Zo, did you know that Uncle Rich has been to Dali? He arrived there just after news of your birth and bought you a little Chinese outfit that fitted you for a week (Chinese babies must be miniscule). Who would have thought that you would be roaming there 19 years later? Sarah, I can testify that you did not faint after giving blood. That statement was slanderous. Anyone who can eat multiple packets of biscuits and crisps immediately after donating cannot be feeling faint. Simon is particularly fond of self-raising flour. xxxx

HellO0o Girls, Hope all is well slumming it in Laos. I'm guessing the wright brothers plane didnt fall apart on the way. I gave blood the other day. I didn't faint, unlike Sarah! Although i can't say it was a brilliant experience, due to the fact i had a Brewery tour later in the afternoon to go to and returned from that completely smashed! Oh and Lao's "motto" is "Peace, Independence, Democracy, Unity and Prosperity"....Apparently

Hey guys I randomly saw mr bicknell the other day- what a legend- I informed him of your adventures and he wishes you well. China sounds so rad, i wish i was there to, i just wanna meet some kung fu master- that would be cool lol. see you soon love shev xxx

Your brother stitched me up Zoe and as I can't delete his post and even worse can't ignore it I have no option but to confess, I like Flour! especially when you make Pancakes from it, Wow! all that Sugar, Lemon, Maple Syrup.....I want one now, don't you????? Too bad girls, you're gonna miss Pancake day too! X

Hi Girls, I can`t help thinking about you every time I encounter clean, private western facilities! Next stop Lao, I wonder what delights await you there? Youre kinda on the homeward stretch, Im telling everyone youre home this month, can you bear the thought? See you soon, Love Mum

Wow you're in China, i am jelous. Always wanted to go to China since i did a project on Pandas in year 2, bless. The toilets sound gross- bet there were some nasty arse sightings. Not a lot to report, really. I am passing my course..just! I have never been so pleased to scrape 40% in my life, but its all about the rowing nowadays... although i am slightly miffed my birthday falls in 'alcohol ban' period before the big BUSA competition on the 26th Feb. At least it won't be a repeat of last years birthday! When are you back? You need to visit! ciao xx

I like eating flour.

Hey Girlie's, Hope all is well with you both and your still eating outlandish and queer food, without any corollary! I'm coming to meet you at the airport as I've booked the day off work. I better get making my welcome sign.... zài jiàn (Goodbye!) Ad xxx

Fancy making two Dalis just to confuse you! I had the same experience on Saturday when we went chasing the Carling starlings near Slimbridge (never got to see them, by the way!) In this case there were two villages with the same name (something beginning with "P" that I've forgotten) about a mile away from each other, either side of the River Severn. Perhaps they used to be one, but the River split them up - anyone know the answer? Actually, isn't my daughter a Geologist? So, China is exciting! The toilets sound horrendous - worse than India, by the sound of it. Just think how you will appreciate the luxuries of Western life when you return. Safe flight, and hassle-free crossing into Laos - I will find out about the Dong today. Lots of love, Mum xxx

Ha Ha! Just read this bit on a travel site, looks like they have you sussed! :-) For destinations such as Kunming or Dali, it's much more convenient to take the plane, as bus trips are interminably long and smoke-filled, and you may find yourself caught in floods, mudslides, or bus breakdowns. Still, for the intrepid (or the foolish), there's the bus station (Qiche Keyun Zhan) X

Wow! I'm Sooo Impressed....You used "The" Compass :-) Intrigued about the Cat Dog, prove it! any photo's? Me thinks we'd all better watch out when you get back after lessons from that Kung Fu Master. Lijiang looks very nice from my "googling", I think you'll need those hat's though... Thanks for the update XXX

hiyah girlies, China is soooo big, make sure you don't get lost. We went ethnic last weekend and held a Cambodian cultural event; nearly everyone wore the national costume of pyjamas and flip flops and we ate with chopsticks, so ate for a v. long time and never got full up. Can't wait to trial the hammock and cook from the volcano pot this summer (summer?). Adam is gearing up for Glastonbury and wants to know if you need him to get you tickets. xxxxxxxxxx