I wake up and the local whiskey was a bad idea. I sit down stairs talking to the girls from the hostel. Coffee going down like medicine. I chat with a Brazilian girl who is thinking of coming to Nong Khiaw with me tomorrow. She has been travelling for 2 and a half years. I spend a few hours playing pool, play with the camp local and his friends. I say my farewalls then go to Utopia for a final visit. I meet a nice mix of Germans, Swiss, Americans and talk t...

On my routine, I wander to the Aussie bar for something to eat, avoiding the rain. It's slowly but surely starting to rain a little more each day. A lazy day chatting to backpackers at the hostel followed by some street food in town. The stalls near the market providing freshly cooked meats on sticks. David is heading out and I decide not to join him, otherwise I will be stuck here forever. He offered me a job, which is tempting but I need to keep scratching...

I've got into a rhythm at the moment. Thoughts are with heading on and baking sun doesn't really have me itching to do much. I go to one of the many French style restaurants along the main street past the market and catch up on some notes. I reflect on the trip so far and the thought that the next place I go to will be on my own. Travelling with someone gives you an instant buddy in a new place, but I consider that being on my own will force me to make more of...

I wander into town and grab a pizza from the Aussie bar. A little overpriced but I enjoy the mist spray from the roof and as it sits on the crossroads, its an excellent location to watch the town. Killing time before I go get my visa anyway. Arriving at the Embassy I approach the window with the form and after a few smiles backwards and forwards with the attendant, it's stamped and my visa is ready. I allow a few days to travel further north and get to the bor...

I enjoy another relaxing day. I wander into town for some noodle soup and take a wander round town. I sit at the Aussie bar and speak with a girl who has just got into town. She has unfortunately arrived when the rain is starting to pick up. I spend the afternoon updating my footnotes. A time consuming affair. The evening is quiet and I use this to grab some sleep after last night's partying.