Blog 26

First off.... The exciting Skype date from home happened on the second night when I called Tim and Nikki at midnight! The great news is THEY ARE ENGAGED!!! We had been waiting for this exciting news for the past week, knowing that they had just come down to Clanaborough, our beautiful family cottage in Devon! Many excited and happy tears followed this lovely news! And even more after Nikki asked me to be her bridesmaid! Congratulations from us both again! (Tim is my older brother in case you missed that one)

Great introduction to beautiful Laos! Made a few friends over the past few days on the boat so it's been good to explore peaceful Luang Prabang with them. (Now in our company are 2 Brummy's, 1 Mancunian, 3 Canadians, 1 French girl and Rob and Naiomi still, oh ye and Doris, from China!)

The first night was a drunken filled one for most, but I'm having a t-total week at the moment. Feel like my liver would appreciate a break! So by the time I left Luang Prabang I am now on day 5. A sampling of beer Laos didn't count!

First day there, Naiomi and I got our feet seen to while the boys got Laos massages. 2 days later and my feet are still feeling smooth. Bryn's remark on the massage was he could go for a hard Thai massage any day to get rid of a few knots! That evening we went to the top of the hill in central Luang Prabang to watch sunset over the river Mekong from the temple up there. Ooo I do love a good sunset! Weird to think the same sun has only been risen for a few hours in England.

I think this town had my favourite market so far! It was a handicraft market, and had some gorgeous things! We've kind of been collecting a few things for our 'one day' house for when we return so this market added an extra cushion cover and a few paintings to the collection, ready to be posted back to England when we've collected enough for a box load

The following day was a brilliant trip to some impressive waterfalls. The dip was pretty refreshing! :-) that evening we had dinner, and I started feeling a bit off, with crippling stomach cramps, a rash on my shoulder and neck, dizziness and almost passing out so I was escorted home by my caring other half, tucked up in bed with a film on the tablet and a bottle of water, before he headed out for what sounds like a funny evening bowling and shotgunning drinks! Woke up this morning feeling fine again, in fact probably the best out of all of us, considering they are now all hungover!

Currently now on a minibus to Vang Vieng. Slight drama on the mini bus when Rob realised 20 mins in he had left his day bag with all his valuables in it at the hostel, back in Luang Prabang. After some harsh negotiating, he said he'd head back for a fee of $40! Which is about 2 weeks wages out here! Frustrating for him, but pleased to have his bag back! The driver was a very happy man as he rolled down his window to chat to all the ladies on the way back! Even more frustrating, but nice to see him so happy over just a bit of money!

Love Jo x x x