22.12.07.
9.30AM...AWAKE.
10.00AM...COFFEE.
10.20AM...CORNFLAKES/MILK...COFFEE.
11.00AM...SHOWER.
12.10PM...PICKED UP TICKETS FOR KO SAMUI...GO 26TH DEC TO CHIANG MIA...27TH GO SAMUI.
1.00PM...BLUE LAGOON SWIMMING POOL...NU NEEDS HER SWIM...I HAD A GAME OF POOL WITH OWNER WHO SHOWED ME PHOTO'S OF HIM WITH THE LIKES OF JIMMY WHITE/RAY REARDON WHEN HE WAS A SEMI PROFFESSIONAL SNOOKER PLAYER...I BEAT HIM QUITE EASILY...HE DIDN'T WANNA PLAY ANYMORE..."ITS ONLY A GAME" I SCREAM INSIDE!
3.30PM...MEXICAN RESTAURANT...PASSABLE...BUT THAI'S DON'T DO GOOD FOOD...SO ATTEMPTING MEXICAN WAS PITIFUL!
5.00PM...BACK AT HUT...FELL ASLEEP...THINK THE HEAT /BEER IS A SLEEPY COMBINATION...REALLY!
9.00PM...PORK STIR FRY.
10.00PM...WAITING FOR FOOTIE RESULTS.
23.12.07.
9.10AM...AWAKE...MY BOWELS FEELING FRAGILE...THAI FOOD NOT AGREEING WITH ME...I HAVE TO SAY THAI FOOD IS RUBBISH...I'M NOT TO SMITTEN WITH THAILAND...FULLSTOP...ITS NOT A COUNTRY I AM ENJOYING...I FEEL A BIT DOWN...SO IS NU...WE BOTH WISH WE WERE BACK IN ENGLAND FOR XMAS...SOME FUNNY THOUGHTS RUNNING THRU MY HEAD...NORMAL?...WE HAVE BOOKED OUR PASSAGE TO KO SAMUI...A THAI ISLAND IN THE SOUTH...I WONDERING IF WE SHOULD CANCEL AND TRY AND GET BACK TO ENGLAND...NU MISSING HER CHILDREN.
9.40AM...SHOWER.
10.10AM...CORNFLAKES/MILK...TEA...SLIGHTLY CHILLIER THIS MORNING.
11.05AM...SUN COMING THRU.
2.00PM...MUSHROOM SOUP/TUNA SALAD BAGUETTE...WATER.
3.00PM...BACK AT HUT...SUN BLAZING...READING...I DON'T KNOW WHETHER I'M ENDURING MY BOOK AS OPPOSED TO ENJOYING IT.
5.30PM...FEEL HUNGRY...ALTHOUGH IT DOESN'T SEEM THAT LONG AGO SINCE I LAST ATE.
6.15PM...RESTAURANT...SWEET AND SOUR PORK.
6.35PM...THINK THEY FORGOT THE PORK AND IT DOESN'T TASTE SWEET AND SOUR!
8.00PM...BACK AT HUT...TELE ON...LOADSA STUFF ABOUT THAI ELECTIONS.
24.12.07.
9.30AM...FEELING LOW...NOT ENJOYING PIA...MAYBE BECAUSE ITS XMAS?...AND I DON'T FEEL CHRISTMASSY.
10.00AM...SHOWER.
10.20AM...CORNFLAKES/MILK...TEA.
11.00AM...ITS COOLER TODAY...THE SUNS OUT,BUT IT DOESN'T SEEM TO HIT ME...READING UP ON KO SAMUI...GO 26TH...ALSO READING ABOUT AUSTRALIA...WHEN WE EVENTUALLY GET THERE...DON'T THINK WEATHER GONNA BE IN OUR FAVOUR.
1.00PM...FOOD TIME.
1.15PM...RESTAURANT.
1.30PM...STEAK/SALAD/CHIPS...NU HAD A THAI DISH...HADDA A TASTE...NOT BAD.
2.25PM...READING...THE SUN AS ACTUALLY FOUND ME...AT LAST.
5.00PM...SLEEPING.
7.00PM...SHOWER.
8.00PM...GONNA GO TO A CHRISTMAS EVE PARTY...NOT SURE IF I WANNA GO.
8.30PM...WENT INTO RESTAURANT...THEY SAID WE HAD TO MOVE BECAUSE THE TABLE WAS RESERVED...DIDN'T LIKE THAT...SO WE LEFT.
9.15PM...ANOTHER RESTAURANT...WE ORDERED...BUT WHEN IT CAME WE DIDN'T FEEL HUNGRY...PAID BILL AND LEFT.
10.00PM...BACK AT HUT...NOT IN PARTY MOOD.
25.12.07.
9.00AM...WOKE...GOT PROBLEMS WITH THE OLD BOWELS...CAN'T GO!
9.30AM...CUPPA TEA.
10.15AM...ITS XMAS DAY AND I FEEL ROTTEN.
11.00AM...TEXTING...TEXTING...TEXTING!
12.15PM...CAFE...2 FRIED EGGS ON TOAST...SAUSAGE NOT BAD...COFFEE...WONDERFUL...ALSO IT SECONDS AS A BOOK EXCHANGE OUTLET...FOUND AN AUSTRALIAN/NEW ZEALAND LONELY PLANET GUIDE.
1.20PM...BACK I GO TO HUT FOR BOOK TO SWOP.
3.30PM...MAKE PHONE CALL TO MOTHER IN ENGLAND.
3.45PM...MAKE PHONE CALL TO PAULINE IN ENGLAND.
4.00PM...MAKE PHONE CALL TO WILLIAM IN ENGLAND WITHOUT SUCCESS.
4.10PM...BEER...BUY 3 GET 1 FREE!...STILL CAN'T GO TO THE LOO.
5.30PM...FRENCH ONION SOUP...HORRIBLE.
6.30PM...FINALLY GET THRU TO WILLIAM...I THINK ITS HIS PHONE IN ENGLAND THAT WAS PLAYING UP.
7.00PM...BACK AT DOOR OF HUT...NU LOST KEY!
7.20PM...BOUK...OWNER OF PLACE GIVES ME A GLASS FULL OF KEYS AND EXPLAINS THAT ONE OF THEM WILL FIT
7.30PM...THE KEY TURNS...AT LAST...NEED THE LOO!
7.50PM...PACKING...EARLY START TOMORROW.
8.25PM...FINISHING OF VODDY...CAN'T SAY I'VE ENJOYED PIA...CAN'T SAY I'VE ENJOYED XMAS DAY.
26.12.07.
8.00AM...ALARM.
8.20PM...SHOWER.
8.40PM...CUPPA TEA.
9.15AM...BIT EARLY FOR MINIBUS...NOT HERE TILL 10.00PM...BUT WE DECIDE TO GO AND WAIT AND PEOPLE WATCH AT TERMINAL.
10.10AM...MINIBUS ARRIVE.
12.05PM...1ST STOP...15 MINUTE LEG STRETCH...NEITHER NU OR I FEEL THAT GOOD.
1.15PM...JUST ARRIVING ON OUTSKIRTS OF CHIANG MIA...THE MINIBUS WE ARE TRAVELLING IN KNOCKS A WOMAN OFF HER MOPED...THE DRVER JUST CARRIES ON...NOT STOPPING!
1.35PM...DROPPED OFF IN GUEST HOUSE LAND.
2.10PM...BOOKED IN...NOT THE BEST...4 QUID A NIGHT FOR BOTH.
2.50PM...CUPPA TEA/PORK RICE DISH.
4.10PM...INTERNET CAFE...CHECKING ON HOTELS FOR KO SAMUI.
4.50PM...BOOKSHOP...MARKET...BAKERY.
5.30PM...BEER.
6.10PM...BACK AT GUESTHOUSE.
7.15PM...IRISH PUB...SIRLION STEAK/CHIPS...TO HELL WITH THE PRICE...NU HAD STEAK AND GUINESS PIE...TO HELL WITH THE PRICE...WE ARE ENJOYING IT...THATS THE MAIN THING...NEITHER OF US FELT THAT GOOD ON XMAS DAY...WE WERE ONLY PAYING A FIVER A NIGHT...BUDGETTED 30 QUID A NIGHT FOR KO SAMUI...GONNA TREAT OURSELVES.
8.10PM...MOVED TO ANOTHER BAR...CHELSEA/VILLA MATCH...WHAT A GAME...4 ALL!...VILLA WERE OUTPLAYED FOR THE BEST PART OF 90 MINUTES...BUT FOOTBALL IS A STRANGE OLD GAME...I WAS THE ONLY VILLA FAN IN THE PLACE...THERE WAS QUITE A FEW SUPPORTING CHELSEA...EVERYTIME THE VILLA SCORED I GOT UP AND DANCED...NU GOT STRESSED...THOUGHT I MIGHT GET INTO A PUNCH UP.
10.00PM...GAME OVER...WENT AND SHOOK THE CHELSEA FANS HANDS...WISH THEM ALL THE BEST.
10.20PM...IN BED...THINK WE CAN HEAR A MOUSE/RAT INSIDE SKIRTING BOARD!
27.12.07.
6.00AM...ALARM.
6.15AM...SHOWER.
6.30AM...DRESSED.
6.50AM...RUCKSACK PACKED.
7.00AM...HAILING TAXI.
7.25AM...AIRPORT.
7.50AM...CHECK IN...VERY SMOOTH.
8.10AM...COFFEE.
8.30AM...BOARDING.
8.40AM...FLYING...BYE BYE CHIANG MIA.
9.05AM...COFFEE SERVED...SMALL BAG OF NUTS?
9.40AM...LANDED WITH A BUMP...HELLO BANGKOK.
10.20AM...TUNA/TOMATO BAGUETTE...BEER...NEXT FLIGHT NOT TILL 1.40PM...START CHECK IN AT NOON...SAT ON BENCH JUST OUTSIDE MAIN AIRPORT ENTRANCE DOORS...ITS LIKE BEING IN A SAUNA!
11.50AM...START QUEUEING...THE PLACE IS LOOKING LIKE HEATHROW...3,MAYBE 4 QUEUE'S ABOUT A 100 YARDS LONG...PEOPLE PUSHING/SHOVING.
12.25PM...BEEN THRU SECURITY CHECK...GOT BOARDING PASSES...NU ALREADY LOOKS DRAINED.
12.50PM...THRU ANOTHER SECURITY CHECK...SITTING IN DEPARTURE AREA...NO RESTAURANT...NO DRINK MACHINE...THEY TOOK OUR WATER OFF US WHEN WE CAME THRU...NO LIQUIDS ALLOWED...WE STILL HAVE ONE HOUR TO WAIT...HAD AN ORANGE...WORST ORANGE I HAVE EVER TASTED...BINNED IT...NEED SOME OF THOSE SMALL MANDARINS I COULD GET IN CAMBODIA...WISH I WAS STILL THERE!
1.30PM...ON TARMAC...WALKING TO STEPS OF PLANE.
1.45PM...IN THE AIR...FELL ASLEEP.
3.10PM...AWOKE...JUST IN TIME FOR BUMPY TOUCH DOWN IN SURAT THANI.
3.35PM...BAGGAGE CAROUSEL...NU LOOKS WHITE...WELL WORRIED.
4.05PM...ON COACH...HEADING FOR DOCKS FOR FERRY TO KO SAMUI...90 MINUTE DRIVE.
4.40PM...NU HAD TAKEN 2 SICK BAGS OFF THE PLANE...SHE NEEDED THEM BOTH!
5.40PM...AT DOCKSIDE...RUST OLD TIN CAN...HOPE IT DOESN'T SINK.
5.55PM...OFF WE SAIL...HEAT UNRELENTING...NU SAT IN A DAZE...I SCOFFED A BAG OF GREEN PEA TASTING CRISPS...HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY!...THEY REALLY ARE NICE!!
7.00PM...DOCK AT KO SAMUI...THE TIN CAN MADE IT...NU AND I LAST OFF...GOING SLOWER THAN OUR USUAL SLOW.
7.20PM...IN TAXI...GOING TO BUPHET...FISHERMANS VILLAGE.
7.50PM...ENQUIRED AT A FEW GUESTHOUSES...NU NOT HAPPY....TOO MANY STEPS.
8.15PM...AT LAST WE FIND A PLACE THAT NU DESIRES...LAST NIGHT IN CHIANG MIA WE PAID 240 BAHT...TONIGHT WE ARE PAYING 2,400 BAHT FOR A ROOM...WONDERFULLY DECORATED I MIGHT ADD...WITHA BALCONY OVER LOOKING THE SEA...A SMILE COMES TO NU'S FACE...THATS WORTH EVERY BAHT!
8.45PM...HAD A COLD WATER SHAVE/SHOWER...NO HOT WATER!...EXPLAINED TO OWNER...HE SAID HE'D GET IT SORTED?
9.10PM...OWNER KNOCKS ON DOOR...TRIES TO FIX IT HIMSELF...THEN SAYS THAT YOU DON'T NEED HOT WATER SO MUCH HERE BECAUSE ITS SO WARM!...HE WAS ABOUT AS MUCH USE AS A BUTTER KNIFE WHEN YOU NEED TO CHOP WOOD!
9.40PM...STARVING...NU JUST WANTS TO SLEEP...I GO FOR A STROLL...THIS PLACE IS FULL OF OLD MEN WITH LITTLE THAI WOMEN...I DON'T KNOW WHO I FEEL SORRY FOR MOST...THE THAI WENCH GETS A NEW TOP...THE OLD MAN GETS A YOUNG BOTTOM!
10.10PM...GAMMON/CHIPS/EGG/FRIED TOMS/BEER...THOROUGHLY ENJOYABLE.
11.00PM...HAD A GOOD CHAT WITH A SWEDISH CHAP WHO COMES EVERY YEAR FOR 3 MONTHS...HIS THAI GIRL NEVER SPOKE A WORD.
11.30PM...BACK WITH NU.
THAILAND...NOT MY LAND.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Saturday, 29 December 2007
Friday, 21 December 2007
twentyeight...pai'n'stay..........[2050]
DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED WITH LAST BLOG.IT DECIDED TO SQUASH UP.DON'T KNOW HOW TO DESQUASH IT!
19.12.07.
8.50AM...RISE AND SHINE...SHORTS ON...ACROSS THE ROAD TO PICK UP OUR CUPPA'S...AN ENGLISH GUY ACROSS THE ROAD RUNS A CAFE WITH HIS THAI BRIDE AND MOTHER IN LAW...RETURN TO ABODE...I'LL TAKE THE CUPS BACK LATER.
9.20AM...WATCHING TELE IN BED.
9.45AM...SHOWER.
10.10AM...DRESSED.
10.30AM...NU SOWING.
11.05AM...BACK AT ENGLISH MANS CAFE[SIMON]...RETURN CUPS...MOTHER IN LAW DOES A LAUNDRY SERVICE...DROP WASHING OFF.
11.30AM...NU STAYS IN CAFE...I'M OFF ON MY FIRST ERRAND OF THE DAY...BAKERY/SUPERMARKET/OPEN MARKET.
11.50AM...GOT LOST BUT GOT LUCKY.
12.05PM...MARKET...BAG OF TOMS 10 BAHT...BAGUETTE 20 BAHT....TIN TUNA 34 BAHT...WE COULD SIT IN A CAFE AN HAVE THEM ALREADY MADE FOR 100 BAHT!...[65 TO POUND]...STILL,PLENTY OF TOMS!
12.25PM...BACK AT CAFE...NU HAPPILY CHATTING.
12.50PM...BROWSING SOUVENIR SHOPS...BOUGHT A WOODEN PIG...NOT SURE WHY!
2.00PM...BACK AT STILT HUT.
2.30PM...TUNA/TOM BAGUETE...BACARDI/COKE.
3.40PM...WE ARE OFF TO A BAND FESTIVAL...WOODSTOCK PAI STYLE...GOTTA WALK ABOUT 1 KILOMETRE THOUGH...ITS IN A FIELD ON OUTSKIRTS OF THE VILLAGE.
