Hello again,

Here in the capital now. Vientiene is a very small capital city but still by far the biggest city we have visited in Laos. We spent the first day here sight seeing and trying to hold my desire back to buy an amazing ski jacket for 15 quid (I'm holding out until Hoi An now). We visited the 'Arc de Triumphe of the East' today which was built with American money set aside for a new airport runway in Laos so it's gained the nickname "the vertical runway!" It is a bit shabby and a plaque on the side calls it a 'Monster of Concrete' (not selling itself or the entry fee very well!!) but it still has a good view and even a 'Champs Elysees of the East' in my opinion anyway.

The next day we hunted out a tiny temple in the sticks for their highly recommended sauna and massage. It was the best massage we have had (and we have had many!!) in all of Asia. The herbal sauna was so hot, heated by a fire and oil drum piped into a bamboo hut, what luxury!

We also visited the National Monument (a symbol of Buddhism and Laos nationalism) which is the stupa in the picture. Legend has it that the Buddha's breast bone is buried deep within.

We travel to Pakse in the morning (down south) on a night bus before heading on to 4,000 Islands. Apparently the night bus has beds instead of seats and is very comfortable - I just hope they are built for foreigners too, I dont fancy a 5-foot bed!

Bye for now will update from the islands!