All aboard

So I took a bus ride to Pakse today. This wasn't the first local bus ride I have taken here, but this one was particularly interesting. I didn't find it altogether unpleasant, but it probably wouldn't have been for the more claustrophobic traveler. When I got on the bus there were a few empty seats but I decided to sit on a little raised platform at the back for the extra legroom. There may or may not be any lao expression for "this bus is full". I assume this because anyone who flags down the bus may get on, regardless of the quantity and nature of their cargo. It wasn't the most uncomfortable. Sure, I would have liked to rest my bum on a sack of rice, or on the steps by the door, or maybe sit on the roof with the motorcycle, but I didn't have the worst seat. I was fortunate enough the be sitting next to a duck. Seeing as the duck spoke as much english as anyone else on the bus, he wasn't a bad travel mate. I was also sitting at the perfect position for all the chickens and eggs-on-sticks to be shoved in my face when the children boarded to sell food (this happens every 20-30 minutes). All in all, I feel a little closer to the Lao people for having endeavored what is total commonplace for them.