4.40PM...WE DON'T WALK THAT FAST NU AND I!...EVENTUALLY ARRIVE...SOME BAND PLAYING A NEIL YOUNG SONG...100 BAHT TO GO IN...FOOD INCLUDED...ALTHOUGH YOU COULD HAVE EASILY JUMPED THE 18 INCH FENCE.
5.00PM...2 BEERS IN HAND WE FIND A TABLE...MOST PEOPLE TEND TO SIT ON THE GRASS AT THESE EVENTS...WE EXPECTED MORE PEOPLE...ONLY ABOUT 100 OR SO...PERHAPS IT'LL LIVEN UP LATER?
8.00PM...HAVE SPENT THE LAST 2 HOURS DEBATING INDIVITUALISM AND COLLECTIVENESS WITH A DUTCH GUY...I THINK HE LEARNT ALOT!
9.00PM...4TH BEER...MOST BANDS PLAYING STONES AND BEATLES SONG...PLUS SOME BOB MARLEY...BUT ITS NOT REALLY HAPPENING...A LITTLE DISAPPOINTING.
10.30PM...HAD ENOUGH...START WALKING BACK...THINK I GOT MY MONEYS WORTH...BAKE SPUD WAS ALRIGHT!
11.10PM...BACK IN VILLAGE...CORN ON THE COB...TASTY!
11.25PM...BACK IN OUR LITTLE HOME.
20.12.07.
9.05AM...LAZY HOLIDAY MODE...NO HURRY.
10.00AM...SHOWER.
11.10AM...SIMONS CAFE...SCRAMBLED EGG ON TOAST...COCUNUT MILKSHAKE...AWESOME...COLECT LAUNDRY.
12.35PM...TOOK NU TO SWIMMING POOL I'D FOUND ON ONE OF MY MANY ERRANDS...YOU HAVE TO GET LOST TO FIND THESE THINGS!
1.30PM...KEBAB OF SORTS...NEVER AGAIN...BEER.
2.15PM...IT'S JUST TOO HOT...NEED SHELTER.
2.40PM...BOUGHT SOME CHEESE/CRISPS/BAGUETTE/CORNFLAKES AND MILK...STILL GOT LOADS OF TOMS...GONNA GO BACK TO HUT AND RELAX...PAI AS GONE QUIET...A LOT OF FOLK GONE HOME FOR XMAS.
5.00PM...WERE GONNA GO OUT FOR A MEAL...BUT WE AGREE TOM/CHEESE BAGUETTE WILL DO US...MIGHT HAVE CORN ON THE COB LATER...15 BAHT EACH!...WE SIT ON OUR VARANDA/BALCONY...THERES NO ONE ELSE AROUND...JUST THE BIRDS TWITTERING...THE HENS STRUTTING/RUMMAGING...ITS SO PEACEFUL.
7.00PM...WENT FOR A GAME OF POOL...NU READING...THE BAR WAS EMPTY...SO ONE BEER WAS ENOUGH...WONDER WHATS ON TELE?!
8.30PM...CORN ON THE COB.
21.12.07.
9.10AM...AWAKE.
9.20AM...SHOWER.
9.40AM...COFFEE.
10.15AM...CORNFLAKESAND MILK/ANOTHER COFFEE.
11.00AM...BOUK THE CHAPPIE WHO OWNS OUR HUT POPS HIS HEAD ROUND CORNER...WANTS TO KNOW IF I'LL TURN THE LIGHTS OFF/ON AT THE BACK WHERE WE ARE STAYING...ALSO LOOK AFTER HIS FISH!...APART FROM EATING AND DRINKING AND COLLECTING LAUNDRY I DON'T SUPPOSE I HAVE MUCH TO DO...BIT OF A LIBERTY MIND!
5.00PM...WELL HOT DAY...ALL WE'VE DONE IS READ AND WAFFLE...KEEPING ONE EYE ON THE FISH...WONDERING WHAT TIME IS BEST TO SWITCH ON THE LIGHTS!
5.35PM...PIZZA FUNGI/SALAMI.
6.40PM...BAR...COUPLE OF BEERS.
7.45PM...BACK AT HUT.
9.20PM...CORN ON THE COB.
SHATTERED.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
19.12.07.
8.50AM...RISE AND SHINE...SHORTS ON...ACROSS THE ROAD TO PICK UP OUR CUPPA'S...AN ENGLISH GUY ACROSS THE ROAD RUNS A CAFE WITH HIS THAI BRIDE AND MOTHER IN LAW...RETURN TO ABODE...I'LL TAKE THE CUPS BACK LATER.
9.20AM...WATCHING TELE IN BED.
9.45AM...SHOWER.
10.10AM...DRESSED.
10.30AM...NU SOWING.
11.05AM...BACK AT ENGLISH MANS CAFE[SIMON]...RETURN CUPS...MOTHER IN LAW DOES A LAUNDRY SERVICE...DROP WASHING OFF.
11.30AM...NU STAYS IN CAFE...I'M OFF ON MY FIRST ERRAND OF THE DAY...BAKERY/SUPERMARKET/OPEN MARKET.
11.50AM...GOT LOST BUT GOT LUCKY.
12.05PM...MARKET...BAG OF TOMS 10 BAHT...BAGUETTE 20 BAHT....TIN TUNA 34 BAHT...WE COULD SIT IN A CAFE AN HAVE THEM ALREADY MADE FOR 100 BAHT!...[65 TO POUND]...STILL,PLENTY OF TOMS!
12.25PM...BACK AT CAFE...NU HAPPILY CHATTING.
12.50PM...BROWSING SOUVENIR SHOPS...BOUGHT A WOODEN PIG...NOT SURE WHY!
2.00PM...BACK AT STILT HUT.
2.30PM...TUNA/TOM BAGUETE...BACARDI/COKE.
3.40PM...WE ARE OFF TO A BAND FESTIVAL...WOODSTOCK PAI STYLE...GOTTA WALK ABOUT 1 KILOMETRE THOUGH...ITS IN A FIELD ON OUTSKIRTS OF THE VILLAGE.
4.40PM...WE DON'T WALK THAT FAST NU AND I!...EVENTUALLY ARRIVE...SOME BAND PLAYING A NEIL YOUNG SONG...100 BAHT TO GO IN...FOOD INCLUDED...ALTHOUGH YOU COULD HAVE EASILY JUMPED THE 18 INCH FENCE.
5.00PM...2 BEERS IN HAND WE FIND A TABLE...MOST PEOPLE TEND TO SIT ON THE GRASS AT THESE EVENTS...WE EXPECTED MORE PEOPLE...ONLY ABOUT 100 OR SO...PERHAPS IT'LL LIVEN UP LATER?
8.00PM...HAVE SPENT THE LAST 2 HOURS DEBATING INDIVITUALISM AND COLLECTIVENESS WITH A DUTCH GUY...I THINK HE LEARNT ALOT!
9.00PM...4TH BEER...MOST BANDS PLAYING STONES AND BEATLES SONG...PLUS SOME BOB MARLEY...BUT ITS NOT REALLY HAPPENING...A LITTLE DISAPPOINTING.
10.30PM...HAD ENOUGH...START WALKING BACK...THINK I GOT MY MONEYS WORTH...BAKE SPUD WAS ALRIGHT!
11.10PM...BACK IN VILLAGE...CORN ON THE COB...TASTY!
11.25PM...BACK IN OUR LITTLE HOME.
20.12.07.
9.05AM...LAZY HOLIDAY MODE...NO HURRY.
10.00AM...SHOWER.
11.10AM...SIMONS CAFE...SCRAMBLED EGG ON TOAST...COCUNUT MILKSHAKE...AWESOME...COLECT LAUNDRY.
12.35PM...TOOK NU TO SWIMMING POOL I'D FOUND ON ONE OF MY MANY ERRANDS...YOU HAVE TO GET LOST TO FIND THESE THINGS!
1.30PM...KEBAB OF SORTS...NEVER AGAIN...BEER.
2.15PM...IT'S JUST TOO HOT...NEED SHELTER.
2.40PM...BOUGHT SOME CHEESE/CRISPS/BAGUETTE/CORNFLAKES AND MILK...STILL GOT LOADS OF TOMS...GONNA GO BACK TO HUT AND RELAX...PAI AS GONE QUIET...A LOT OF FOLK GONE HOME FOR XMAS.
5.00PM...WERE GONNA GO OUT FOR A MEAL...BUT WE AGREE TOM/CHEESE BAGUETTE WILL DO US...MIGHT HAVE CORN ON THE COB LATER...15 BAHT EACH!...WE SIT ON OUR VARANDA/BALCONY...THERES NO ONE ELSE AROUND...JUST THE BIRDS TWITTERING...THE HENS STRUTTING/RUMMAGING...ITS SO PEACEFUL.
7.00PM...WENT FOR A GAME OF POOL...NU READING...THE BAR WAS EMPTY...SO ONE BEER WAS ENOUGH...WONDER WHATS ON TELE?!
8.30PM...CORN ON THE COB.
21.12.07.
9.10AM...AWAKE.
9.20AM...SHOWER.
9.40AM...COFFEE.
10.15AM...CORNFLAKESAND MILK/ANOTHER COFFEE.
11.00AM...BOUK THE CHAPPIE WHO OWNS OUR HUT POPS HIS HEAD ROUND CORNER...WANTS TO KNOW IF I'LL TURN THE LIGHTS OFF/ON AT THE BACK WHERE WE ARE STAYING...ALSO LOOK AFTER HIS FISH!...APART FROM EATING AND DRINKING AND COLLECTING LAUNDRY I DON'T SUPPOSE I HAVE MUCH TO DO...BIT OF A LIBERTY MIND!
5.00PM...WELL HOT DAY...ALL WE'VE DONE IS READ AND WAFFLE...KEEPING ONE EYE ON THE FISH...WONDERING WHAT TIME IS BEST TO SWITCH ON THE LIGHTS!
5.35PM...PIZZA FUNGI/SALAMI.
6.40PM...BAR...COUPLE OF BEERS.
7.45PM...BACK AT HUT.
9.20PM...CORN ON THE COB.
SHATTERED.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Wednesday, 19 December 2007
15.12.07.8.50AM...AWAKE...BUT NOT EAGER TO DO ANYTHING...ONLY BEEN IN CHIANG MAI ONE DAY...BUT WE KNOW ITS NOT FOR US...ITS A DIRTY PLACE...TOO MANY VEHICLES...EXHAUST FUMES FILL THE AIR...PEOPLE ARE LOUD...THE WOMEN THINK THEY ARE SOMETHING...BUT THEY ARE SO UNSOMETHING...[STREET CORNER BUNNIES].9.25AM...UNDER THE WARM SHOWER...USING PANTENE...DON'T THINK IT SUITS MY HAIR!10.10AM...BOOKSHOP/CAFE...ORDER FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST...NU EAGER TO FIND NEW READING MATERIAL.11.05AM...WISH I HADN'T BOTHERED WITH BREAKFAST...APPALLING...ABSOLUTELY APPALLING!12.10PM...WALKING THESE DIRTY STREETS...WE FINALLY CATCH SIGHT OF ANOTHER BOOKSHOP.12.35PM...NU AT LAST FINDS A BOOK...SHE'S GETTING VERY CHOOSY!1.20PM...BOUGHT TICKETS FOR MINIBUS TO 'PAI'...A SMALL NORTHLY TOWN...HOPE ITS CLEANER THAN HERE...LEAVE MONDAY 17TH DEC...8.00AM.2.10PM...ATM[CASH MACHINE]...NEED SOME MONEY...MY RECEIPT DOESN'T TALLY...WORRIED...THOUGHTFUL...DECIDE NOT TO MENTION IT TO NU.2.20PM...NU WANTS TO GO TO TESCO'S...YES TESCO'S!...ITS OUTA TOWN...SHE RECKONS IT'LL HAVE THE SIZE TSHIRTS SHE REQUIRES.2.30PM...TUK TUK.2.45PM...TUK TUK DRIVER DROPS US OFF AT MASSIVE SHOPPING ARCADE...HE SAYS TESCO'S IS IN THERE SOMEWHERE...IT WASN'T!...NU PRACTISING LATIN AGAIN.3.05PM...SPOKE WITH THAI CHAPPIE...HE POINTS US IN RIGHT DIRECTION...ABOUT 1 KILOMETRE AWAY...OFF WE STROLL.4.00PM...IN TESCO'S...IN CLOTHES ISLE.4.15PM...ALTHOUGH GETTING HERE WAS A PAIN...I FEEL HAPPY...NU GOT HER TSHIRTS.4.50PM...TROLLEY SEMI LOADED...CHEESE X 2/BREAD ROLLS/PLUM TOMS/DOUGHNUTS!/DRINK!!/TSHIRTS!!!/PANTS/PEANUTS!5.10PM...WALKING...NO TUK TUK DRIVER IN SIGHT...SLOWLY WE WALK BACK TO THE SHOPPING ARCADE WHERE WE WERE DROPPED OFF...NU SAYS SHE'LL KILL THAT TUK TUK DRIVER IF SHE SEE'S HIM AGAIN.6.05PM...IN TUK TUK...EXHAUST FUMES FILLING OUR LUNGS.6.30PM...TUK TUK DRIVER DID WELL TO GET THRU THE TRAFFIC SO SPEEDILY...GAVE HIM AN EXTRA 20 BAHT.7.00PM...EXPLAINING TO NU I DON'T TOTALLY UNDERSTAND ATM RECEIPT...GOTTA GET MY MATHS HEAD ON.7.20PM...WALK BACK TO ATM TO GET ANOTHETR RECEIPT...THIS ONE GIVES A DIFFERENT FIGURE...I'M KINDA FIGURING IN MY HEAD I'M ABOUT 150 QUID SHORT.8.00PM...DOING MY MATHS...I THINK I'VE SORTED IT.8.25PM...FEASTING TIME!...CHEESE/TOM BREAD ROLL...DOUGHNUT TO FOLLOW...READING.10.30PM...CAN'T SLEEP...DECIDED MY MATHS DON'T ADD UP...GO THRU RECEIPTS AGAIN...IT DOESN'T ADD UP...GETTING CONFUSED!11.05PM...TRY PHONING BANK ON INTERNATIONAL CALL NUMBER THEY GAVE ME BACK IN ENGLAND...ALL I GET IS THIS WOMAN TELLING ME I HAVE THE WRONG NUMBER...CAN'T DO ANYMORE TONIGHT.11.25PM...PUT HEAD ON PILLOW...NOT HAPPY...NOT HAPPY AT ALL.16.12.07.9.30AM...AWAKE.9.40AM...SHOWER.10.25AM...AT ATM...MONEY READS THE SAME...NO MORE MONEY GONE OUT...PHEW...HAVING DONE SOME MORE MATHS...I RECKON IT ALL GOT CONFUSING FOR ME GOING FROM CAMBOD WHATEVER TO LAOS KIP TO THAI BAHT...PLUS EVERY TIME YOU TAKE MONEY OUT OF THESE MACHINES YOU GET CHARGED...HOPEFULLY I'VE BEEN WORRYING OVER NOTHING...BUT THEN THIS WHOLE EPISODE AS HELPED ME UNDERSTAND HOW MONEY CAN FLUCTUATE SO EASILY MOVING FROM ONE COUNTRY TO ANOTHER.10.40AM...IN SEARCH OF BAGUETTE FOR SUNDAY LUNCH...STILL GOT SOME CHEESE AND TOMS...I LIKE TO TREAT NU OCCASIONLY!10.55AM...TOLD CAN'T GET BAGUETTE ON SUNDAY!11.15AM...CAFE...CUPPA TEA...DON'T FEEL HUNGRY...READING...ITS AN INTERESTING CHAPTER...BUT FINDING IT HARD TO CONCENTRATE.1.00PM...LATE BREAKFAST/CUPPA TEA.2.30PM...BOOKSHOP.3.30PM...BACK AT GUESTHOUSE...GOTTA PACK...READY FOR DEPARTURE TOMORROW.4.15PM...SHOWER...HAVEN'T DONE A LOT TODAY...BUT FEEL DIRTY FROM HEAT AND FUME FILLED ROADS.6.00PM...WATCHING POIRET...DEATH ON THE NILE...ACTUALLY ITS QUITE WATCHABLE...THIS DAY AS COME AND GONE...AND IN 6 HOURS WILL BE GONE...SOMETIMES YOU NEED THESE DAYS...SOMETIMES.7.00PM...READING...DRINKING BEER...LUCKY TO GET SOME...THE ELECTIONS ARE ON AND SO BARS AND SHOPS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SELL ALCOHOL...I MANAGED TO PERSUADE A LITTLE OLD LADY SHOPKEEPER TO PART WITH A FEW CANS.17.12.07.6.30AM...ALARM.6.40AM...SHOWER.7.10AM...WHERE WE ARE STAYING YOU CAN HELP YOURSELF TO TEA OR COFFEE IN THE LOBBY...ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO MY CUPPA IN THE MORNING.7.40AM...PACKED.7.55AM...WAITING FOR PICK UP.8.10AM...TUK TUK ARRIVES.8.25AM...DROPPED OFF ON SOME STREET...GOTTA WAIT HERE FOR MINI BUS TO PAI.8.45AM...ON MINIBUS FOR PAI...NU AND I ARE IN THE REAR...NOT SO COMFY.10.20AM...LEG STRETCH...CUPPA COFFEE...NU AND I HAVE BEEN SWAYING IN THE BACK...THEY DON'T DO STRAIGHT ROADS HERE!12.05PM...HOORAY WE ARE IN PAI.12.15PM...THE KITCHEN CAFE...BEERS PLEASE...MET OUR TWO ISRAELI FRIENDS...GONNA MEET UP WITH THEM AGAIN LATER...ABOUT 8.00PM.2.00PM...SEARCHING FOR ACCOMADATION...SHOULD HAVE DONE IT BEFORE BEER...FEEL A BIT LIGHT HEADED.2.30PM...LOOKED AT A PLACE BY THE RIVER...NO.2.50PM...LOOKED AT ANOTHER PLACE ON MAIN STREET...NO.3.10PM...LEFT NU ON CORNER WITH BAGS...OFF I TROT.3.40PM...FOUND WHAT I THINKS OK...13 DOLLARS A NIGHT...STILT HUT AT REAR OF BAR.4.00PM...RELIEVED TO HAVE FOUND SOMEWHERE...THERES A DIFFERENT HEAT HERE...A STICKY HEAT...HAD A SHOWER...LAY ON BED.4.20PM...ASLEEP.6.15PM...WOKE...HUNGRY.7.00PM...RESTAURANT...STEAK AND CHIPS...PAPAYA SHAKE.8.00PM...MEET WITH FRIENDS...AVIS AND HERMIONE...LOVELY COUPLE.8.35PM...MUSIC BAR...WAFFLING...SOME OLD HIPPIES HAVING A JAM SESSION...GOOD MUSIC PLAYING.11.55PM...WE ARE THE LAST OUT OF THE BAR...BACARDID AND CONTENT...DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH WE SPEND...POCKET FEELS LIGHT.18.12.07.9.50AM...EYES WIDE CLOSED.10.10AM...WARM SHOWER...WE'VE BOOKED 3 NIGHTS...BUT HAVE DECIDED TO STAY TILL 26TH DEC ...THEN HEAD FO KO SUMAI FOR NEW YEARS.10.50AM...BREAKFAST...BANANA PANCAKE...NOT THE BEST...FRENCH COFFEE...OUCH!11.20AM...BOOKING TRIP TO KO SAMUI...DIRECT FLIGHTS FULLY BOOKED...OUCH AGAIN!...SO ITS BUS TO CHIANG MAI...STAY FOR ONE NIGHT...PLANE TO BANGKOK NEXT DAY...PLANE TO SURAT...THEN BOAT TO KO SAMUI...MAD OR WHAT...150 QUID FOR BOTH OF US...IT'LL BE A DAY TO REMEMBER TO FORGET?1.30PM...BEER...BUY 3...GET 1 FREE!...SOMETIMES YOU WISH YOU HAD A DIMMER SWITCH TO DIM THE SUN...NEED IT NOW!3.20PM...POSTOFFICE...MICHAELA'S BIRTHDAY PRESSIE GOTTA BE SENT.3.50PM...BAKERY/SUPERMARKET...BACARDI/COKE/TOMATO'S/CHEESE/BREAD.5.40PM...PLAYING POOL.8.45PM...STILL PLAYING POOL...NU POPS HEAD ROUND CORNER...SAID I WOULD ONLY BE AN HOUR...NU NOT HAPPY...A MANS GOTTA HAVE A BIT OF RECREATION TIME BABE!9.30PM...INDIAN CURRY...THAT WASN'T SO INDIAN...2 QUID FOR BOTH.10.30PM...BACK AT STILT HUT.HIPPY HIPPY SHAKE.BYE FOR NOWZ.
draft
draft
Friday, 14 December 2007
twentysixth....departing laos.......[1700]
11.12.07.
9.20AM...JUST ABOUT AWAKE...I THINK NU AND I MUST HAVE HAD MOST OF THE VODKA.
9.55AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
10.40AM...CUPPA TEA/CORNFLAKES!...OPPOSITE OUR FAVOURITE BUILDING SITE.
11.30AM...CHECKING OUT PRICES FOR THE NEXT LEG OF OUR GRAND TOUR...GOT QUOTES BETWEEN 50/55 DOLLARS...I'VE HEARD LESS...SO I'LL KEEP ON LOOKING.
12.20PM...THE SUN IS SCORCHING...NEED AN ICE COLD DRINK...THE MILKSHAKES HERE ARE NOT AS GOOD AS VIET AND CAMBOD AND I DON'T FANCY A BEER.
2.00PM...IN 2ND HAND BOOKSHOP...NU COULD STAY HERE ALL DAY...NEED A GOOD 2ND HAND THAI LONELY PLANET.
3.05PM...ON BALCONY OF STILT HUT...THAI BOOK IN HAND...GOT A BARGAIN...3 DOLLARS...FANCY A BACARDI...NOT MUCH COKE LEFT.
5.30PM...SUN GOING DOWN.
5.50PM...SHOWER.
6.20PM...OFF TO ORGANIC RESTAURANT.
6.50PM...IN TRAVEL SHOP...THEY'VE QUOTED 44 DOLLARS...BEST AND CHEAPEST YET...NU NODS...WE ACCEPT...10AM...13TH DEC...WE'LL BE ON OUR WAY...ONE COACH TO VIETIENNE...SWOP TO COACH TO CHANG MIA,THAILAND...17 HOURS ON COACHES...HORRIBLE!...THERE ARE 2 PLACES WE WANNA SEE BEFORE DECIDING WHERE TO STAY FOR XMAS...TOUGH DECISION?
7.20PM...ORGANIC RESTAURANT...BAKED SPUDS WITH CHEESE AND BAKE BEANS.
7.45PM...I THINK THEY ARE STILL PICKING THE SPUDS IN THE FIELD.
8.05PM...6 HALF SPUDS ARRIVE BEFORE MY EYES...SPARSELY COVERED IN CHEESE AND BEANS...NOT IN COMPLAINING MOOD HAVING JUST BOUGHT TICKETS...I ALWAYS GET A BIT EXCITED WHEN THE NEXT LEG AS BEEN DETERMINED...DON'T GET ME WRONG...LAOS AS BEEN LOVELY...BUT ITS TIME TO MOVE ON...ITCHY FEET AND ALL THAT!
8.10PM...BITE INTO MY FIRST SPUD...OH,ITS A LITTLE HARD...NU LOOKS AT ME...I SIGH...OH WELL.
8.50PM...EATING A CHOC/BANANA/COCONUT PANCAKE ON THE STREET...OK...AFTER THE HALF BAKED SPUDS ANYTHING IS!
10.00PM...BACK AT STILT HUT...READING.
12.12.07.
9.05AM...OUTA BED...INTO SHOWER.
10.10AM...I'M BEGINNING TO FEEL AT HOME ON THIS BUILDING SITE...CORNFLAKES/CUPPA TEA.
11.00AM...READING UP ON NEXT DESTINATION.
12.10PM...LYING IN HAMMOCK...READING...COLD BANANA MILKSHAKE.
2.20PM...STILL IN HAMMOCK.
2.40PM...TUNA/SALAD BAGUETTE.
4.00PM...TIME TO RETURN TO STILT HUT...GOTTA PACK...DEPARTING TOMORROW.
5.05PM...ON BALCONY...DRINKING BEER.
6.30PM...TIME TO EAT.
7.20PM...RESTAURANT...PORK PEPPERED STEAK/CHIPS/CUPPA TEA!
8.25PM...NU CHECKING EMAILS.
8.55PM...ON WAY BACK TO STILT HUT.
9.10PM...FINISHING BACARDI...READING.
OVERALL VIEW.
I want to come back again.This stilt hut as been perfect.Laos in its entirety as been wonderful.Its so untouched.Its poor as its rich in its richness and you beg it'll stay this way.People are happy.But change can be fruitful,but also fruitless.May the fruit stay the same and allow the Laosians there paradise.
13.12.07.
7.30AM...ALARM.
7.50AM...SHOWER.
8.10AM...PACKED.
8.40AM...CORNFLAKES/CUPPA TEA.
9.20AM...PAID ACCOMADATION...20 DOLLARS FOR 4 NIGHTS.
9.30AM...WAITING FOR PICK UP...THIS IS GONNA BE A LONG DAY.
9.40AM...BUS ARRIVE...FULL OF FRENCH.
9.55AM...BUS STATION...BAGS LOADED ONTO ROOF...SECURED BY NETTING.
10.10AM...BIT SQUASHED...BUS IS PACKED.
1.05PM...AFTER SEVERAL STOPS WE ARE AT THE LAOS/THAI BORDER...VERY SLOW.
1.30PM...SORTED AT THE LAOS BORDER...HALF DOLLAR FOR BOTH FOR EXIT FEE.
1.45PM...THAI BORDER...EVEN SLOWER...BIG QUEUE...LOTTA FLIES.
2.40PM...BACK ON SAME BUS...STILL SQUASHED.
3.30PM...DROPPED OFF ON SOME STREET IN SOME TOWN...CAN'T REMEMBER NAME...HAD TO WALK HALF KILOMETRE TO NEXT BUS PICK UP.
3.50PM...BEER...SWEAT DRIPPING OFF ME.
4.10PM...PICK UP ARRIVE...TUK TUK...TO TAKE US TO CENTRAL STATION.
4.40PM...CENTRAL BUS STATION...DINGY.
5.30PM...'VIP' BUS TURNS UP...LOOKS ROOMY...WE ALSO GET FED?
6.00PM...OFF WE SET...TRYING TO GET COMFY.
6.30PM...ITS DARK NOW...WANNA SLEEP.
6.45PM...PACKET OF CHOC BISCUITS/SMALL WATER!...IS THAT IT?!
7.20PM...PETROL STATION...CAN'T RELAX...BUS FLYING ROUND BENDS.
8.00PM...1ST STOP...STRETCH LEGS.
10.00PM...ANOTHER STOP.
10.20PM...SOME THAI FILM BLARING!
14.12.07.
12.15AM...THINK I'VE SLEPT...STILL UNCOMFORTABLE.
2.00AM...PETROL STATION/RESTAURANT...MY INTRODUCTION TO THAI FOOD...FIND ME A MCDONALDS!...WATERY RICE/CABBAGE STALKS IN SPICY WATER...YUK.
3.00AM...OFF WE GO AGAIN.
7.30AM...AFTER A FEW MORE STOPS WE ARE IN CHIANG MAI...DIRTY/TIRED.
7.40AM...ATM.
8.00AM...IN TUK TUK ON WAY TO GUESTHOUSE RECOMMENDED BY TWO PEOPLE WE MET ON BUS.
8.50AM...CHECKED INTO GUESTHOUSE.
9.20AM...ASLEEP.
1.10PM...AWAKE...HEADACHE.
1.35PM...SHOWER.
2.10PM...FRIED RICE/PORK/VEG...3 DOLLARS.
3.25PM...HAIRCUT...GLAD I DIDN'T HAVE A PEDICURE,ELSE I'D HAVE NO TOES LEFT!
4.10PM...BEER.
4.40PM...CHEMIST...PARACETEMOL...MINI MART...CRISPS ETC.
6.00PM...BAR...CHEESE ON TOAST/SALAD...OH DEAR!...CHIPS OK.
8.00PM...ON WAY BACK TO GUESTHOUSE...STILL TIRED...MAYBE THERES SOMETHING ON TELE?
SCALPED!
BYE FOR NOWZ.
3.50PM...BEER...SWEAT DRIPPING OFF ME.
4.10PM...PICK UP ARRIVE...TUK TUK...TO TAKE US TO CENTRAL STATION.
4.40PM...CENTRAL BUS STATION...DINGY.
5.30PM...'VIP' BUS TURNS UP...LOOKS ROOMY...WE ALSO GET FED?
6.00PM...OFF WE SET...TRYING TO GET COMFY.
6.30PM...ITS DARK NOW...WANNA SLEEP.
6.45PM...PACKET OF CHOC BISCUITS/SMALL WATER!...IS THAT IT?!
7.20PM...PETROL STATION...CAN'T RELAX...BUS FLYING ROUND BENDS.
8.00PM...1ST STOP...STRETCH LEGS.
10.00PM...ANOTHER STOP.
10.20PM...SOME THAI FILM BLARING!
14.12.07.
12.15AM...THINK I'VE SLEPT...STILL UNCOMFORTABLE.
2.00AM...PETROL STATION/RESTAURANT...MY INTRODUCTION TO THAI FOOD...FIND ME A MCDONALDS!...WATERY RICE/CABBAGE STALKS IN SPICY WATER...YUK.
3.00AM...OFF WE GO AGAIN.
7.30AM...AFTER A FEW MORE STOPS WE ARE IN CHIANG MAI...DIRTY/TIRED.
7.40AM...ATM.
8.00AM...IN TUK TUK ON WAY TO GUESTHOUSE RECOMMENDED BY TWO PEOPLE WE MET ON BUS.
8.50AM...CHECKED INTO GUESTHOUSE.
9.20AM...ASLEEP.
1.10PM...AWAKE...HEADACHE.
1.35PM...SHOWER.
2.10PM...FRIED RICE/PORK/VEG...3 DOLLARS.
3.25PM...HAIRCUT...GLAD I DIDN'T HAVE A PEDICURE,ELSE I'D HAVE NO TOES LEFT!
4.10PM...BEER.
4.40PM...CHEMIST...PARACETEMOL...MINI MART...CRISPS ETC.
6.00PM...BAR...CHEESE ON TOAST/SALAD...OH DEAR!...CHIPS OK.
8.00PM...ON WAY BACK TO GUESTHOUSE...STILL TIRED...MAYBE THERES SOMETHING ON TELE?
SCALPED!
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Monday, 10 December 2007
twentyfifth...laos....part three
8.12.07.
8.35AM...AWAKE...BUT NOT YET WITH IT...NOTHING NEW...READ LATE.
9.00AM...SHOWER...NEEDA A HAIRCUT!
9.40AM...SCANDY CAFE...CUPPA TEA REQUIRED...2 FRIED EGG...BAGUETTE TO DIP...BOWL OF FRUIT.
10.15AM...SECOND CUPPA...IRISH CHAP JOINS US.
12.05PM...NU GONE ON INTERNET...I TOOK A SEAT AT THE COCONUT CAFE...SAID SHE'D ONLY BE HALF AN HOUR?
1.00PM...NO SIGN OF NU.
2.00PM...NO SIGN OF NU.
3.00PM...OH HELLO STRANGER...NEED A BEER?...THIS IS BECOMING A NONE DAY...NEARLY FINISHED MY BOOK.
3.40PM...PIZZA.
5.00PM...BACK AT GUESTHOUSE...PACKING...VANGVIENG,HERE WE COME!
