mike fox both of you should consider taking up writing for your occupation - I find the blogs extremely readable and of course it makes us feel not so far away.love to you both,dad

Willemina L&C, What a special time, your travellog is so vivid and interesting, thanks for the reporting, I am on a virtual trip with you and enjoying it so much. Regards xo Willemina

Penelope Great story Charles, still giggling! sotp - so delighted L enjoyed the ferry trip despite the strong northerly. Starting the Christmas rush here and hugely looking forward to Avoiaz. Lol to you both M xx

Elspeth Hi, hi! I've spent a happy hour or two (this lazy Friday after Thanksgiving) catching up on your travels and wished I could be accompanying you on the train. I last followed you short of Moscow, so a lot of catching up! Thanks for giving us such delicious glimpses of all these amazing places. Home-stays sound like the perfect thing and Beijing sounds way more interesting and fun than I could have imagined. Love, love, and safe travels, Elspeth (and W-R, purrrrrrrrrrr.)

Harry Shaw Sounds exciting but could you send me a postcard? Thanks. from harry.

Ian Burton Hi Louise and Chops Still here at this end, glad that you are still there and well at your end! Continuing to enjoy your blog- well-timed reading of 1 Day in the life of ID. (If you are still doing summary like funniest moment etc it is not publishing.) Charlie- 1st AI at Twickers today- backs had the wrong tuctics for the 1st half, but relatively hippy after the 2nd despite L. We are off to Bogota on Monday! Stay safe and have fun. Ian

Rodney Just got your letter and have looked up your blog to read about your adventures so far. You give a very convincing image of wilderness and basic conditions! Understand that you won't make Oz; we shall be in India in early Feb ... xx

Nichola I'm so enjoying reading your posts. It sounds awesome and as I sit at my desk in leafy, suburban Ealing, I'm very green eyed and itchy for travel and adventure. Lots of love and look forward to hearing about Beijing. Cuz x

Ailsa Sounds like you're having an amazing time! My bro lived in Ulan Bator for about 6 months, and spent some time exploring the country - shall I ask him if he has any top tips? xx

belin Loise you write wonderfully and it all sounds amazing. We discover to our horror that my feeble attempts to buy you a wedding prezzie from your list has failed and it never went! You'll have something on your return! Keep on writikng, we love it. LOL Belin and Will xx

Annette Thacker Don't you like Americans then Louise? I'll make sure not to tell Stephen!!

The Yank Nice Americans? Coming from Louise? Are you sure you weren't drinking vodka with Russians ...at least when you were writing this?!