I am now in busy Luang Prabang having been cut off from the world for a few blissful days. I left Luang Namtha on an old local bus that had a rather cranky sounding gearbox but it was still lovely to sit back and observe the scenery. So many winding mountain roads with everyday village life carrying on by the roadside, it was quite relaxing between the grinding noises. Also on the bus were 2 of the Swiss girls I met on the trek although I left them to carry on...

I am now in Luang Nam Tha Northern Laos. The overnight bus was interesting - we were supposed to be arriving at the Thai border sometime between 3 and 4 in the morning but the driver seemed to be in some kind of urgency and we got there before 1! We tore along the road and at times it felt as though we were speeding over several cattle grids in a row, Then at one point he screeched to a halt, got out of the bus and inspected the wheels. Most of the passengers ...