6.30PM...WENT BACK TO INTERNET CAFE...EARLIER NU HAD ASKED A CHAP THERE IF HE COULD DE-VIRUS A MEMORY CARD SO WE COULD GET OUR PICTURES BACK...AND LIKE MAGIC HE PERFORMS A MIRACLE...THAT MANY A SHOP WE HAD TRIED COULDN'T...NU HAD HER PICTURES BACK...NU BEAMED...WHICH WAS GOOD NEWS...CAUSE NOW SHE DIDN'T MIND GOING TO WATCH THE FOOTBALL...VILLA/PORTSMOUTH.
7.20PM...HIVE BAR...RED WINE.
7.45PM...KICK OFF.
7.56PM...PORTSMOUTH ONE UP!
8.23PM...PORTSMOUTH TWO UP!
8.35PM...HALF TIME...NOT HAPPY WITH THE SCORE LINE!
9.16PM...PORTSMOUTH THREE UP!...VILLA ARE A JOKE.
9.23PM...VILLA SCORE.
9.35PM...GAME OVER...NEED MORE WINE.
9.40PM...PLAYING POOL...WON 3...LOST 1...WHO CARE'S?
10.45PM...WALKING BACK TO GUESTHOUSE.
9.12.07.
7.00AM...ALARM...NOT REALLY BOTHERED...VILLA LOST...NOTHING SEEMS TO MATTER ANYMORE.
7.30AM...UP...SHAVE...SHOWERED.
8.00AM...DRESSED.
8.20AM...ON GUESTHOUSE STEPS WAITING FOR PICKUP FOR VANGVIENG.
8.35AM...PICK UP ARRIVE...SHOULD BE THERE FOR 1PM?
10.40AM...FIRST STOP...CHICKEN SALAD BAGUETTE.
11.55AM...TALKING WITH SINGEPORIAN...WISH HE'D SHUT UP...NEED TO REST...NEED TO HOLD ON AT TIMES...UP MOUNTAINS...TWISTING...TURNING...HAIRPIN BENDS...NOT A STRAIGHT ROAD IN SIGHT...THRU LITTLE VILLIAGE AFTER LITTLE VILLIAGE...WONDERFUL SCENERY...WONDERFUL DWELLINGS...SOMETIMES I WISH I COULD COME AND LIVE HERE IN THIS EMPTINESS...BUT I GUESS ITS ONLY BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE THE OPTION...THESE PEOPLE DON'T HAVE A CHOICE.
2.30PM...AT LAST WE'VE ARRIVED...FUNNY 1.00PM...STILL THE TRIP WAS ENJOYABLE.
3.00PM...RENTED A WOODEN HUT ON STILTS NEXT TO THE RIVER...5 DOLLAR FOR BOTH FOR THE NIGHT.
4.40PM...JUST EATEN SUNDAY DINER!...PORK/LAMB/ROAST SPUDS/CABBAGE/CARROTS/BEANS...NOT SURE...HAD TO TRY...HAPPY TO HAVE EATEN...PIZZA WOULD HAVE SUFFICED.
5.50PM...WALKED MAIN STREET...BOUGHT A BOTTLE OF BACARDI/BOTTLE OF COKE...THOUGHT WE'D SIT ON OUR STILT HUT BALCONY...MANY PEOPLE IN CAFES LYING ON BEDS WATCHING EPISODES OF 'FRIENDS'...I CAN'T GET MY HAT ON!...I WISH I COULD WRITE 'SAD' ON EACH AND EVERYONE OF THE FOREHEADS!
6.40PM...BACK AT STILT HUT...FAT 2 INCH BEETLE SCURRIES AROUND THE BALCONY...FAIR ENOUGH...ITS HIS/HER HOME MORE THAN OURS...SAME GOES FOR THE GECKO[LIZARD]...TURNED THE OUTSIDE LIGHT ON...OF COURSE IT ATTRACTED EVERY INSECT...BEGINNING TO FEEL ITCHY!
6.50PM...NU SCREAMS...A 4 INCH COCKROACH JUMPS OUT OF THE TOILET ROLL TUBE...ITS UNDER THE BED...I NEARLY SWORE...I THINK NU SPOUTED SOME LATIN!
6.55PM...PEERING BEHIND BED...ITS AGAINST THE SKIRTING BOARD...LOOKING EVIL.
7.05PM...SPOKE WITH FAMILY WE ARE RENTING FROM...I DETECTED A SNICKER OR TWO.
7.15PM...BACK IN ROOM WITH CHAP...OF COURSE THE BEAST AS DONE A RUNNER...HE CAN'T HELP.
7.20PM...HE LEAVES...WE SIT DOWN CAUTIOUSLY...THE EVIL ONE COULD BE ANYWHERE!
7.30PM...BACARDI'S.
7.40PM...SECOND BACARDI'S...SAT CHATTING...BOTH FEELING UNCOMFORTABLE.
9.00PM...NO SIGN OF THE CREATURE...PERHAPS HE'S GONE TO THE DISCO ACROSS THE BRIDGE THATS HEAVING WITH CRAP RAP...WE WERE GONNA GO...HAD ANOTHER BACARDI INSTEAD.
9.30PM...READING...GOT MYSELF A NEW BOOK...FIRST CHAPTER IS A BIT BRUTAL.
10.30PM...HEAD ON PILLOW...BATHROOM LIGHT ON...ONE EYE OPEN!
10.12.07.
8.00AM...AWAKE...DIDNT SLEEP TO BAD...SURPRISINGLY...NEED A CUPPA.
8.25AM...SHOWER.
9.00AM...BREAKFAST ALFRESCO...OPPOSITE A BUILDING SITE...LOTTA BUILDING GOING ON HERE...GIVE IT TWO YEARS AND THIS PLACE WILL PROBABLY BE LIKE BLACKPOOL.
9.15AM...BACON SANDWICH...BIT SALTY...CUPPA WENT DOWN WELL.
10.35AM...HIRED TWO PUSHBIKES...DOLLAR EACH...NU HAD A HARD TIME GETTING GOING...HADN'T BEEN ON ONE FOR THIRTY YEARS.
10.55AM...OF WE GO...QUITE SLOW...NU SPEEDED UP DOWN HILLS...IT WAS HARD GOING FOR ME AT TIMES.
11.45AM...STOPPED FOR LEMONADE.
12.10PM...OF WE GO AGAIN...TURNING ROUND IF WE THOUGHT WE MIGHT BE GOING TO FAR.
2.00PM...RETURNED BIKES...KNEE'S ACHING.
2.35PM...BOUGHT SOME BEERS/CHEESE/BAGUETTE'S.
3.00PM...SITTING ON BALCONY...READING/CHATTING/RELAXING/LISTENING TO THE INSECTS!
5.30PM...SUN GONE DOWN...NEEDA SHOWER.
7.00PM...ON MAIN STREET LOOKING FOR SOMEWHERE TO EAT...BUMP INTO IRISH IVOR AND FRIENDS.
7.15PM...RESTAURANT...PORK AND RICE...VODKA BUCKETS...NU AND I ARE WONDERING WHETHER THIS IS REALLY OUR SCENE.
8.30PM...EATEN...VODKA BUCKETS EMPTY...IVOR AND FRIENDS COMPLAINING THERE WASN'T ENOUGH VODKA...TO MUCH COKE!
9.05PM...HEADING FOR SOME PLACE CALLED 'SMILEYS'.
10.00PM...AFTER A LENGTHY WALK WE FIND IT...ITS ACTUALLY NOT SO FAR FROM OUR ABODE...LOADSA YOUNG FOLK DANCING AND DRINKING...NU AND I SHARE A BEER AND DECIDE TO MAKE FOR OUR BED.
CHILLINGLY HOT.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
8.35AM...AWAKE...BUT NOT YET WITH IT...NOTHING NEW...READ LATE.
9.00AM...SHOWER...NEEDA A HAIRCUT!
9.40AM...SCANDY CAFE...CUPPA TEA REQUIRED...2 FRIED EGG...BAGUETTE TO DIP...BOWL OF FRUIT.
10.15AM...SECOND CUPPA...IRISH CHAP JOINS US.
12.05PM...NU GONE ON INTERNET...I TOOK A SEAT AT THE COCONUT CAFE...SAID SHE'D ONLY BE HALF AN HOUR?
1.00PM...NO SIGN OF NU.
2.00PM...NO SIGN OF NU.
3.00PM...OH HELLO STRANGER...NEED A BEER?...THIS IS BECOMING A NONE DAY...NEARLY FINISHED MY BOOK.
3.40PM...PIZZA.
5.00PM...BACK AT GUESTHOUSE...PACKING...VANGVIENG,HERE WE COME!
6.30PM...WENT BACK TO INTERNET CAFE...EARLIER NU HAD ASKED A CHAP THERE IF HE COULD DE-VIRUS A MEMORY CARD SO WE COULD GET OUR PICTURES BACK...AND LIKE MAGIC HE PERFORMS A MIRACLE...THAT MANY A SHOP WE HAD TRIED COULDN'T...NU HAD HER PICTURES BACK...NU BEAMED...WHICH WAS GOOD NEWS...CAUSE NOW SHE DIDN'T MIND GOING TO WATCH THE FOOTBALL...VILLA/PORTSMOUTH.
7.20PM...HIVE BAR...RED WINE.
7.45PM...KICK OFF.
7.56PM...PORTSMOUTH ONE UP!
8.23PM...PORTSMOUTH TWO UP!
8.35PM...HALF TIME...NOT HAPPY WITH THE SCORE LINE!
9.16PM...PORTSMOUTH THREE UP!...VILLA ARE A JOKE.
9.23PM...VILLA SCORE.
9.35PM...GAME OVER...NEED MORE WINE.
9.40PM...PLAYING POOL...WON 3...LOST 1...WHO CARE'S?
10.45PM...WALKING BACK TO GUESTHOUSE.
9.12.07.
7.00AM...ALARM...NOT REALLY BOTHERED...VILLA LOST...NOTHING SEEMS TO MATTER ANYMORE.
7.30AM...UP...SHAVE...SHOWERED.
8.00AM...DRESSED.
8.20AM...ON GUESTHOUSE STEPS WAITING FOR PICKUP FOR VANGVIENG.
8.35AM...PICK UP ARRIVE...SHOULD BE THERE FOR 1PM?
10.40AM...FIRST STOP...CHICKEN SALAD BAGUETTE.
11.55AM...TALKING WITH SINGEPORIAN...WISH HE'D SHUT UP...NEED TO REST...NEED TO HOLD ON AT TIMES...UP MOUNTAINS...TWISTING...TURNING...HAIRPIN BENDS...NOT A STRAIGHT ROAD IN SIGHT...THRU LITTLE VILLIAGE AFTER LITTLE VILLIAGE...WONDERFUL SCENERY...WONDERFUL DWELLINGS...SOMETIMES I WISH I COULD COME AND LIVE HERE IN THIS EMPTINESS...BUT I GUESS ITS ONLY BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE THE OPTION...THESE PEOPLE DON'T HAVE A CHOICE.
2.30PM...AT LAST WE'VE ARRIVED...FUNNY 1.00PM...STILL THE TRIP WAS ENJOYABLE.
3.00PM...RENTED A WOODEN HUT ON STILTS NEXT TO THE RIVER...5 DOLLAR FOR BOTH FOR THE NIGHT.
4.40PM...JUST EATEN SUNDAY DINER!...PORK/LAMB/ROAST SPUDS/CABBAGE/CARROTS/BEANS...NOT SURE...HAD TO TRY...HAPPY TO HAVE EATEN...PIZZA WOULD HAVE SUFFICED.
5.50PM...WALKED MAIN STREET...BOUGHT A BOTTLE OF BACARDI/BOTTLE OF COKE...THOUGHT WE'D SIT ON OUR STILT HUT BALCONY...MANY PEOPLE IN CAFES LYING ON BEDS WATCHING EPISODES OF 'FRIENDS'...I CAN'T GET MY HAT ON!...I WISH I COULD WRITE 'SAD' ON EACH AND EVERYONE OF THE FOREHEADS!
6.40PM...BACK AT STILT HUT...FAT 2 INCH BEETLE SCURRIES AROUND THE BALCONY...FAIR ENOUGH...ITS HIS/HER HOME MORE THAN OURS...SAME GOES FOR THE GECKO[LIZARD]...TURNED THE OUTSIDE LIGHT ON...OF COURSE IT ATTRACTED EVERY INSECT...BEGINNING TO FEEL ITCHY!
6.50PM...NU SCREAMS...A 4 INCH COCKROACH JUMPS OUT OF THE TOILET ROLL TUBE...ITS UNDER THE BED...I NEARLY SWORE...I THINK NU SPOUTED SOME LATIN!
6.55PM...PEERING BEHIND BED...ITS AGAINST THE SKIRTING BOARD...LOOKING EVIL.
7.05PM...SPOKE WITH FAMILY WE ARE RENTING FROM...I DETECTED A SNICKER OR TWO.
7.15PM...BACK IN ROOM WITH CHAP...OF COURSE THE BEAST AS DONE A RUNNER...HE CAN'T HELP.
7.20PM...HE LEAVES...WE SIT DOWN CAUTIOUSLY...THE EVIL ONE COULD BE ANYWHERE!
7.30PM...BACARDI'S.
7.40PM...SECOND BACARDI'S...SAT CHATTING...BOTH FEELING UNCOMFORTABLE.
9.00PM...NO SIGN OF THE CREATURE...PERHAPS HE'S GONE TO THE DISCO ACROSS THE BRIDGE THATS HEAVING WITH CRAP RAP...WE WERE GONNA GO...HAD ANOTHER BACARDI INSTEAD.
9.30PM...READING...GOT MYSELF A NEW BOOK...FIRST CHAPTER IS A BIT BRUTAL.
10.30PM...HEAD ON PILLOW...BATHROOM LIGHT ON...ONE EYE OPEN!
10.12.07.
8.00AM...AWAKE...DIDNT SLEEP TO BAD...SURPRISINGLY...NEED A CUPPA.
8.25AM...SHOWER.
9.00AM...BREAKFAST ALFRESCO...OPPOSITE A BUILDING SITE...LOTTA BUILDING GOING ON HERE...GIVE IT TWO YEARS AND THIS PLACE WILL PROBABLY BE LIKE BLACKPOOL.
9.15AM...BACON SANDWICH...BIT SALTY...CUPPA WENT DOWN WELL.
10.35AM...HIRED TWO PUSHBIKES...DOLLAR EACH...NU HAD A HARD TIME GETTING GOING...HADN'T BEEN ON ONE FOR THIRTY YEARS.
10.55AM...OF WE GO...QUITE SLOW...NU SPEEDED UP DOWN HILLS...IT WAS HARD GOING FOR ME AT TIMES.
11.45AM...STOPPED FOR LEMONADE.
12.10PM...OF WE GO AGAIN...TURNING ROUND IF WE THOUGHT WE MIGHT BE GOING TO FAR.
2.00PM...RETURNED BIKES...KNEE'S ACHING.
2.35PM...BOUGHT SOME BEERS/CHEESE/BAGUETTE'S.
3.00PM...SITTING ON BALCONY...READING/CHATTING/RELAXING/LISTENING TO THE INSECTS!
5.30PM...SUN GONE DOWN...NEEDA SHOWER.
7.00PM...ON MAIN STREET LOOKING FOR SOMEWHERE TO EAT...BUMP INTO IRISH IVOR AND FRIENDS.
7.15PM...RESTAURANT...PORK AND RICE...VODKA BUCKETS...NU AND I ARE WONDERING WHETHER THIS IS REALLY OUR SCENE.
8.30PM...EATEN...VODKA BUCKETS EMPTY...IVOR AND FRIENDS COMPLAINING THERE WASN'T ENOUGH VODKA...TO MUCH COKE!
9.05PM...HEADING FOR SOME PLACE CALLED 'SMILEYS'.
10.00PM...AFTER A LENGTHY WALK WE FIND IT...ITS ACTUALLY NOT SO FAR FROM OUR ABODE...LOADSA YOUNG FOLK DANCING AND DRINKING...NU AND I SHARE A BEER AND DECIDE TO MAKE FOR OUR BED.
