This afternoon we have been tubbing - not sure thats spelt correctly, but it was where we had a tractor tyres inner tube and floated down the river, stopping at the bars on the way past. We both went on a huge slide into the river which was fun, and a little scary, especially when Nik shoty off the end with such speed all were a little concerned she was actually going to clear the river and land on the opposite river bank! Ang attempted the swing with Emma and we...

We got to Vientiene, which is the capital of Laos, for lunch. After filling up with lovely things from a yummy bakery we caught a tuk tuk and visited the beautiful Phat That Luang temple, the victory gate - above picture and the Anouvang park that has a statue of the King of Laos over looking the Mekong river. From here we could see Thailand and enjoyed a beer while we watched the fab sun set. We got back to our hotel in time for the 2 minutes silence, remebering...

This morning we had some new people join our group, Aubry from Seattle, Hannah from Bornemouth and Emma from Leicester. Today was a long travel day, 10 hours on a bus. We crossed into Laos where we stayed at a very small border town where we arrived after sunset, had dinner and then slept ready for the following day! It also needs a mention that Ang is beginning to acquire a tolerability for beer, just as long as there is a sprite or 7 up near by to help.

Well after thankfully moving to a much nicer hotel Nik went with some of the group to see the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh. Bit of an undescribable experience but glad I went. We all met up and went for a walk around the lake and over the bridge, to the opera house and to St Josephs Cathedral. Ang had an interesting Cyclo experience with people walking faster than the old man who was pedalling could manage! Tonight we say goodbye to some of the group who are goi...

When we arrived in Ha Noi Pok took us for a walk around the old quarter and we went to kfc for lunch! We met up with Sarah and Vicky, went to a water puppet show and for some drinks with the rest of the group after dinner. This is the first and hopefully the last time we have a very dodgey hotel, and debatebly better than some of the over night trains!