Hi all, I'm in the capital of Laos - Vientiane. Well, to those who follow the soccer and remember my comments on my last email about looking for somewhere in Northern Thailand to watch the Chelsea v Liverpool game. Well, you wouldn't believe it. I found on in the little town. Pitty Liverpool were robbed by the ref, but that's another story. Anyway, the coverage over here is better than Australia. They get the EPL on ESPN. A pre-match lead up and reports from the tunnel at half-time etc. And best of all Martin Tyler and Andy Gray were commentating. Not those gits us ozzies have been getting all year. (Anyway, apologies to those non-soccer people who are saying what the?) The last week has been great, apart from about 48 hours where I had "Bali Belly" and didn't what end of me it was coming out of next. But thems the breaks I guess. Since leaving China I have spent 2 days sailing down the Mekong River. A very untouched part of the world and very beautiful. I have also spent 3 days in Luang Prabang in northern Laos. This country was a former french colony, so some great architecture and little restuarants. The place isn't really on the tourist map yet, so the place isn't affected by tourism yet. People are so friendly and laid back. Will be sad to leave for Vietnam in the next couple of days. Like Thailand, the food is so cheap and drinks even better. Speaking of drinks. Highly recommend the Laos beer "Beer Laos" (obviously very creative marketing people over here thought of that name). One of the best beers I have ever tasted and about a $2 for a jug. The Laos whisky is a diferent story. 50%-55% and takes your breath away. But 30 cents a shot. Spent today riding a bike around the town and drinking Beer Laos. Also got the best massage ever - $5 for 1 hr. Brilliant!!!  Also, being so close to the 'golden triangle' I bought a great Opium Pipe at the markets - This one's going straight to the pool room!!! Just finished having a beatiful meal on the banks of the Mekong and now heading to the pub for Beer Laos. (Notice any trends???) Til next time.