After a 45 minute flight which hardly seemed the effort though much more comfortable than on a bus for hours, we arrived in the Capital city Vientiane. Lots of traffic and a general city feel- was glad we where only staying 2 days!! I spent the afternoon sorting out my visa for Vietnam then meet up with some of the group and sat by the river having a beer and people watching. That evening we all went out for dinner. The next day was a free one so i took myself off and had a bit of a wonder around - pass the city hall, national museum, Honory arch then found a nice little bar that served great western food!!! As there was little to do in the city i treated myself to another message in the afternoon!!

The next day we headed off on a long bus journey to Hin Boun for our homestay. It was a fantastic experience. When we arrived our local guide took us for a walk around the village its amazing to see how these people live and survive. The local kids were great!! They followed us around, possed for photos then nearly fell over laughing when we showed them the picture. We then meet the family we would be staying with and shown to our beds - well space on the floor with a blanket - not that you could complain seems this is how these people sleep everynight. We were taken on a boat trip down the river in a few local boats - the views were stunning. While dinner was being prepared for us we played cards and were entertained by some local kids singing and dancing and trying to teach them how to play thumbs war - which is difficult when they dont speak English and you don't speak Laos!! After a very delicious meal and a few more rounds of cards it was time for bed. It was an early start the next day. After breakfast it was back on the bus for the long drive into Vietnam.