Hi Dave& Sarah! Thanks for the message. It is good to know that people are reading the blog! Very jealous about South Africa, you'll have to fill us in when we get back. Hope we can catch up in the New Year, Jess and Tom xx

Hey Jess, Tom looks like you are having a fab time - giving sarah and I very itchy feet so much so we're booking a trip to South Africa in March. Enjoy the rest of your travels, and keep the posts and photos coming!

Thanks Mark! We survived Vang Vien, but only because all the bars along the river where tubing/rope swings are have been closed down! They can't re-open until safety concerns are addressed....

I'm enjoying your travel blog - glad you love Laos. Seen many food photos - you are going to absolutely love the food in Vietnam. But don't expect to go bird-watching there - all birds have been eaten. In fact our guide said there are only two things the Vietnamese don't eat: mozzies and butterflies (no meat on them). I did see him devour a bowl of insects though. Take care, have fun.

Good to talk to you today. The photos go on getting better and better - and the blog. Please book Wed 6th Feb in your diaries - we'll arrive on Tue late afternoon and leave first thing on Fri and happily entertain ourselves for most of the time if necessary

We're only 7 hrs ahead now, but Internet intermittent. We'll try tomorrow (Saturday) hard to give exact time though.

We're loving the photos!!!!

Please suggest time for facetime call (with diaries ....)

Lots of love

We are going to Vang Vieng, but I will make sure we avoid rope swings

Hoho Mark! But seriously any plans to come to London soon?

I like your itinerary - only thing I'd suggest about Vietnam is give Hue a miss, go straight to Hoi An - and try to find time for the Mekong Delta. Ha Long Bay is spectacular. Try and get to an island called Cat Ba - save the langurs. Oh - and don't get caught up in that party town Vang Vieng - you may die. Cheers xxx

I've been to Lewisham many times - didn't particularly like it for a holiday destination. Why not try something further afield...oh you haven't left yet - my apologies.