CHILLINGLY HOT.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Friday, 7 December 2007
twentyfour...laos...part two
5.12.07.
9.00AM...FEEL LAZY.
9.15AM...SHOWER...NU SOWING INSIDE POCKET INTO NEW SHORTS.
10.05AM...BREAKFAST...SCANDINAVIAN CAFE...OMELLETTE/BREAD/BUTTER/JAM/BOWL OF FRUIT/PINEAPPLE JUICE/CUPPA TEA.
11.10AM...STILL AT SCANDY...DRINKING CAPPUCINO...WHICH IS SURPRISINGLY AS YUMMY AS IT LOOKS...READING.
12.05PM...BOOKED TRIP FOR TOMORROW...GO AT 7.30AM...A LITTLE EARLY FOR ME...OFF TO SEE ELEPHANTS...ANOTHER WATERFALL...AND SOMETHING ELSE...I'VE FORGOTTEN...MEAL INCLUDED.
1.00PM...WALKING MARKET...BOUGHT SOME ORANGES...PRICEY...BUT COULDN'T BE BOTHERED TO BARTER.
2.00PM...WALKED BACK TO GUESTHOUSE...DROPPED OF A FEW THINGS.
2.30PM...BOWL OF PORK/NOODLE LAO SOUP...SPICY!...BEER.
4.45PM...DRINKING COCKTAILS AT THE BLUE LAGOON...THE BOOK I'M READING IS HARD TO PUT DOWN.
7.15PM...BACK AT GUESTHOUSE.
8.00PM...BREAD AND CHEESE...I LOVE THESE MOMENTS...ITS AN ENGLISH MOMENT.
6.12.07.
6.30AM...ALARM...HADN'T SLEPT TO WELL.
6.45AM...SHOWER.
7.10AM...DRESSED AND READY.
7.25AM...NU SORTING WHAT WE NEED TO TAKE.
7.35AM...ON STEPS OF GUESTHOUSE WAITING FOR PICK UP...WE ARE OFF TO SEE THE ELEPHANTS!
7.50AM...PICK UP ARRIVES.
8.30AM...BIT OF A BUMPY DRIVE...BUT WE'VE ARRIVED AT OUR DESTINATION.
8.50AM...WALKING UP STEPS TO A PLATFORM SO WE ARE THE RIGHT HEIGHT TO GET ON THE ELEPHANT.
9.00AM...OFF WE GO...I THINK OUR ELEPHANTS NAME IS PUSHKIN.
10.05AM...I THINK I'VE USED EVERY MUSCLE IN MY BODY...WE'VE BEEN DOWN DIRT TRACK...UP DIRT TRACK...THRU BUSH...THRU STREAM...THRU RIVER...ALTHOUGH I'M A LITTLE WORSE FOR WEAR...I ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE!
10.15AM...NU FEEDING BANANAS TO PUSHKIN...HE DESERVES EVERYONE!
10.25AM...CUPPA COFFEE.
10.55AM...BACK IN MINIBUS.
11.20AM...WE ARRIVE IN VILLIAGE FOR OUR BOAT RIDE[GONDOLA].
12.05PM...OUT THE BOAT WE GET...WALKING TO WATERFALLS.
12.30PM...PORK/VEG/RICE/BOTTLE OF WATER.
1.30PM...NU SWIMMING.
2.40PM...BACK IN MINIBUS.
3.10PM...DROPPED OFF ON MAIN STREET...WALKED TO GUESTHOUSE.
3.40PM...SHOWER...BODY ACHING.
4.10PM...BOOKED MINIBUS FOR VIENG VANG...GO SUNDAY 9.00AM.
5.00PM...CUPPA TEA AT THE SCANDY.
6.10PM...WENT NEXT DOOR TO THE COCONUT TREE...THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE A NICE PLACE TO EAT?
6.25PM...NU ORDERED FISH AND CHIPS...PORK AND CHIPS FOR ME.
6.50PM...THE FISH CAME WHOLE...INCLUDING EYES!...THE PORK CAME DRESSED IN BREADCRUMBS...OH WELL...ORDERED A COUPLE OF BEERS.
7.20PM...IRISH CHAP WE'D MET EARLIER ON IN OUR TRIP JOINED US...WAFFLE ENSUED...HE'D WORKED IN AUSTRALIA...SO HE GAVE US AN INSIGHT ON HOW IT ALL GOES...SOUNDS GOOD...DON'T THINK WE'LL HAVE TO MANY PROBLEMS.
8.55PM...WALKING BACK TO GUESTHOUSE...BOTH TIRED AFTER OUR EARLY START THIS MORNING.
7.12.07.
9.00AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
10.00AM...LAUNDRY SORTED.
10.05AM...WALKED ACROSS THE ROAD FROM OUR LODGINGS FOR BREAKFAST...THE SUN WAS JUST BREAKING THRU.
10.25AM...BAGUETTE/BUTTER/JAM/CUPPA TEA.
11.00AM...HAPPILY READING...THIS BOOK JUST GETS BETTER...A REAL PAGE TURNER...NU WRITING.
12.15PM...HEAD FOR MAIN STREET...NU WANTS TO CHECK EMAILS.
12.35PM...POWER CUT!...NO INTERNET!
12.45PM...CAFE...BEER.
1.00PM...SWEDISH GIRL JOINS US...WE'D MET HER ON OUR FIRST WATERFALL TOUR...SHE'S VERY TALKATIVE.
2.30PM...2 BEERS LATER WE ARE ON OUR WAY TO MUSEUM.
2.50PM...NOT A VERY BIG MUSEUM...ABOUT THE SIZE OF A FOOTBALL PITCH...DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO GET BORED!
4.05PM...SPAG BOL.
4.40PM...NU IN INTERNET CAFE NEXT DOOR...I'M READING...ANOTHER BEER.
6.00PM...BALLET...LOVE...BETRAYAL...RECONCILIATION...OH WOE IS ME!...MASKS...SPIKEY HATS...OUT STRETCHED ARMS/FINGERS...DRUMS ADRUMMING!
7.40PM...BEER...PORK BAGUETTE.
9.15PM...BACK AT GUESTHOUSE...LAUNDRY RETURNED.
STILL CHILLING.
BYE FOR NOWZ,
9.00AM...FEEL LAZY.
9.15AM...SHOWER...NU SOWING INSIDE POCKET INTO NEW SHORTS.
10.05AM...BREAKFAST...SCANDINAVIAN CAFE...OMELLETTE/BREAD/BUTTER/JAM/BOWL OF FRUIT/PINEAPPLE JUICE/CUPPA TEA.
11.10AM...STILL AT SCANDY...DRINKING CAPPUCINO...WHICH IS SURPRISINGLY AS YUMMY AS IT LOOKS...READING.
12.05PM...BOOKED TRIP FOR TOMORROW...GO AT 7.30AM...A LITTLE EARLY FOR ME...OFF TO SEE ELEPHANTS...ANOTHER WATERFALL...AND SOMETHING ELSE...I'VE FORGOTTEN...MEAL INCLUDED.
1.00PM...WALKING MARKET...BOUGHT SOME ORANGES...PRICEY...BUT COULDN'T BE BOTHERED TO BARTER.
2.00PM...WALKED BACK TO GUESTHOUSE...DROPPED OF A FEW THINGS.
2.30PM...BOWL OF PORK/NOODLE LAO SOUP...SPICY!...BEER.
4.45PM...DRINKING COCKTAILS AT THE BLUE LAGOON...THE BOOK I'M READING IS HARD TO PUT DOWN.
7.15PM...BACK AT GUESTHOUSE.
8.00PM...BREAD AND CHEESE...I LOVE THESE MOMENTS...ITS AN ENGLISH MOMENT.
6.12.07.
6.30AM...ALARM...HADN'T SLEPT TO WELL.
6.45AM...SHOWER.
7.10AM...DRESSED AND READY.
7.25AM...NU SORTING WHAT WE NEED TO TAKE.
7.35AM...ON STEPS OF GUESTHOUSE WAITING FOR PICK UP...WE ARE OFF TO SEE THE ELEPHANTS!
7.50AM...PICK UP ARRIVES.
8.30AM...BIT OF A BUMPY DRIVE...BUT WE'VE ARRIVED AT OUR DESTINATION.
8.50AM...WALKING UP STEPS TO A PLATFORM SO WE ARE THE RIGHT HEIGHT TO GET ON THE ELEPHANT.
9.00AM...OFF WE GO...I THINK OUR ELEPHANTS NAME IS PUSHKIN.
10.05AM...I THINK I'VE USED EVERY MUSCLE IN MY BODY...WE'VE BEEN DOWN DIRT TRACK...UP DIRT TRACK...THRU BUSH...THRU STREAM...THRU RIVER...ALTHOUGH I'M A LITTLE WORSE FOR WEAR...I ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE!
10.15AM...NU FEEDING BANANAS TO PUSHKIN...HE DESERVES EVERYONE!
10.25AM...CUPPA COFFEE.
10.55AM...BACK IN MINIBUS.
11.20AM...WE ARRIVE IN VILLIAGE FOR OUR BOAT RIDE[GONDOLA].
12.05PM...OUT THE BOAT WE GET...WALKING TO WATERFALLS.
12.30PM...PORK/VEG/RICE/BOTTLE OF WATER.
1.30PM...NU SWIMMING.
2.40PM...BACK IN MINIBUS.
3.10PM...DROPPED OFF ON MAIN STREET...WALKED TO GUESTHOUSE.
3.40PM...SHOWER...BODY ACHING.
4.10PM...BOOKED MINIBUS FOR VIENG VANG...GO SUNDAY 9.00AM.
5.00PM...CUPPA TEA AT THE SCANDY.
6.10PM...WENT NEXT DOOR TO THE COCONUT TREE...THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE A NICE PLACE TO EAT?
6.25PM...NU ORDERED FISH AND CHIPS...PORK AND CHIPS FOR ME.
6.50PM...THE FISH CAME WHOLE...INCLUDING EYES!...THE PORK CAME DRESSED IN BREADCRUMBS...OH WELL...ORDERED A COUPLE OF BEERS.
7.20PM...IRISH CHAP WE'D MET EARLIER ON IN OUR TRIP JOINED US...WAFFLE ENSUED...HE'D WORKED IN AUSTRALIA...SO HE GAVE US AN INSIGHT ON HOW IT ALL GOES...SOUNDS GOOD...DON'T THINK WE'LL HAVE TO MANY PROBLEMS.
8.55PM...WALKING BACK TO GUESTHOUSE...BOTH TIRED AFTER OUR EARLY START THIS MORNING.
7.12.07.
9.00AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
10.00AM...LAUNDRY SORTED.
10.05AM...WALKED ACROSS THE ROAD FROM OUR LODGINGS FOR BREAKFAST...THE SUN WAS JUST BREAKING THRU.
10.25AM...BAGUETTE/BUTTER/JAM/CUPPA TEA.
11.00AM...HAPPILY READING...THIS BOOK JUST GETS BETTER...A REAL PAGE TURNER...NU WRITING.
12.15PM...HEAD FOR MAIN STREET...NU WANTS TO CHECK EMAILS.
12.35PM...POWER CUT!...NO INTERNET!
12.45PM...CAFE...BEER.
1.00PM...SWEDISH GIRL JOINS US...WE'D MET HER ON OUR FIRST WATERFALL TOUR...SHE'S VERY TALKATIVE.
2.30PM...2 BEERS LATER WE ARE ON OUR WAY TO MUSEUM.
2.50PM...NOT A VERY BIG MUSEUM...ABOUT THE SIZE OF A FOOTBALL PITCH...DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO GET BORED!
4.05PM...SPAG BOL.
4.40PM...NU IN INTERNET CAFE NEXT DOOR...I'M READING...ANOTHER BEER.
6.00PM...BALLET...LOVE...BETRAYAL...RECONCILIATION...OH WOE IS ME!...MASKS...SPIKEY HATS...OUT STRETCHED ARMS/FINGERS...DRUMS ADRUMMING!
7.40PM...BEER...PORK BAGUETTE.
9.15PM...BACK AT GUESTHOUSE...LAUNDRY RETURNED.
STILL CHILLING.
BYE FOR NOWZ,
Tuesday, 4 December 2007
twentythird...laos.......[1500]
2.12.07.
9.15AM...HAD A LATE NIGHT WATCHING FOOTIE...SO A LATE START TODAY.
10.45AM...BREAKFAST...BANANA PANCAKE...3 CUPS OF TEA.
12.10PM...WENT TO SEE A MINATURE ANGHOR WAT...SOME CHAP BUILT IT IN HIS BACK GARDEN.
12.40PM...BUTTERFLY GARDENS...APPARENTLY THERE ARE OVER 1500 DIFFERENT SPECIES HERE...PINEAPPLE...COCONUT ICECREAM...DELICIOUS...ALSO HAD MIXED FRIUT SHAKE.
2.50PM...WALKED BACK VIA THE MARKET.
5.00PM...FEELING PECKISH.
5.50PM...BACK AT OUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANT...PACKED OUT...WHEN I BECOME FOND OF SOMETHING...EVERYBODY SEEMS TO FOLLOW!
6.30PM...PORK...CHIPS...SALAD...MY FAVOURITE.
8.00PM...BACK AT GUESTHOUSE...BOOKED TAXI FOR AIRPORT FOR 10AM TOMORROW...FLY AT 12.55PM.
8.30PM...PACKING...TRYING TO RELAX...FIND IT HARD WHEN WE ARE ABOUT TO MOVE ON.
OVERALL VIEW.
I don't think the cambodians are as friendly as the viets.[Do i have a right to compare?]It costs more even though it's a poorer country.We were in Phnom Penh for only 2 days,it was packed because the water festival was on.So maybe it was the wrong time to go.Although the water festival was worthwhile seeing!To me the place was very dirty.Siem Reap,a small town,quite westernised,a little bit Greecified.Anghor Wat is well worth a visit if you like stones,boulders.But if you are not good on your feet,quite frustrating.Could do with tarmacing and a few stannah stairslifts!But its ancient,its historic.Its a place you have to see,just to say you've been!
3.12.09.
8.00AM...HERE WE GO AGAIN...SHOWER.
9.00AM...BREAKFAST...BREAD AND JAM...2 CUPS OF TEA.
10.10AM...TAXI TO AIRPORT...6 DOLLARS.
10.40AM...AIRPORT.
11.00AM...CHECK IN...BYE BYE BAGS...SEE YOU IN ABOUT FOUR HOURS.
11.30AM...PASSPORT CONTROL...HAVE TO PAY 25 DOLLARS EACH TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY...I TOLD HER THAT I HOPE IT GOES TO THE POOR CHILDREN...SHE LAUGHED...I SAID IT WASN'T FUNNY...ALSO I HADN'T FILLED IN MY DEPARTURE SLIP...SO I WAS SHOOED TO THE REAR OF THE QUEUE!
11.45AM...SORTED...NEED A COFFEE.
12.20PM...WAITING TO BOARD.
12.55PM...ON RUNWAY...THE PLANE THAT IS...NOT ME!
1.25PM...SALAMI COB...GLASS OF WATER...READING.
2.35PM...TOUCH DOWN.
2.50PM...MORE FORMS TO FILL!
3.05PM...STANDING IN QUEUE.
3.20PM...WE DON'T HAVE ANY PASSPORT PHOTO'S TO GIVE THEM FOR OUR VISA APPLICATIONS...SO WE HAVE TO PAY A DOLLAR EACH...PLUS 36 DOLLARS EACH FOR THE VISA!
3.40PM...TWO DUTCH GUYS ASK IF THEY CAN BORROW SOME MONEY[42 DOLLARS]...THEY'LL RETURN IT WHEN THEY GET TO A BANK IN TOWN...OK!
4.00PM...WE SHARE A TAXI TO THE TOWN CENTRE.
4.20PM...MONEY RETURNED.
4.40PM...FOUND A GUESTHOUSE...2 POUND A NIGHT...IT'LL DO.
