Luang Prabang

Deep inside mega chill mode, after frying my brain in Vang Vieng, I am living it up in Luang Prabang. Some might think that an 11:30 curfew is good to reduce Beer Lao consumption, I did initially too. Then along comes Vietnam Bar, which runs illegally until the wee hours of the morning.

Its rather humorous, the tuk tuk drivers ask 'where you wana go?'. Upon the response of Vietnam Bar they quip 'oohh why you wana go there it illegal.... wana buy maruwana or opium?'.

The past three days I have been to waterfalls (the big one and the small one, can't pronounce the names), drunk a lot of the much romanticised Beer Lao (sorry but not as good as everyone claims) and today I rode an elephant then went to the small waterfall for a swim and lunch and then a 18km kayak back into town.

I am very sore, but only because of the Lao massage I got to remedy my soreness. I'm pretty sure the little khmu girl doesn't know a lot about Newtons, or me for that matter, but the force she was creating defied natural physics. If I weren't in so much pain I would have been able to appreciate it more.

I need to start winding up my trip, and begin the journey back home. It has only been almost 23 months since I left Australia. Has anything changed? Surely Howard still isn't there or alive.

Lao(s)

It seems the people of Bangkok were so disappointed with my moving on to Laos that disorder has swept the country and the military are looking for me. I arrived in Laos after an easier than expected journey, thankfully punctuated by sleep. Vientiane was a one day city and that is all it received from me. At the moment I am in Vang Vieng. The dens are cool, with all the special shakes one could ask for. I am not surprised people lose track of time here. I am going to have to get active and do some caving and tubing, and a greater consumption of Beer Lao.

Koh Phi Phi

snorkeling on Koh Phi Phi and seeing 'The Beach' was a great experience. The tour guides cooked us 'fide ri' (fried rice) and we watched the sun set over the Andaman Sea on the boat. It was hard after spending the day before in a hammock by the beach reading and drinking mango shakes. Just taking one for the team.

Islands are addictive

Its hard to leave an island when there is a 16 hour journey ahead. I have been in Koh Phi Phi since.... i really dont know, maybe 2 nights. Had the Half moon party last night, a lot of fun and I stayed away from Thai Whiskey. Feeling better for it.

Me on Koh Tao

Sunset Koh Tao

If i want a phucking Tuk Tuk i'll ask

On Koh Tao staying at Simple Life, nothing could be more true. Stark contrast from Bangkok. Heading to Phi Phi. Bring it on. Thai buckets strike again.