riding solo for the rest of the trip and I am 800 km away for my final destination....I am working hard and living life....I am in a happy place...进入老挝后我在一个著名景点停了一下，这个景点以4000多个岛屿著称，它就是东德岛。我带着我的自行车在船上玩了玩水，放松一下，为最后一段到万象的冲刺做准备。接下来的这段路我将独自骑行，全面还有800公里啊，加油！生活多美好！