5.30PM...DUTCH CHAPS AND US HEAD FOR THE NEAREST BAR...RESTAURANT.
7.35PM...LAOS CURRY...OK...BIT BLAND.
9.30PM...HAD ENOUGH BEER[5]...BELLY CONTENT...11 DOLLARS THE LOT!...FOR BOTH.
10.00PM...ENJOYABLE EVENING...GOOD NIGHT.
4.12.07.
8.00AM...GOSH ITS NOISY...NOT HAPPY.
9.00AM...SHOWER COLD...NOT HAPPY.
9.35AM... NU AGREES...WE ARE ON THE MOVE AGAIN.
10.30AM...BOOKED INTO ANOTHER GUESTHOUSE...7 POUND A NIGHT...ONLY THE BEST FOR NU!
11.40AM...BREAKIE TIME...SAUSAGE...BACON...EGG...HAM...BAGUETTE...CUPPA TEA...LEMON MILKSHAKE...BIT BITTER.
12.55PM...WALKING MAIN STREET...WE NOTICE THERES A TOUR TO GO AND SEE THE WATERFALLS ...GOES AT 1.30PM TODAY...4 DOLLARS.
1.05PM...BOOKED...ON WAY BACK TO GUESTHOUSE...NU WANTS TO CHANGE INTO SWIMMING COSTUME.
1.30PM...WAITING ON STEPS OF GUESTHOUSE FOR PICKUP.
1.55PM...GETTING WORRIED...DID WE GIVE THE RIGHT NAME OF THE GUESTHOUSE?
2.00PM...MINIBUS TURNS UP...OFF WE GO...NOT HAPPY...MOB PHONE GOT NO SIGNAL!
2.45PM...PLEASANT ENOUGH JOURNEY THRU THE VILLIAGES...ONE THING WAS A DISAPPOINTMENT...HAD TO PAY ANOTHER 2 DOLLARS TO ACTUALLY GO IN TO SEE THE WATERFALLS...BUT THERES A PLUS...THERES BEARS TO SEE AS WELL...NU HAPPY.
3.10PM...WATERFALLS...WELL I SUPPOSE THEY HAVE SOMETHING...MAINLY WATER...NU HAD A SWIM...NU HAPPY...THE BEARS OOZED LAZINESS...NOT DOING A LOT.
4.15PM...BEER.
4.40PM...BACK IN MINIBUS.
5.20PM...BACK AT GUESTHOUSE...GONE CHILLY...NEED MY JEANS...BEEN IN SHORTS FOR THE LAST 2 MONTHS...IT FEELS STRANGE TO HAVE MY LEGS COVERED.
6.40PM...RESTAURANT...NAMED THE BAKERY...TREATING MYSELF...STEAK...CHIPS...SALAD...SEVEN UP!
7.05PM...LOOKS GOOD?...TASTES OK...7 CHIPS...SALAD CAKED IN MAYO...OH WELL.
7.40PM...ORDERED A BOTTLE OF RED...SLICE OF APPLE BREAD CAKE.
8.00PM...I ORDERED LINDEMANS 2001...NOT 2006...NU SAYS I'M A MOANING MINI...APPLE CAKE A BIT DRY!
8.25PM...BILL CAME...FAIR ENOUGH...I DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH OF THERE CURRENCY...SO I GAVE THEM 30 DOLLARS...THE WAITER CAME BACK WANTING MORE...HE CAN'T ADD UP!
8.50PM...HE'S BACK WITH CALCULATOR.
8.55PM...SORTED...EVEN GOT SOME CHANGE...HE LOOKS A BIT LOST!
9.20PM...FINISHED WINE...ON OUR WAY.
CHILLED.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
9.15AM...HAD A LATE NIGHT WATCHING FOOTIE...SO A LATE START TODAY.
10.45AM...BREAKFAST...BANANA PANCAKE...3 CUPS OF TEA.
12.10PM...WENT TO SEE A MINATURE ANGHOR WAT...SOME CHAP BUILT IT IN HIS BACK GARDEN.
12.40PM...BUTTERFLY GARDENS...APPARENTLY THERE ARE OVER 1500 DIFFERENT SPECIES HERE...PINEAPPLE...COCONUT ICECREAM...DELICIOUS...ALSO HAD MIXED FRIUT SHAKE.
2.50PM...WALKED BACK VIA THE MARKET.
5.00PM...FEELING PECKISH.
5.50PM...BACK AT OUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANT...PACKED OUT...WHEN I BECOME FOND OF SOMETHING...EVERYBODY SEEMS TO FOLLOW!
6.30PM...PORK...CHIPS...SALAD...MY FAVOURITE.
8.00PM...BACK AT GUESTHOUSE...BOOKED TAXI FOR AIRPORT FOR 10AM TOMORROW...FLY AT 12.55PM.
8.30PM...PACKING...TRYING TO RELAX...FIND IT HARD WHEN WE ARE ABOUT TO MOVE ON.
OVERALL VIEW.
I don't think the cambodians are as friendly as the viets.[Do i have a right to compare?]It costs more even though it's a poorer country.We were in Phnom Penh for only 2 days,it was packed because the water festival was on.So maybe it was the wrong time to go.Although the water festival was worthwhile seeing!To me the place was very dirty.Siem Reap,a small town,quite westernised,a little bit Greecified.Anghor Wat is well worth a visit if you like stones,boulders.But if you are not good on your feet,quite frustrating.Could do with tarmacing and a few stannah stairslifts!But its ancient,its historic.Its a place you have to see,just to say you've been!
3.12.09.
8.00AM...HERE WE GO AGAIN...SHOWER.
9.00AM...BREAKFAST...BREAD AND JAM...2 CUPS OF TEA.
10.10AM...TAXI TO AIRPORT...6 DOLLARS.
10.40AM...AIRPORT.
11.00AM...CHECK IN...BYE BYE BAGS...SEE YOU IN ABOUT FOUR HOURS.
11.30AM...PASSPORT CONTROL...HAVE TO PAY 25 DOLLARS EACH TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY...I TOLD HER THAT I HOPE IT GOES TO THE POOR CHILDREN...SHE LAUGHED...I SAID IT WASN'T FUNNY...ALSO I HADN'T FILLED IN MY DEPARTURE SLIP...SO I WAS SHOOED TO THE REAR OF THE QUEUE!
11.45AM...SORTED...NEED A COFFEE.
12.20PM...WAITING TO BOARD.
12.55PM...ON RUNWAY...THE PLANE THAT IS...NOT ME!
1.25PM...SALAMI COB...GLASS OF WATER...READING.
2.35PM...TOUCH DOWN.
2.50PM...MORE FORMS TO FILL!
3.05PM...STANDING IN QUEUE.
3.20PM...WE DON'T HAVE ANY PASSPORT PHOTO'S TO GIVE THEM FOR OUR VISA APPLICATIONS...SO WE HAVE TO PAY A DOLLAR EACH...PLUS 36 DOLLARS EACH FOR THE VISA!
3.40PM...TWO DUTCH GUYS ASK IF THEY CAN BORROW SOME MONEY[42 DOLLARS]...THEY'LL RETURN IT WHEN THEY GET TO A BANK IN TOWN...OK!
4.00PM...WE SHARE A TAXI TO THE TOWN CENTRE.
4.20PM...MONEY RETURNED.
4.40PM...FOUND A GUESTHOUSE...2 POUND A NIGHT...IT'LL DO.
5.30PM...DUTCH CHAPS AND US HEAD FOR THE NEAREST BAR...RESTAURANT.
7.35PM...LAOS CURRY...OK...BIT BLAND.
9.30PM...HAD ENOUGH BEER[5]...BELLY CONTENT...11 DOLLARS THE LOT!...FOR BOTH.
10.00PM...ENJOYABLE EVENING...GOOD NIGHT.
4.12.07.
8.00AM...GOSH ITS NOISY...NOT HAPPY.
9.00AM...SHOWER COLD...NOT HAPPY.
9.35AM... NU AGREES...WE ARE ON THE MOVE AGAIN.
10.30AM...BOOKED INTO ANOTHER GUESTHOUSE...7 POUND A NIGHT...ONLY THE BEST FOR NU!
11.40AM...BREAKIE TIME...SAUSAGE...BACON...EGG...HAM...BAGUETTE...CUPPA TEA...LEMON MILKSHAKE...BIT BITTER.
12.55PM...WALKING MAIN STREET...WE NOTICE THERES A TOUR TO GO AND SEE THE WATERFALLS ...GOES AT 1.30PM TODAY...4 DOLLARS.
1.05PM...BOOKED...ON WAY BACK TO GUESTHOUSE...NU WANTS TO CHANGE INTO SWIMMING COSTUME.
1.30PM...WAITING ON STEPS OF GUESTHOUSE FOR PICKUP.
1.55PM...GETTING WORRIED...DID WE GIVE THE RIGHT NAME OF THE GUESTHOUSE?
2.00PM...MINIBUS TURNS UP...OFF WE GO...NOT HAPPY...MOB PHONE GOT NO SIGNAL!
2.45PM...PLEASANT ENOUGH JOURNEY THRU THE VILLIAGES...ONE THING WAS A DISAPPOINTMENT...HAD TO PAY ANOTHER 2 DOLLARS TO ACTUALLY GO IN TO SEE THE WATERFALLS...BUT THERES A PLUS...THERES BEARS TO SEE AS WELL...NU HAPPY.
3.10PM...WATERFALLS...WELL I SUPPOSE THEY HAVE SOMETHING...MAINLY WATER...NU HAD A SWIM...NU HAPPY...THE BEARS OOZED LAZINESS...NOT DOING A LOT.
4.15PM...BEER.
4.40PM...BACK IN MINIBUS.
5.20PM...BACK AT GUESTHOUSE...GONE CHILLY...NEED MY JEANS...BEEN IN SHORTS FOR THE LAST 2 MONTHS...IT FEELS STRANGE TO HAVE MY LEGS COVERED.
6.40PM...RESTAURANT...NAMED THE BAKERY...TREATING MYSELF...STEAK...CHIPS...SALAD...SEVEN UP!
7.05PM...LOOKS GOOD?...TASTES OK...7 CHIPS...SALAD CAKED IN MAYO...OH WELL.
7.40PM...ORDERED A BOTTLE OF RED...SLICE OF APPLE BREAD CAKE.
8.00PM...I ORDERED LINDEMANS 2001...NOT 2006...NU SAYS I'M A MOANING MINI...APPLE CAKE A BIT DRY!
8.25PM...BILL CAME...FAIR ENOUGH...I DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH OF THERE CURRENCY...SO I GAVE THEM 30 DOLLARS...THE WAITER CAME BACK WANTING MORE...HE CAN'T ADD UP!
8.50PM...HE'S BACK WITH CALCULATOR.
8.55PM...SORTED...EVEN GOT SOME CHANGE...HE LOOKS A BIT LOST!
9.20PM...FINISHED WINE...ON OUR WAY.
CHILLED.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Sunday, 2 December 2007
twentysecond...too hot....[1,250]
29.11.07.
8.30AM...UP AND PACKING...WE ARE MOVING ROUND THE CORNER...ONLY 10 DOLLARS...BEEN PAYING 20.
9.30AM...DROP BAGS IN ROOM...HEAD FOR CAFE FOR BREAKIE.
10.00AM...BANANA PANCAKE/SHAKE.
11.00AM...BOUGHT AIR TICKETS FOR LUANG PRABANG,LAOS...FLY MONDAY 3RD DEC AT 12.55PM...GOTTA PICK TICKETS UP AT 6.00PM TODAY.
12.10PM...WALKING AROUND MARKET...SO MANY THINGS TO BUY.
1.40PM...COCONUT MILKSHAKE.
2.25PM...MORE SHOPPING...CARDS...LONELY PLANET GUIDE FOR LAOS...MANDARINS...NOT AS SWEET AS USUAL.
4.50PM...RESTAURANT/BAR...CHIPS/SALAD AND PORK SKEWERS...BEER...AUSSIE COUPLE WE MET IN RACH GIA TURN UP...WHO'S FOLLOWING WHO?
6.20PM...PICK AIR TICKETS UP.
6.35PM...BACK AT GUESTHOUSE.
6.40PM...WASHED HANDS...WATER NOT GOING DOWN PLUGHOLE...GOT CHAP WHO RUNS THE GUESTHOUSE...HE'S DOING IS BEST? TO FIX IT...BASIN FALLS OF THE WALL!...WATER EVERYWHERE!
7.00PM...THE OWNER TURNS UP...TIME TO CHANGE ROOM.
7.35PM...FELL ASLEEP...ALL THIS EXCITMENT IS ALL TOO MUCH!
30.11.07.
8.45AM...AWAKE.
9.15AM...SHAVE/SHOWER...VERY SLOW THIS MORNING.
10.15AM...CAFE...FRIED EGGS/BACON/CUPPA TEA.
11.00AM...BUSILY WRITING CARDS...NEITHER OF US FEELS LIKE DOING ANYTHING...WE GET THESE DAYS QUITE REGULARLY.
11.45AM...BEER.
12.25PM...ANOTHER BEER.
1.00PM...POST OFFICE...THOUGHT IT WAS CLOSER...BIT OF A WALK.
1.15PM...PACKING 2 BOXES WITH CHRISTMAS PRESSIES...HOPE THEY GET THERE ON TIME!
2.05PM...DEPARTING POST OFFICE...THEY ARE A BIT SLOW HERE.
2.30PM...BEER...FREE NUTS...NU'S KNEE HURTING.
3.20PM...MADE IT TO OUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANT.
3.40PM...TRIED SOMETHING DIFFERENT...WISH I HADN'T...NOT MY TASTE.
4.55PM...BOUGHT A PAIR OF SHORTS...MY MP3 DIED ON ME...CHAPPIE IN SHOP TRIED TO HELP...BINNED IT!
6.00PM...TOOK SHORTS BACK...PICKED UP XL PAIR...ONLY NEED MEDIUM!...HONEST!...SWOPPED'EM.
7.00PM...BACK IN ROOM...IN THE SHADE...ITS TOO HOT...WOULD LOVE IT TO SNOW.
9.00PM...WELSHIES TEXT...GONNA HAVE ONE LAST DRINK WITH THEM...THEY LEAVE TOMORROW.
10.10PM...GOT WAYLAID...SO WE MISSED THEM...OUCH!
1.12.07.
9.00AM...HAD A LAY IN.
10.30AM...BREAKFAST...BANANA MILKSHAKE/EGG AND CHIPS.
11.30AM...SEARCHING FOR NEW MP3 PLAYER.
12.50PM...WENT BACK TO GUESTHOUSE...NEED SOME SHADE...HEAT GETTING TO ME...COULD DO WITH SOME RAIN.
1.30PM...LYING ON BED...EATING MANDARINS.
3.00PM...LYING ON BED...RUN OUT OF MANDARINS.
4.00PM...WENT TO SUPERMARKET...CHEESE AND BREAD...WONDERFUL!
5.00PM...WATCHING MIKE PALIN ON BBC WORLD.
6.45PM...WENT TO DEAD FISH RESTAURANT...A WOOD AND CORRAGATED CONSTRUCTION...ITS MEANT TO BE POSH AND ARTY...THE FOOD IS TWICE THE PRICE...AND YOU GET LESS ON YOUR PLATE...I RECKON PEOPLE ONLY COME HERE TO SAY THEY'VE BEEN HERE...SO WHY AM I HERE?!
8.20PM...NIGHT MARKET...WELL ITS THE EVENING...ITS DARK...IT GOTTA A FEW CRAFT STALLS ETC...AND I'M WELL BORED.
9.05PM...SPORTS BAR...ITS SATURDAY...BACARDI AND COKES...FREE SHOTS OF SOMETHING...FOOTIES ON...NU NOT MIND.
A DROP OF RAIN WOULD HELP.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
8.30AM...UP AND PACKING...WE ARE MOVING ROUND THE CORNER...ONLY 10 DOLLARS...BEEN PAYING 20.
9.30AM...DROP BAGS IN ROOM...HEAD FOR CAFE FOR BREAKIE.
