Today was a really long day, full of travelling. We arrived at the China - Las border and got through much quicker than we expected as we all still needed to get our Visas. The journey was made much quicker by the stunning scenery that was all around us from the point that we left our last hotel to the point that we arrived at our new one in Luang Nam Tam.

Even though this is the first place that I've seen in Laos I fell in love with this country straight away. The only thing that I didn't enjoy was our mammounth cyle ride to the local waterfall. The road was ridiculously stoney and bumpy and as I had trouble reaching the floor to help me balance I didn't find the experience that enjoyable. The waterfall at the end was really pretty though. And because I was struggling at the last point I was rescued by Pia and Scott who drove up on the motorbike that Scott had rented out and Pia kindly rode the last bit for me. Very spoilt.

I did enjoy the return journey more than the way there as it was more down hill but I still walked for parts of it. I'm really glad that I managed that bit on my own even though the original plan was for Pia bless to go back as fast as she can, Scott drop off Laurie and then to bring Pia bak to do the same as before. Luckily I started to make my own way so that Pia didn't have to cycle too much but the motorbike died and Scott and Laurie were the ones that ended up having to be rescued after walking the bike quite far.

After this I treated myself to a cocktail, sandwich and chocolate pancake : ) I had double reason to celebrate here as I now had money of my own : ) we found a Western Union! I can't describe the feeling of having your own money and not feeling like a begger any more was! It definately made my day, and yes I have a photograph of me outside it just because it saved my bacon. Thank you Mum and Dad!

The next day we departed in the morning for Luang Prabang where we got to spend three whole nights!!!