We flew into Laos instead of taking the popular two day slow boat trip down the Mekong because the mighty Mekong had low levels and we didn't want to take three extra days (one by bus across part of Thailand) to travel into Laos. Laos is an intriguing country because it is one of the least developed countries, and is one of the few communist countries in the world. Laos was also bombed more than Vietnam during the Vietnam War, and still has many unexploded bomb...

After leaving Phuket we flew to Chiang Mai in the far north of Thailand. Being surrounded by mountains, Chiang Mai was a huge contrast to the island atmosphere of Phuket. The old town of Chiang Mai is surrounded by a 700 year old square canal and still has remnants of the walls that used to protect the city from invading Thai tribes. The heat was still very intense but had a really dry climate, instead of the humidity of the south. Probably the strangest thing ...

Life in Phuket… Teaching: Bianca was placed in a private Catholic elementary school of about 3500 students teaching 3rd and 4th grade ESL. She also taught a couple hours of first and seventh grade English as well. Although her school was run by nuns and students recited Hail Mary every morning, respect was still given to Buddhist and Muslim traditions (including holidays!). Joey was placed in a government high school of about 3500 students teaching 15-18 y...

Life in Phuket… Teaching: Bianca was placed in a private Catholic elementary school of about 3500 students teaching 3rd and 4th grade ESL. She also taught a couple hours of first and seventh grade English as well. Although her school was run by nuns and students recited Hail Mary every morning, respect was still given to Buddhist and Muslim traditions (including holidays!). Joey was placed in a government high school of about 3500 students teaching 15-18 y...

So we have affectionately decided to call India, well mostly Delhi, the s*** show - sorry to all the young readers out there. It's fair to say that we hated India as much as we liked it, but we should also note that it was a short trip and primarily spent in Delhi. Bianca actually went to India a few days before I did - because of work - and met her college friend, Katie, in Hyderabad. From Bianca's account, Hyderabad was a bit different than Delhi. Hyderabad ...