Hello!

We just arrived in Luang Prabang a few hours ago after a lovely slow boat trip down the mighty Mekong river. Although the journey took 2 nights and 2 days it wasnt half bad, however, we definitely encountered our fair share of bad luck along the way...

All stared out pretty well, managed to get some sleep on the minibus to the border, and made a few friends. The next day on the slow boat was good too; luckily we got there early and grabbed a good spot with our buddies before it got too crowded. However, even with the special "bum cushions" we had been encouraged to get, the tiny wooden benches were still very unforgiving! Despite this, we enjoyed a beautiful boat ride through jungle clad hills with the odd tiny village. Then we got to Pak Beng.

We got off the boat and there were loads of people trying to get us to go to their guest house. We found one that looked pretty good so went with that, and the guy asked Rich if he wanted this kid to carry his bag, to which he replied 'yes', thinking 'oh yeah, I dont have to carry my suitcase!' as he is extremely lazy. The kid carried it about 30m down to a minivan, which took us to the guest house, and the kid then carried it about another 30m to our room. Rich thought 'I guess I'd better tip him' and went to give him 50 Baht, to which the kid replied 'no 200 Baht', which was the cost of our room for the night! Rich protested until the kid got back up, so he eventually aquiest. We then read the lonely planet 'dangers and annoyances' section to see that this is a local scam used all the time. Whoops!

We then went out for a meal with our new friends and, as in most restaurants in Laos, had to leave our shoes outside. I was wearing my favorite black havaianas which I'd bought in Rio, and amazingly, they had disappeared when we left the restaurant. I was so upset! I loved those havaianas! I had to walk back to our room in bare feet! Why would someone steal used shoes!!! From now on I'm taking my shoes with me everywhere! So Pak Beng wasn't the best introduction to Laos, but we've found a great guest house in Luang Prabang and so far it seems like an incredible place. I think its the second largest city in Laos and its so small! Like a big village full of trees and monks!

Don't know how long we'll be spending here, we're hoping the weather stays good.

Hope you're having fun in jolly old england, at least you don't have to worry about used shoe thieves!!!

Bye for now!

P.S. Sorry for the lack of communication mum, but our phones don't work in Laos :( You'll just have to use the internet more! Love u lots x x x x x