natasha Argh!! I am sooo jealous, really wanted to go to Nepal but it was when they were having the riots and no flights were going into the country. I totally know how you feel with the altitude sickness, we´re currently trying to aclimatise on the Chile/Bolivia border. Photos brilliant as always. Love Natasha & Giles

Natasha Hi we're currently sat in the airport in Tahiti waiting to catch flight to Easter Island. We had to check out of our hotel at 10am and our flight is not until midnight!!! Love your photos of Vietnam and Laos. Am very jealous as we didn't have time to stop off there. Are you going to Angkor Wat? If so take a big hat and lots of water, I got heat stroke and was ill for 2 days. It's very cool though so allow a few days to explore. Hope you still having fun. I am begining to have to face the reality to looking for a job at home which is somewhat depressing so I won't talk about that anymore. Take care, lots of love Natasha & Giles

Natasha Hi! I presume Bangkok was still very hot and humid when you got there. Was sorry not to co-ordinate our dates so we could meet up that would have been cool. My hair went crazy, how did you fight the frizz? We are now headed in opposite directions as we are going south. Crossed into Malaysia 3 days ago. How was Mark D et al? Love the ostrich riding and your expression. Thought you were joking or that it was some clever metaphor till I saw the photo. That's just mad!!! Lots of love Natasha & Giles

jane Really wonderful photographs Fran, and a great diary. Really liked the men ponderin'. I find they do that a lot. I think Maggie and I are by now a similar colour. lots of love and see you not too soon. Jane and the boys.

maggie Just to touch base to say that I am still following your trip - turning a lovely shade of green at each photo. Very envious of the cuddles with the big cats! x

Francesca Hi All, Finally i have found a computer which will let me upload some pictures. I have added to the following albums: places, unusual sightings, me, random nice pics. Also created a new album with pictures from Chobe national park in which there is a nice picture of an elephant carrying his trunk in his tusks - never seen that before! It's late and i still have another 4 Cds to go through for pictures for the site (NAmibian dunes, Sarn bush people, Etosha and Cape Town) which i shall try do when i next have computer access... so keep checking. Cesca xx

Francesca Hi Miranda, Good to hear from you. I am now in Thailand. Spent a few days in Bangkok before travelling up to Chaing Mai. I am in Chaing Khong at the moment staying on the banks of the Mekong river. Tomorrow I travel to Laos which i am really looking forward to as I have heard from friends that it is a beautiful country with lovely people. You can email me at [email protected] so that I can get your email address and email you directly. Francesca ps how was the wedding and Kruger? x

Miranda Hi Francesca, remember me (Dutch girl travelling with friend, we met in Swaziland). Back in Amsterdam now since 2 weeks and miss backpacking a lot!! Finally got around to look at your site, it looks great!! Planning a simular but shorter adventure myself next year :) yesss got hit by the travelbug again, big time!! Hope you're doing well, was really nice meeting you in our (not so clean) hostel in swaziland! If you ever pass by Amsterdam, let me know. Would be great to have a drink and chat in my country. Curious about all your adventures.... ;) Enjoy! X Miranda

Francesca Hehehehe!!!! Fatima, I agree that your poor hubby would most likely be left at the mountain side for his loitering way behind the group. Had a great rest of trip through Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland. Australia was lovely and the Andrea and Dom's babies are super cute. Predictably, Thailand is hot and smells much the same as it did nine years ago when i was last here. For those of you familiar with Bangkok, you'll know what i mean about its distinctive smell. Anyway, hope to cath up with Gem while i am here and hear all her exciting tales of Nepal. Cesca xx

BERNARD & FATIMA DEAR FRAN WE WERE PLEASED AND ENVIOUS TO SEE YOU ARE HAVING SUCH A GOOD TIME.ENJOY THE NEXT STAGE OF YOUR JOURNEY. AM I GLAD THAT BERNARD IS NOT GOING TO BASE CAMP EVEREST.HE WOULD ANNOY THE GUIDES WITH HIS STONE COLLECTING AND PHOTO TAKING THAT THEY MOST PROBABLY LEAVE HIM ON THE MOUNTAIN SIDE. I HOPE YOU GET A CHANCE TO MEET GEMMA IN BANGKOK

Savio hi baresi, glad tohear you are well we are all fine the weather here is very hot we love youlots and hope to see you soon Love Savio,Mum,Dad,Bellers xxxxxxxxxxx

jane gowland Ohh I got this thing to work at last (or rather gordon did). We have been enjoying your diary and pics. Still not heard from Plymouth but don't care anymore. off to greece in three and a half weeks. considering not coming back!! My son says I am a blatant liar and that I do care. Any way my dear continue to enjoy miss you loads. Jane

Natasha I can't believe they bombed Darhab!!!!

Savio hi Baresi, everyone is well looks like you are enjoying yourself you are looking well we are all missing you and look forward to seeing you again Love Savio,Bellers,Mum,Dad. xxxxxxxxxxx

francesca Hi all, A now journal entry is up on the site bringing up to date from Botswana to Namibia. Thanks Donna for emailing me, i hope you are well and enjoying your new house. Muireann, I think i have managed to change your message so it reads ok. Hope all are well and I shall try to post some pictures when i get to Swakupmund if email there is faster than here. Cesca xx