Time to leave Laos. Although its only been a few short days here I felt I got a get a decent sneak peak into to the gorgeous, undeveloped country that is Laos.

The last night in laos we ate Indian for one last time (tear).. Then early to bed listening to the rain outside our treehouse. What a beautiful to fall asleep. Packed And barely awake, Becks and I Trudged down the muddy path to the bus stop the next morning... Finally the day had arrived to go to CHINA! The bus was Empty.. So we lounged in the seats watching the laos scenery pass. In a short 1.5hrs we had arrived at the border. The dramatic transition from non-developed country to developed country was prominent! Shabby huts and poor tribes people sitting on the road (laos side), side by side to a ginormous gold structure and modern builder (china side)! This land border crossing is a different world! It's so cool seeing the transition between countries.. According to becks (the master of land border crossings) this was a very dramatic change! Kinda cool huh!?

Stamps were stamped and visa were checked and accepted. Smooth sailing, soon we were back on the same bus headed north jinghong. From the window china was incredible.. Steep mountain ranges towering above us. In Laos the roads would meander with the river but not here in china. Huge bridge stuctures, highways and tunnels claim their route through the landscape! Sounds horrible but it was pretty special. The mekong far below you, mountAins high above.. Really pretty!

We took a lung break/ toilet stop in mengla. Our first taste of china: holy crap its a developed country!!!
Definately wasn't expecting median strips, landscaped roads and sidewalks, solid buildings and traffic lights. Maybe I have been in living in south east Asia too long!

We thought be best not push our beginners luck and order food.. So we opted for a bakery feast instead. Ok. So now it's time to explain the toilets. We have heard from everyone that Chinese toilets were the foulest of foul.. So we were pretty damn hesitant to go. But we did. Down the alley we go. Walls hip high to separate cubicles.. Drop style slits in the cement floor. As least you didn't touch anything! We forgot the tiger balm for the nose so becks shoved tissue up her noise to block the smell. Jumping out from the cubicle as I tried to take a photo of her doing her business.. She snorted out the tissue and I just rolled around in laughter.. Haha! Anyways not as bad as you think.

On to jinghong we go. Wandering the streets with our backpacks trying to find the hostel we intended to stay was a highlight.. Followed by the taxi dude ripping us off for a 2 minute journey to a different hostel.

Many trees international youth hostel has awesome Rooms, hot water, aircon the most comfortable bed I have slept in in ages!

Quite a big town jinghong turned out to be. China is throwing some curveballs. Much different than I had expected. Much better for than matter!

With bus tickets booked and a day to wonder the town. It was time to embark on the mammoth journey to jianshui - between 10 and 18hours. Hmmm

Thinking of you gran and pa. All my wishes and hugs!

Xx