Who Let the Dogs Out!

****please see the added link on the right hand side for our trip photos***

I think we mentioned in an earlier post that in the town of Nong Khai there seem to be more dogs than people. Upon our arrival to Nong Khai, we were warned that we would probably be chased by dogs while riding our bikes at some point during our tenure at Travel to Teach. We were also told just to ignore them and they stop chasing you, since you have left their "territory" and they lose interest. I listened intently to this warning and took copious mental notes...Julie on the other hand, well she had a different idea...which leads into our most recent adventure.

Julie, myself and our Belgian buddies were coming home one night from the local watering hole, which serves great food. It was around 11 p.m., which is the "danger zone" for Dogwatch 2007...you know, like those times they say not to swim in the water because it is more likely that sharks will be present, i.e. blood/chum in the water, dead fish around you, etc.?, well 11 p.m. in Nong Khai is prime time for dog chasing. Although to be honest you don't really think about it, even though every dog looks like it is a wild dog or wolf or even some that look like hyenas with big teeth...anyway, I digress. So there we are, all biking back together talking with each other about the evening, Julie and I in front, biking side by side and Lotta and Kattrain (Belgians) biking behind us. All of the sudden we hear this loud bark and growl that came from our right, I glance over and see this large black dog coming towards Julie. Julie takes one look at the dog and instead of remaining calm (as instructed) and continue pedaling at a normal speed, Julie pushes everyone out of her way and takes off like a rocket! I am being serious when I say that it was like a Road Runner cartoon were Wily Coyote straps on the rocket to his back to catch the Road Runner. I see the dog take off after Julie...apparently provoked by Julie's response because the CHASE WAS ON!! [Insert Julie's comment: I know this story sounds crazy but you have to realize that we are biking down a road with minimal street light and all I kept thinking was "I'm going to get bit by a dog and get some crazy disease", hence the quick pedal to get out of the dog's 'territory'.] After about 50 yards the dog gave up as Julie almost pedaled out of Thailand! I caught up to Julie at our house, that is where she "waited" for me. [Insert Julie's comment: Ryan and our buddies where just a few pedals behind me.] I have learned my lesson and when Julie and I ride home together at night, she rides in front so if she needs to use rocket fuel, she can take off!! [Insert Julie's comment: actually now everyone is well aware of my fear of dogs (scary dogs, not like "Dusty" Aunt Bethy!) and they tend to create a shield around me if we see the dogs out late at night, it seems to be a good system . . . until the next chase!!!]