Breaking In

The most memorable episode in Oudom Xai definately deserves its own post. I had been afraid of one thing for most of the trip and this day, exactly that happend. I locked myself out of my car. Parked in front of A Nong's hotel and waiting for her, I got out of the truck lost in some thoughts. A routine move and the door was locked and closed, another routine move and I realized the key was not in my pocket where it belonged now. It was still in the car and I could beautifully see it through the window.

I went in to tell A Nong and try to organize some wire. I had broken into cars of mine before and fortunately knew what to do. She was all about helping me and have her maintenance department fix the whole thing for me. All I wanted was some wire, but I couldn't refuse the help offered. Two men came outside with me to have a look at the problem. I gave the lock a short and unsuccessful try with a paper clip before trying to convince the men to organize some strong wire to reach through the window into the door and unlock the car. They had no better idea and went to get it. They returned quickly with an old, soft and too short wire. We gave it a try, but had no success, but now they got the idea and knew the materials needed.

The two men took off again to reappear with some long and strong wire and a screwdriver to take the window rubber out. Then I inserted the wire into the door and started fumbling for the lock. I was still at it when the men started talking and pointing. I had already unlocked the car and not even noticed, it was as easy as that. Next to us, stood a lone policeman watching the events. He was rather amused and seemed to recognize me as he had shown no intention as to investigate why someone was trying to open that car by force. He, too, was satisfied as everyone else when the lock clicked open and we reinserted the window rubber. I had my key back and I knew I would be very attentive with it during the remainder of the trip.