hi again, still haven't sorted out photo loading, so another not correct photo. Am back in sp pa after the trek, which was wonderful, but not long enough. highlights included the scenery, the walking, the village houses we stayed in, the guides, the food, the people, the rice wine (which is a very, very dangerous thing), the weather, it's really warm here! Lowlights, (though some people might be happy to hear this) my beloved camera has broken, so I am trying to come to grips with the new digital one quicker than I had planned, really bashing my toe (am expecting to lose the nail) and waking up to the sounds of the ritual slaughter of a pig, made worse by the fact that it was at 4.00 in the morning!! We are heading off to another smallish village tomorrow, then back to hanoi where I should be able to fit in another update. Am having a really fabulous time, and not missing work at all.