Our guide told us that it is customary for a Lao host to offer any guests a shot of Lao Lao (homemade rice whisky) upon entering their home. Further, most bars and restaurants give guests free shots. So, while our boat crew was having dinner in Pak Beng, he passed around a bottle of Lao Lao and most of us partook. John may have had a few more shots than I did …