Thursday was my debut as Snow princess in a very tight and short Santa outfit! First performance was at the school of dreams and when the kids were asked who I was they all shouted Co Laura, obviously wasn't fooling anyone! We did our best to foloow the kids dancing and not fall over but we did run out of presents occasionally which was awful. Also they kept making us pick the teacher's kids and give them presents which I didn't agree with. I suppose the company thought they balanced it out by giving the poor kids socks. I couldn't work out if they actually introduced them as the poor kids! The following day I got a phone call in the morning to cover another performance. It was at one of my schools that never does anything by half, they had Santa popping out of a box and me doing a solo dance performance while the kids wore full make-up, sequinned tutus or suits. I did my best Brucie assisstant bit showing pictures and handing out presents before wwehung around for 100 photos again.

Mai Chau

It was an early start for our weekend trip and the taxi managed to get lost on the way to Cuong's garage. It wasn't the warmest day but the sun was beginning to come out. The jeep had an open top and sides and once we were on the main roads the wind was freezing on your face. I now look like I've sunburned! When we stopped in the sun weather was actually quite warm and thankfully we had no rain. The roads into the mountains had spectacular views. It wasn't a ride for those scared of heights as at times we were close to the edges and some near misses going around corners. We had some emergency breaking for cows, dogs, ducks and pikes of grit. We did hit a few potholes and once Rachael flew above her seat - I actually nearly wet myself. Our driver was very good though and it was a thrill rather than a fright, felt like being on a rollercoaster at times. I don't think any of the boys made it the whole way without coming off the bikes but there were no major injuries. QOTH came from Rachael who made the observation 'they definitely look more Vietnamese here' before following it up with 'I'm always careful when I say things like this because I sound unintentionally racist'. I felt like something out of phonejacker in the jeep with my padded jacket, hat, scaf around my face and sunglasses on.

The homestay was lovely but open windows so we pushed 4 matresses together to make our 'Princess tent' all under one big mosquito net. It felt like a big sleepover. After dinner we crashed a bonfire being held by loads of high school and university students. Still we had a dance to One direction (again) until we were told the music was going off and we weren't allowed to dance anymore. Not sure they appreciated our company or our dancing. No bonfire by our homestay but we were treated to some traditional dances. We started to talking to some older guys including an Aussie who insisted he was 36 (he looked more like 50) and swore at us constantly while asking for party drugs. Later on he passed out on the floor. The other guy was from Enfield but had lived here for 12 years - small world!

The next morning I was woken up by roosters (they're bloody everywhere!) And went downstairs to find bacon rolls, omelettes, tea and coffee - heavenly. We got back into the jeeps and stopped for a picnic lunch in the hills, by this time the sun was beaming. It was like something from The Sound of Music which set Anna and Monika off singing. We arrived home around 7 feeling dirty, shattered but wanting to do it again. It was well worth the money and I'm glad the girls talked me into it. Makes the thought of going back to work very hard though!