10.00AM...BANANA PANCAKE/SHAKE.
11.00AM...BOUGHT AIR TICKETS FOR LUANG PRABANG,LAOS...FLY MONDAY 3RD DEC AT 12.55PM...GOTTA PICK TICKETS UP AT 6.00PM TODAY.
12.10PM...WALKING AROUND MARKET...SO MANY THINGS TO BUY.
1.40PM...COCONUT MILKSHAKE.
2.25PM...MORE SHOPPING...CARDS...LONELY PLANET GUIDE FOR LAOS...MANDARINS...NOT AS SWEET AS USUAL.
4.50PM...RESTAURANT/BAR...CHIPS/SALAD AND PORK SKEWERS...BEER...AUSSIE COUPLE WE MET IN RACH GIA TURN UP...WHO'S FOLLOWING WHO?
6.20PM...PICK AIR TICKETS UP.
6.35PM...BACK AT GUESTHOUSE.
6.40PM...WASHED HANDS...WATER NOT GOING DOWN PLUGHOLE...GOT CHAP WHO RUNS THE GUESTHOUSE...HE'S DOING IS BEST? TO FIX IT...BASIN FALLS OF THE WALL!...WATER EVERYWHERE!
7.00PM...THE OWNER TURNS UP...TIME TO CHANGE ROOM.
7.35PM...FELL ASLEEP...ALL THIS EXCITMENT IS ALL TOO MUCH!
30.11.07.
8.45AM...AWAKE.
9.15AM...SHAVE/SHOWER...VERY SLOW THIS MORNING.
10.15AM...CAFE...FRIED EGGS/BACON/CUPPA TEA.
11.00AM...BUSILY WRITING CARDS...NEITHER OF US FEELS LIKE DOING ANYTHING...WE GET THESE DAYS QUITE REGULARLY.
11.45AM...BEER.
12.25PM...ANOTHER BEER.
1.00PM...POST OFFICE...THOUGHT IT WAS CLOSER...BIT OF A WALK.
1.15PM...PACKING 2 BOXES WITH CHRISTMAS PRESSIES...HOPE THEY GET THERE ON TIME!
2.05PM...DEPARTING POST OFFICE...THEY ARE A BIT SLOW HERE.
2.30PM...BEER...FREE NUTS...NU'S KNEE HURTING.
3.20PM...MADE IT TO OUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANT.
3.40PM...TRIED SOMETHING DIFFERENT...WISH I HADN'T...NOT MY TASTE.
4.55PM...BOUGHT A PAIR OF SHORTS...MY MP3 DIED ON ME...CHAPPIE IN SHOP TRIED TO HELP...BINNED IT!
6.00PM...TOOK SHORTS BACK...PICKED UP XL PAIR...ONLY NEED MEDIUM!...HONEST!...SWOPPED'EM.
7.00PM...BACK IN ROOM...IN THE SHADE...ITS TOO HOT...WOULD LOVE IT TO SNOW.
9.00PM...WELSHIES TEXT...GONNA HAVE ONE LAST DRINK WITH THEM...THEY LEAVE TOMORROW.
10.10PM...GOT WAYLAID...SO WE MISSED THEM...OUCH!
1.12.07.
9.00AM...HAD A LAY IN.
10.30AM...BREAKFAST...BANANA MILKSHAKE/EGG AND CHIPS.
11.30AM...SEARCHING FOR NEW MP3 PLAYER.
12.50PM...WENT BACK TO GUESTHOUSE...NEED SOME SHADE...HEAT GETTING TO ME...COULD DO WITH SOME RAIN.
1.30PM...LYING ON BED...EATING MANDARINS.
3.00PM...LYING ON BED...RUN OUT OF MANDARINS.
4.00PM...WENT TO SUPERMARKET...CHEESE AND BREAD...WONDERFUL!
5.00PM...WATCHING MIKE PALIN ON BBC WORLD.
6.45PM...WENT TO DEAD FISH RESTAURANT...A WOOD AND CORRAGATED CONSTRUCTION...ITS MEANT TO BE POSH AND ARTY...THE FOOD IS TWICE THE PRICE...AND YOU GET LESS ON YOUR PLATE...I RECKON PEOPLE ONLY COME HERE TO SAY THEY'VE BEEN HERE...SO WHY AM I HERE?!
8.20PM...NIGHT MARKET...WELL ITS THE EVENING...ITS DARK...IT GOTTA A FEW CRAFT STALLS ETC...AND I'M WELL BORED.
9.05PM...SPORTS BAR...ITS SATURDAY...BACARDI AND COKES...FREE SHOTS OF SOMETHING...FOOTIES ON...NU NOT MIND.
A DROP OF RAIN WOULD HELP.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
twenty second....ankar.......[800]
26.11.07.
7.15AM...WOKE.
7.30AM...WENT TO GET SOME COFFEE...NU IN SHOWER.
8.05AM...SHOWERED.
8.20AM...PACKING.
8.45AM...DEPARTED HOTEL...JUMPED IN TUK TUK...HEADED FOR IVY GUESTHOUSE.
9.05AM...ORDERED BREAKFAST AND WAITED FOR OUR ROOM TO BE PREPARED.
9.35AM...BREAKFAST...2 FRIED EGG...1 WELL DONE...1 RUNNY...3 BACON...BAKE BEANS!...2 LARGE POTATO AND ONION CAKES...BIT SALTY...COFFEE NEEDED A DROP MORE MILK...BUT I'LL PROBABLY GO FOR IT AGAIN.
10.30AM...SHOWN ROOM...OK?
11.15AM...DECIDED TO WALK THE TOWN...BOUGHT SOME POSTCARDS...HAD A COUPLE OF BEERS...READ THE LAST FEW PAGES OF MY BOOK...IT'S TAKEN 2 WEEKS...GUESS I'M A BIT SLOW.
2.00PM...GOING THRU INFO ON ANKAR WAT...NU TRYING TO SORT ITINARY...ALSO WANTS TO GO AND SEE A BIRD RESERVE...STREET CHILDRENS THEATRE...IT'S ALL TO MUCH FOR ME!...ANKAR SUNDOWN IS MEANT TO BE WONDERFUL...THATS SUITS ME...NO RACE TO GET SOMEWHERE EARLY IN THE MORNING.
4.00PM...BACK IN ROOM...NU CHECKING OUT MOSQUITO POPULATION...BURNERS ON...THE SMOKE AND ARE MEANT TO DETER THE MOSQ'S...I'M YET TO BE CONVINCED...TV ON...BBC NEWS 24.
6.00PM.KNOCK ON DOOR...TEXT HUE[WELSH] EARLIER...THEY'D JUST ARRIVED...SO WE ARE GONNA SEE THEM TOMORROW...HAD A BEER.
8.30PM...OFF WE GO FOR A PIZZA...NOT SURE IF I'M HUNGRY?
8.50PM...HAPPY HERB PIZZA...SIEM REAP NOT BEING THAT BIG...IT DIDN'T TAKE LONG TO FIND.
8.55PM...ORDERED MUSHROOM PIZZA/COKE.
9.10PM...IN FRONT OF ME SITS A RATHER CHEESY PIZZA...THERE WERE MUSHROOMS...BUT NOT MANY...THERE ARE 2 THINGS I ENVY ABOUT CERTAIN PEOPLE...1]THEY KNOW HOW TO SECTION A PIZZA WITHOUT TAKING THE CHEESE FROM THE NEXT PORTION OF PIZZA...ELASTICATED CHEESE EVERYWHERE!...YOU TRY TO PULL IT FURTHER AND IT JUST EXTENDS...THE OTHER THING I ENVY IS PEOPLE WHO CAN DEBONE A FISH WITH LIMITED FUSS AND LIMITED STICKINESS...JUST GETTING A SHRIMP OUT OF ITS SHELL IS A HARDUOUS TASK FOR ME...APPARENTLY THIS THE BEST PIZZA IN TOWN...GOD HELP THE REST!
9.50PM...SITTING IN BAR DRINKING BACARDI/COKE...LISTENING TO SOME ROCK CLASSICS.
10.15PM...WELSHIES JOIN US...LOTS OF BANTER...MORE BACARD'S.
12.40AM...BACK AT GUESTHOUSE...LITTLE TIPSY.
27.11.07.
8.15AM...RISE AND SHINE.
8.35AM...SHOWER.
9.10AM...BREAKFAST AT A LITTLE CAFE OVER THE ROAD...FOOD AT OUR GUESTHOUSE NOT THE BEST.
9.30AM...FINNISH CHAPPIE WE MET IN VIETNAM JOINED US.
10.30AM...HEADED BACK TO GUESTHOUSE...NU GOT SOME HAND CLOTHES WASHING TO DO.
11.30AM...WENT TO FIND LAOS AIRLINES OFFICE...LEFT NU WITH A MILKSHAKE AND WRITING CARDS.
12.45PM...FOUND IT...HAVEN'T THE FOGGEST HOW FAR I'VE WALKED...NOT OPEN TILL 1.30PM...OUCH.
12.55PM...IN SOME POSH HOTEL HAVING A BEER...WATCHING A CAMBODIAN WAITER SQUEEZE PINEAPPLES AND ORANGES FOR COCKTAILS.
1.30PM...1ST IN QUEUE AT THE LAOS OFFICE...NOT A BAD PRICE...PROBABLY FLY TO LUANG PRABANG ON SUNDAY?
1.50PM...JUMP IN TUK TUK...DECIDED THW WALK BACK WAS TO MUCH...AND NU MIGHT BE WORRYING WHERE I'VE GOT TOO.
2.05PM...BACK WITH NU...STILL BUSILY WRITING...DON'T THINK I'VE BEEN MISSED.
2.20PM...STEAK BAGUETTE...HORRIBLE...ONLY HAD ONE BITE.
2.40PM...IN TUK TUK...GOING TO THE SINGING TREE...A PLACE WHERE THEY HELP ORPHANED CHILDREN.
2.55PM...AT THE SINGING TREE.
3.10PM...WATCHING FILM ABOUT STREET CHILDREN.
5.00PM...WALKED BACK VIA MARKET...BOUGHT 2 TSHIRTS...75p EACH...OK.
5.40PM...BACK IN ROOM.
6.00PM...RUMING AND PEPSING.
7.10PM...TEMPLE BAR/RESTAURANT...WE ARE HERE FOR THE DANCERS AND HOPEFULLY A NICE MEAL?
7.45PM...KYMER AMOK...FISH/PORK/CHICKEN IN A SPICY SAUCE ON BED OF RICE...BEST CAMBODIAN MEAL SO FAR...BOTTLE OF ROSE.
8.45PM...STILL AT RESTAURANT...MET UP WITH IRISH COUPLE WE LAST SAW IN PHU QUOC...NU ENJOYING DANCERS...CAMERA HAPPY.
9.45PM...BANANA LEAF BAR...BACARDI'S...MEANT TO MEET WELSHIES...BIT LATE.
10.30PM...BED.
28.11.07.
8.30AM...ROSE...THROAT A BNIT DRY.
8.35AM...HALF LITRE BOTTLE OF WATER.
8.45AM...SHOWER.
9.35AM...SUPERMARKET...NEED WATER FOR TRIP TO ANKAR WAT...HAIR DYE FOR NU.
10.05AM...BREAKFAST...APPLE PANCAKE/APPLE SHAKE/CUPPA TEA.
11.10AM...BACK IN ROOM...BOOKED TUK TUK FOR MIDDAY FOR ANKAR TRIP.
11.45AM...BANANA MILKSHAKE.
12.05PM...IN TUK TUK...BUMPER T'BUMP...MUST BE GETTING OLD...CAN FEEL MY BOOBS BOUNCE.
12.35PM...ANKAR WAT...SOME TEMPLE...LOTTA STEPS...ANOTHER TEMPLE CALLED BUPHEON...LOTTA ROCKS...NEXT BAYON...STEPS/STONES/ROCKS...LOTS OF LITTLE ROOMS...REMINDED ME OF LEGO BRICKS...WHEN I WAS ABOUT 7 YEARS OLD I USED TO BUILD HOUSES WITH MANY LITTLE ROOMS ON THIS GREY LEGO BOARD...IN TIME ONE BRICK WOULD FALL...THE WALL WOULD GET KNOCKED AND CAVE IN...THE ROOF WOULD COLLAPSE...MANY BRICKS STREWN...THATS WHAT ANKAR LOOKS LIKE...ALSO SAW TEMPLE OF ELEPHANTS...TEMPLE OF LEPERS...EVER SO EXCITING!...HEAT AT TIMES TOO MUCH.
5.30PM...BACK IN TUK TUK.
6.00PM...BACK IN ROOM.
6.20PM...NU DYING HAIR...I'M WATCHING BBC NEWS 24...ITS A GREAT LIFE [REALLY!]...WELL TIRED...BACK ACHE...KNEE ACHE...MY BRAINS ALRIGHT THOUGH!
7.00PM...WENT TO OUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANT/BAR...HAD A DELICIOUS KYMER MEAL...SPOKE WITH A COUPLE FROM CAMBRIDGE WHO PRODUCE THERE OWN CHEESE...GONNA KEEP IN TOUCH...GONNA SEND US SOME CHEESE!
9.30PM...WESHIES TURN UP...GOT BACK TO GUESTHOUSE ABOUT 1.30AM...COCKTAILED OUT!
WHAT!
BYE FOR NOWZ.
7.15AM...WOKE.
7.30AM...WENT TO GET SOME COFFEE...NU IN SHOWER.
8.05AM...SHOWERED.
8.20AM...PACKING.
8.45AM...DEPARTED HOTEL...JUMPED IN TUK TUK...HEADED FOR IVY GUESTHOUSE.
9.05AM...ORDERED BREAKFAST AND WAITED FOR OUR ROOM TO BE PREPARED.
9.35AM...BREAKFAST...2 FRIED EGG...1 WELL DONE...1 RUNNY...3 BACON...BAKE BEANS!...2 LARGE POTATO AND ONION CAKES...BIT SALTY...COFFEE NEEDED A DROP MORE MILK...BUT I'LL PROBABLY GO FOR IT AGAIN.
10.30AM...SHOWN ROOM...OK?
11.15AM...DECIDED TO WALK THE TOWN...BOUGHT SOME POSTCARDS...HAD A COUPLE OF BEERS...READ THE LAST FEW PAGES OF MY BOOK...IT'S TAKEN 2 WEEKS...GUESS I'M A BIT SLOW.
2.00PM...GOING THRU INFO ON ANKAR WAT...NU TRYING TO SORT ITINARY...ALSO WANTS TO GO AND SEE A BIRD RESERVE...STREET CHILDRENS THEATRE...IT'S ALL TO MUCH FOR ME!...ANKAR SUNDOWN IS MEANT TO BE WONDERFUL...THATS SUITS ME...NO RACE TO GET SOMEWHERE EARLY IN THE MORNING.
4.00PM...BACK IN ROOM...NU CHECKING OUT MOSQUITO POPULATION...BURNERS ON...THE SMOKE AND ARE MEANT TO DETER THE MOSQ'S...I'M YET TO BE CONVINCED...TV ON...BBC NEWS 24.
6.00PM.KNOCK ON DOOR...TEXT HUE[WELSH] EARLIER...THEY'D JUST ARRIVED...SO WE ARE GONNA SEE THEM TOMORROW...HAD A BEER.
8.30PM...OFF WE GO FOR A PIZZA...NOT SURE IF I'M HUNGRY?
8.50PM...HAPPY HERB PIZZA...SIEM REAP NOT BEING THAT BIG...IT DIDN'T TAKE LONG TO FIND.
8.55PM...ORDERED MUSHROOM PIZZA/COKE.
