Luang Prabang (apart from being shopping heaven) is a world heritage site so it's well kept and clean, even the potholes in the roads are artful. Smokers are publicly frowned upon with a 'tut' and everyone is in bed by 10.30 p.m. But now that we're getting on a bit, and having to get up at 7 a.m. most mornings (which we are soooo unused to), going to bed before 11 seems almost hedonistic.

We are so enchanted by the place we have spent most of our time just wandering around, exploring temples and drinking coffee. One of the benefits of Laos having been a french colony is that you get decent coffee, cheese, baguettes, wine and croissants. So we are slowly eating our way round the country, taking in a few noodle soups along the way.

Got up early (5.30 a.m.) to watch the monks procession around town to be fed. They all stroll out of their wats and wander in long orange lines down the streets where villagers, and the odd tourist, crouch by the side of the road putting food into the monks' baskets. Usually sticky rice, bananas, the odd biscuit. Yum. It's an interesting sight and well worth the early rise for.

We've had a couple of massages, bought some colourful scarves and wall hangings and some artwork and now the cases are groaning again, oh well, back to the Post Office.....