I've said a lot about the great time and places I've had and been. So it's only in he interest of fairness that I focus on some negatives. Last night after a cramped bus ride to the border and some bland pork soup for lunch (all on a hangover and 4 hours sleep) we went through immigration. It was the most laid back affair I've seen and it took ages as the forms were huge and the staff kept answering their phones to their mums (we suspect). The short bus ride to our 'accommodation' was fine and dinner was yummy apart from the fear of stomach bugs from the chicken (we seem to be fine so far though). The teeny bungalows were shoddy at best. With a broken padlock, terrible stench and no door handle (the gap where it should have been was stuffed with toilet paper in an attempt to keep the ants out). Our host picked up the padlock when I asked about a replacement, put it back together, showed us it was sturdy when locked, said "fine!" and walked off.

We had another hour of cramped bussing this morning along the roads through the mountains was beautiful and there was fog in the valleys for a while. BUT. It was all worth it as you can see the the same 13 of us who fit in the minibus now have this VIP boat to ourselves the beautiful scenery has now become familiar so that I can take my eyes off it to write this.

Status
• The only thing missing is a Thai masseuse behind me working my shoulders...
• There is a kid in a Spider-Man/Angry Birds track suit running around the boat hiding in boxes who is very entertaining...
• Now, straight after introductions, I'm really starting to analyse other travellers' way of life and characteristics and mannerisms...

Food: Lunch was a delightful laughing cow/chicken/egg/salad combo in a white roll and I believe I will be having a pot noodle later. Breakfast was a banana and Oreo to have my Malerone with.

Fact: The second favourite Disney character out here (Asia in general) after Mickey Mouse is Stitch from Lilo and Stitch which surprised me