Hi all, I am currently in a place called Chiang Khong on the Mekong River. Where I will be crossing over to Laos tomorrow. Then cruising down the Mekong for a couple of days to the capital. I'm having an absolute ball and getting up to mischief of course. I had a few days in Bangkok before starting my tour on the 29th. Not the best time to be arriving with the Tsunami and all, but luckily I was not heading down there til the end of my trip. All we seem to be seeing on TV at the moment is it. I met several backpackers who were down at the islands when it happened. Many have very graphic stories to tell and many have lost friends etc. The whole mood it Khao Sarn Road (main backpacker hangout in Bangkok) was very somber. Bangkok is awesome and I can't wait to get back there at the end of my tour. I spent yesterday riding and elephant (got some great photos) at place called Chaing Mai (north thailand). Was awesome. And it was a great time to do it, as touching elephants before the new year brings one luck. Also spent NYE at Chaing Mai. They had a huge street market, and street partying. Truly amazing stuff. Hope my photos turn out so I can remember what else I did. Speaking of partying. Everything is so cheap and the Thais people are so friendly. Henieken stubbies, $2, great meal at a restuarant $1 etc. Well, I'm off to find a place is this 9000 people town that will be showing the Liverpool v Chelsea game tonight. Not sure of my chances.