Hi, just arrrived here at the capitol yesteray where there are these crazy things called supermarkets, convenience stores and other stuff not associated with the rural North. Came from Vang Vieng which is basically backpacker central with the main activity being tubing. You sit in an inner tube floating down the MeeKong River stopping at bars on the way to drink Beer Lao and throw yourself off scary high swings into the River below - although owners only let you if you've bought a drink - prefrably beer so you're nice and drunk. Safety isn't really number one priority around here. Or even registered in top 50. Before that, I was in Luang Prabang which was gorgeous and had an interesting experience hitch hiking down. Moral of the story is not to get a lift off guys wearing pink trouser. But hey, I thought a lift is a lift and who cares if it is on the back of a scooter going up the side of a mountain. Anyway, while going 40 kmph his/her left hand leaves the grip and well yeah........ Anyway, I spot this early before heshe can get a grip as it were and say 'no no no'. But 'yes yes yes' heshe replies'. Hmmmmmmm. I'm now sitting very far back on this scooter and after one more failed attempt by my cross dressing friend, am dropped off somewhere located in the middle of nowhere. But not to worry, a fuel truck soon comes along and gives me a massive ride all the way to Van Vieng. Including whiskey when all the trukkies got together to watch a fellow comrade repairing a tyre and weren't interested in leaving until this bottle was empty. So I naturally decied to give them a helping hand. Wow, the worst ride of my life followed by one of the best. You gotta give a little to get a little as they say. So, soon off to the very South and then into Cambodia. Chris p.s. the photo once again isn't one typical of Lao. Japan I believe.