Nong Khai, imagine crossing borders

Nong Khai, crossing borders is exciting. By air your imagination may not be too excited, clouds look the same everywhere. Trains are better, roads are excellent, preferably by motorcycle. 

Some bridges connect countries. This is one of them. It's crossing Mae Khong River, connecting Nong Khai in Thailand with Vientiane in Laos. It's called the Friendship Bridge indicating a need of a symbol to confirm a good relationship.

I walk along the great river carefully looking at the other side. Like I did in the early eighties, when arriving with ferry boat at Travemünde. The east German border was as close as is now Laos. Looking for people, cars, bicycles, boats, canoes. Life. 

Until I cross the bridge I keep on imagine what it would be like getting there. 

A huge thunderstorm with heavy winds suddenly breaks out. Interrupted imagination – I hurry inside.