Eventually made it out of Vang Vieng..having such a great time with Mark and Michael it was easy to lose track of time..they bought me a bandana (which I haven't taken off since) and we bought leather bracelets to remind us of the good times we have had!

After goodbyes and a chorus of "We're the three best friends that anybody ever had" haha (Hangover!) I caught a mini bus to Luang Probang, sat at the front I had plenty of space and the trip passed quite nicely. Made friends with a small group of South Africans and stuck with them when finding a place to stay. We went out for dinner and then had a look round the local night market. It has to be the best place to buy things EVER! I went wild..it was all so good value and was cool and different. I bought 2 pairs of trousers (I guess Aladdin style!) a wicked bag which I was chuffed with and some slippers believe it or not! I mean when am I going to wear slippers! Brilliant..the best market I have been to, could have quite easily bought so much more!

The next morning we set off early to Tad Sea waterfall to do zip wiring and elephant trekking. It was recommended by our hotel so we thought it was worth a shot. The Zip wiring was first and what an experience, I thought it would only be a couple of metres off the ground but after a 20 minute walk up a mountain we were well and truly in the jungle high amoungst the trees! Rob made me laugh as he never let go of the tree (tree hugger) and Wayne was funny as I think he was the biggest guy they ever had on the zip wire..literally moved the tree when he jumped off; Robs reaction to this was so funny hahaha!

After Zip wiring to the bottom of the waterfall we made for the Elephants. Sat on the back in a wooden seat it wasn't what I had hoped for; after a short walk through the jungle along a well travelled path it was soon over. Don't get me wrong I still enjoyed it after feeding the elephants I was happy.

We got changed and had a swim in the waterfall..Wayne went flying as he stepped into the water (so funny as his girlfriend told him to be careful) I couldn't stop laughing..I'm even smiling to myself thinking about it :) It was quite cold even in the sunshine and we were soon heading back to the tuk tuk.. As we were passing through the entrance a man at the front stopped us, he said we were to get back into our swim wear..we were going back in the water to wash the elephants!!!

I was asked to climb the smallest of the three elephants (a 5 year old male) and was the first to make my way to the water at the bottom of the flowing waterfall. Sat behind the head on the shoulders of the elephant I understood why they used the wooden seats..suprisingly difficult to hold on! The elephant literally dove into the water! It was one of the best experiences of my life! It was like I was on a whale, he rose up and then dove underwater leaving just my head above the surface..Two more of my friends (Rob and Alana) soon joined me on their own elephants and it was brilliant to do this together. We were all blown away with it and it wasn't long until we had a crowd above watching us have the best time with these awesome animals..After about 15-20 minutes the other two elephants got out so Wayne and Nat could take their turn..my little 5 year old didn't seem to want to leave, he was having just as much fun as I was! I was actually the first person to get in and the last to leave! Wow! I can't put into words that does this justice..I'd just say AMAZING and the best experience of my life! Reluctantly climbing out of the river I eventually got off, the elephant wrapped his trunk around my waist and legs as I rubbed his head and trunk..It was incredible and I'm so glad I took the advice of the man at my hotel haha!

Arrived back in the town and after a snack we climbed That Phu Si mountain to see the monastary at the very top. There were lovely views of the Mekong Delta and the buzzing market below. Was a very pretty sight especially as the sun started to go down behind the mountains. Making our way down me and Wayne walked a different way and found some cool statues of Budda and his sacred footprint in the mountain; I had taken so many photos today!!

The next day Wayne, Rob and myself rented bikes to explore the town, just riding around doing our own TopGear special it was great fun. Some lunch, taking sneaky pictures of monks (didn't know if we were allowed to or not) it kept us happy all day! We went out for some beers (quite drunk trying to keep up with Wayne!) and then a final dinner together. They were leaving later this evening and I had one more night in Luang Probang before I caught the slow boat to Chiang Mai! They were wicked people and after writing in my journal we said our goodbyes! Hopefully see them in South Africa baby!!

Until next time.