I've noticed 3 types of response when I ask opinions on a place: a bland response which doesn't sound bad but not really worth my time, "Don't go there!" or "It's better/as good as it sounds and these are the only ones I'm bothering with now. My key worries are time and money and both affect each other, i.e., longer trips are cheaper. But positively you get to see more on them.

Recently
• Was amused to hear Patrick from the slow boat's voice coming from a motor bike as he was pulled over by a copper for going the wrong way. Understandable since the road sign for one way street in Luang Prabang just looks like a twix bar...
• Tried some market food that I would live to regret, it wasn't even that good!
• Got lied to by my travel agent who said I could use their 'shower' after my trek and that the bus ride would take 20-24 hours max.

Food: Some recommendations of the lonely planet has proven to be gems and some tourist traps but today I made great use of the map to find Le Blobaman*. I chilled with my iBook and read about a girl called Rachel who has gone to rehab over her accidental overdose on sleeping pills after sniffing her occasional cocaine and is quite funny. This was interspersed with average coffee but gorgeous pastry and pain au chocolat. FCH you must come here. There is sun and Frenchness!!!