9.10PM...IN FRONT OF ME SITS A RATHER CHEESY PIZZA...THERE WERE MUSHROOMS...BUT NOT MANY...THERE ARE 2 THINGS I ENVY ABOUT CERTAIN PEOPLE...1]THEY KNOW HOW TO SECTION A PIZZA WITHOUT TAKING THE CHEESE FROM THE NEXT PORTION OF PIZZA...ELASTICATED CHEESE EVERYWHERE!...YOU TRY TO PULL IT FURTHER AND IT JUST EXTENDS...THE OTHER THING I ENVY IS PEOPLE WHO CAN DEBONE A FISH WITH LIMITED FUSS AND LIMITED STICKINESS...JUST GETTING A SHRIMP OUT OF ITS SHELL IS A HARDUOUS TASK FOR ME...APPARENTLY THIS THE BEST PIZZA IN TOWN...GOD HELP THE REST!
9.50PM...SITTING IN BAR DRINKING BACARDI/COKE...LISTENING TO SOME ROCK CLASSICS.
10.15PM...WELSHIES JOIN US...LOTS OF BANTER...MORE BACARD'S.
12.40AM...BACK AT GUESTHOUSE...LITTLE TIPSY.
27.11.07.
8.15AM...RISE AND SHINE.
8.35AM...SHOWER.
9.10AM...BREAKFAST AT A LITTLE CAFE OVER THE ROAD...FOOD AT OUR GUESTHOUSE NOT THE BEST.
9.30AM...FINNISH CHAPPIE WE MET IN VIETNAM JOINED US.
10.30AM...HEADED BACK TO GUESTHOUSE...NU GOT SOME HAND CLOTHES WASHING TO DO.
11.30AM...WENT TO FIND LAOS AIRLINES OFFICE...LEFT NU WITH A MILKSHAKE AND WRITING CARDS.
12.45PM...FOUND IT...HAVEN'T THE FOGGEST HOW FAR I'VE WALKED...NOT OPEN TILL 1.30PM...OUCH.
12.55PM...IN SOME POSH HOTEL HAVING A BEER...WATCHING A CAMBODIAN WAITER SQUEEZE PINEAPPLES AND ORANGES FOR COCKTAILS.
1.30PM...1ST IN QUEUE AT THE LAOS OFFICE...NOT A BAD PRICE...PROBABLY FLY TO LUANG PRABANG ON SUNDAY?
1.50PM...JUMP IN TUK TUK...DECIDED THW WALK BACK WAS TO MUCH...AND NU MIGHT BE WORRYING WHERE I'VE GOT TOO.
2.05PM...BACK WITH NU...STILL BUSILY WRITING...DON'T THINK I'VE BEEN MISSED.
2.20PM...STEAK BAGUETTE...HORRIBLE...ONLY HAD ONE BITE.
2.40PM...IN TUK TUK...GOING TO THE SINGING TREE...A PLACE WHERE THEY HELP ORPHANED CHILDREN.
2.55PM...AT THE SINGING TREE.
3.10PM...WATCHING FILM ABOUT STREET CHILDREN.
5.00PM...WALKED BACK VIA MARKET...BOUGHT 2 TSHIRTS...75p EACH...OK.
5.40PM...BACK IN ROOM.
6.00PM...RUMING AND PEPSING.
7.10PM...TEMPLE BAR/RESTAURANT...WE ARE HERE FOR THE DANCERS AND HOPEFULLY A NICE MEAL?
7.45PM...KYMER AMOK...FISH/PORK/CHICKEN IN A SPICY SAUCE ON BED OF RICE...BEST CAMBODIAN MEAL SO FAR...BOTTLE OF ROSE.
8.45PM...STILL AT RESTAURANT...MET UP WITH IRISH COUPLE WE LAST SAW IN PHU QUOC...NU ENJOYING DANCERS...CAMERA HAPPY.
9.45PM...BANANA LEAF BAR...BACARDI'S...MEANT TO MEET WELSHIES...BIT LATE.
10.30PM...BED.
28.11.07.
8.30AM...ROSE...THROAT A BNIT DRY.
8.35AM...HALF LITRE BOTTLE OF WATER.
8.45AM...SHOWER.
9.35AM...SUPERMARKET...NEED WATER FOR TRIP TO ANKAR WAT...HAIR DYE FOR NU.
10.05AM...BREAKFAST...APPLE PANCAKE/APPLE SHAKE/CUPPA TEA.
11.10AM...BACK IN ROOM...BOOKED TUK TUK FOR MIDDAY FOR ANKAR TRIP.
11.45AM...BANANA MILKSHAKE.
12.05PM...IN TUK TUK...BUMPER T'BUMP...MUST BE GETTING OLD...CAN FEEL MY BOOBS BOUNCE.
12.35PM...ANKAR WAT...SOME TEMPLE...LOTTA STEPS...ANOTHER TEMPLE CALLED BUPHEON...LOTTA ROCKS...NEXT BAYON...STEPS/STONES/ROCKS...LOTS OF LITTLE ROOMS...REMINDED ME OF LEGO BRICKS...WHEN I WAS ABOUT 7 YEARS OLD I USED TO BUILD HOUSES WITH MANY LITTLE ROOMS ON THIS GREY LEGO BOARD...IN TIME ONE BRICK WOULD FALL...THE WALL WOULD GET KNOCKED AND CAVE IN...THE ROOF WOULD COLLAPSE...MANY BRICKS STREWN...THATS WHAT ANKAR LOOKS LIKE...ALSO SAW TEMPLE OF ELEPHANTS...TEMPLE OF LEPERS...EVER SO EXCITING!...HEAT AT TIMES TOO MUCH.
5.30PM...BACK IN TUK TUK.
6.00PM...BACK IN ROOM.
6.20PM...NU DYING HAIR...I'M WATCHING BBC NEWS 24...ITS A GREAT LIFE [REALLY!]...WELL TIRED...BACK ACHE...KNEE ACHE...MY BRAINS ALRIGHT THOUGH!
7.00PM...WENT TO OUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANT/BAR...HAD A DELICIOUS KYMER MEAL...SPOKE WITH A COUPLE FROM CAMBRIDGE WHO PRODUCE THERE OWN CHEESE...GONNA KEEP IN TOUCH...GONNA SEND US SOME CHEESE!
9.30PM...WESHIES TURN UP...GOT BACK TO GUESTHOUSE ABOUT 1.30AM...COCKTAILED OUT!
WHAT!
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Sunday, 25 November 2007
twenty first....happy birthday mom!.......<600>
21.11.07.
8.00AM...WOKE...SHOWER.
8.40AM...BREAKFAST...DIDNT FEEL HUNGRY...NU ATE MINE...APPLE/PINEAPPLE JUICE OK.
9.00AM...SPEAKING WITH COUPLE OF AUSSIES...NU SEWING.
10.10AM...SEMI PACKING...DEPART FOR MAINLAND AT 7.45AM TOMORROW...WIND PERMITTING.
11.20AM...RELAXING.
2.00PM...ORDERED CHICKEN/MUSHROOM SOUP...SPICY PORK SPAGHETTI...VERY NICE.
2.30PM...NU NOT HAPPY...MOBILE PHONE NOT WORKING.
3.00PM...SITTING BESIDE POOL.
4.20PM...LATE AFTERNOON NAP.
7.30PM...RESTAURANT...MET UP WITH THE TWO AUSSIES...DRANK TO MUCH WINE.
10.45PM...TIME FOR BED.
22.11.07.
5.30AM...ALARM...HEAD A WHIRL
5.50AM...SHOWER...HEAD STILL IN A WHIRL.
6.15AM...PACKING.
6.30AM...COFFEE.
6.55AM...TAXI.
7.20AM...PORT...THE DOCKSIDE...NOT THE DRINK!
7.45AM...FAST BOAT...LOOKS LIKE A ROCKET...STOMACH NOT AT ITS BEST.
10.30AM...PORT OF RACH GIA...BOYS ON MOTORBIKES PESTERING.
10.50AM...WALKING STREETS WITH 2 AUSSIES...THEY ARE EVERYWHERE...FOUND TRAVEL SHOP...20 MINS WAIT...NEXT WE ARE ON A RICKETY MINIBUS HEADING FOR CHAU DU...24,000 DONG FOR BOTH.
12.10PM...WONDERFUL SCENERY...PEOPLE PLEASANT...ENJOYABLE RIDE.
2.30PM...ARRIVED...BOREDER CROSSING TOWN...BACK ACHING...ROADS NOT GOOD.
3.15PM...BOOK INTO HOTEL...10 DOLLARS FOR BOTH.
3.50PM...SHOWER.
5.00PM...OUT SEARCHING FOR ORANGES.
6.00PM...BOOKED TRIP BY BOAT TO PHNOM PENN...GO 8.00AM...ARRIVE 2.30PM...18 DOLLAR EACH.
7.00PM...RESTAURANT...PORK SWEET AND SOUR...NOT THE BEST...PAPAYA JUICE OK...PINEAPPLE JUICE?...I THINK THEY FORGOT THE PINEAPPLE!
8.00PM...SPEND BEST PART OF EVENING CHATTING WITH TWO 60 YEAR OLD AMERICANS...THEY HAD HAD A WONDERFUL LIFE...TEACHING IN SO MANY COUNTRIES...ITS PEOPLE LIKE THAT WHO MAKE ME STOP AND THINK ABOUT LIFE...THAT LIFE OUTSIDE YOUR WINDOW...SO FEW PEOPLE LOOK NO FURTHER THAN A MANICURED LAWN...OR KEEPING UP WITH THERE NEIGHBOURS...THERES SO MUCH MORE...DAMN WELL GO AND ENJOY IT!
23.11.07.
5.45AM...UP EARLY.
6.00AM...SHOWER...PACKED.
7.00AM...BREAKFAST...THOUGHT IT WAS INCLUDED...HAD TO PAY...WONT COME AGAIN!
7.30AM...WALKED TO BOAT STATION FOR PHNOM PENN.
7.55AM...SITTING IN SPEED BOAT READY FOR OFF.
9.10AM...VIETNAM WATER BORDER...ALLS WELL.
11.20AM...CAMBODIAN WATER BORDER...OFF WE ALL GET...VERY SMILEY PEOPLE...NO PROBLEMS...MET TWO WELSH PEOPLE...SO WAFFLE ABOUND...ON THERE HONEYMOON FOR 8 MONTHS...I GUESS THIS IS NU AND MINES HONEYMOON!
2.30PM...AT PHNOM PENN PORT...WELL,IF YOU CAN CALL IT A PORT...MORE OF A MUD BANK!
3.05PM...TAXI ACROSS BRIDGE TO POSH HOTEL...HADNT BOOKED ANYTHING...BUT GOT LUCKY...THEY HAD A SPARE ROOM...BIT PRICEY...WE DID NOT KNOW IT WAS THE WEEKEND OF THE WATER FESTIVAL...MOST HOTELS WERE FULL.
4.30PM...WALKING STREETS WITH WELSH COUPLE.
4.50PM...BEER OR THREE.
6.10PM...AT THE COLONIAL CLUB...THE PLACE WHERE ALL THE PRESS PEOPLE STAYED IN THE WAR DAYS...ORDERED...KARI KROEUNG SACH MOAN...SPICEY CHICKEN CURRY?...WATCHED THE FIREWORKS AND ALL COLOURED BOATS GOING UP AND DOWN RIVER.
9.05PM...RETURNED TO HOTEL VIA FOUR BERTH TUK TUK...GIRLS POPPED OFF TO BED...HAD A GOOD OLD WAFFLE WITH WELSH CHAPPIE...WELL ENJOYABLE EVENING...THE JIM BEAM PROBABLY HELPED!
24.11.07.
8.00AM...WOKE WITH A CROAK...SHOWER.
9.25AM...BREAKFAST...EGGS AGAIN!...TOAST...I WANT BACON,MUSHROOMS...COFFEE OK THOUGH.
9.40AM...WELSHIES JOIN US.
10.25AM...HUE...WELSH CHAP AND ME GO LOOKING FOR MONEY EXCHANGE...CAMERA SHOP...TICKET OUTLET...GIRLS WAFFLING... NO PROBLEM.
10.50AM...THOUGHT WE HAD BETTER HAVE A BEER.
11.15AM...MONEY EXCHANGE PLACE...OK RATE.
11.20AM...FOUND CAMERA SHOP...GOTTA COME BACK LATER WITH CAMERA...NOT WORKING AT PRESENT...GOTTA GET IT SORTED.
11.50AM...TICKET OFFICE...CHECKING PRICES FOR BOATS AND BUSES.
12.10PM...BETTER HAVE ANOTHER BEER.
1.30PM...BACK AT HOTEL...EXPLAINING TO THE LADIES HOW WE GOT LOST...NU TELLS ME LATER SHE COULD SMELL THE BEER...OUCH!
2.30PM...OUT WITH THE WELSHIES...CAMERA SHOP...SOMEHOW A VIRUS HAD GOT INTO MEMORY CARD AND WAS ON THE ATTACK!...LOST SOME PHOTOS!...MAJORITY OK...PURCHASED NEW MEMORY CARD...OK NOW I HOPE...NU WELL HAPPY.
3.00PM...JUMP IN TUK TUK TO GENOCIDE MUSEUM.
3.15PM...LOOKING AROUND MUSEUM...SEEN A MOVIE...I KNOW THESE ATTROCITIES HAPPENED...ABOUT 3 MILLION PEOPLE TORTURED AND KILLED...BUT I AM NOT IN THE RIGHT FRAME OF MIND TO TAKE IT ALL IN...I APOLIGIZE.
4.45PM...BACK IN TUK TUK.
4.55PM...DROPPED US OFF AT SPORTS BAR...GIRLS DID NOT SEEM TO MIND...HUE AND I ARE PLEASED.
5.15PM...I THINK THEY FORGOT MY CHEESE IN MY CHEESE,HAM,TOMATO TOASTIE...HAD A BEER OR TWO.
6.25PM...WALKED THRU THE CROWDS TO THE IRISH BAR...HAD A BEER...BUT THE AURA WAS NOT GOOD.
7.15PM...STROLLED BACK TO ORIGINAL BAR.
7.35PM...ENGLISH FOOTIE ON TV...LIVERPOOL/NEWCASTLE...HAPPY CHAPPIES WE ARE...GIRLS WAFFLING.
9.00PM...STEAK SANDWICH...NO COMMENT!
10.00PM...BOLTON/MAN UTD...WE ARE IN OUR ELEMENT...GIRLS WAFFLING...BOLTON WON...HAD A COUPLE OF GAMES OF POOL...GIRLS WAFFLING...HAD A FEW WHISKIES.
12.30AM...WALKING BACK TO HOTEL...EXCELLENT DAY...GIRLS STILL WAFFLING!
25.11.07.
6.30AM...EARLY START...SHOWER.
7.00AM...BREAKFAST...ONLY HAD COFFEE.
7.45AM...WALKED TO ANOTHER HOTEL FOR PICK UP FOR START OF TRIP TO SIEM REAP.
8.05AM...IN 4 X4 TRAVELLING TO BUS STATION.
8.20AM...IN RICKETY CAMBODIAN BUS...OFF WE SET.
9.00AM...FIRST STOP...CHAPPIE CHECKING ENGINE...I THINK THE BUS AS GOTTA LEAK...DRIVER AND WATER AT REAR OF CONTRAPTION!
9.55AM...ANOTHER WATER FILLING STOP...TRIED TO SLEEP...I THINK THIS IS THE HOTTEST DAY...NOT THE BEST DAY FOR TRAVELLING ON A CAMBODIAN BUS!...I AM NOT ONE TO COMPLAIN THOUGH...AS YOU WELL KNOW!...HAD A FEW MANDARINS...GIRL TWO SEATS DOWN EATING SPIDERS...BIG AS TARANTULAS...DEEP FRIED!
2.30PM...AFTER SEVERAL STOPS...WE FINALLY ARRIVE IN SIEM REAP...CHAPPIE WITH TUK TUK WAITING TO TAKE US TO HOTEL.
2.50PM...HOTEL...OH...ITS NOT ONE WE THOUGHT WE HAD BOOKED...NO POOL.
3.10PM...PHONED MOTHER...ITS HER BIRTHDAY...HAD A GOOD CHAT...SANG HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOWN THE PHONE.
3.40PM...SHOWER/BEER.
4.20PM...TUK TUK INTO CENTRE.
6.00PM...EATING AT RED PIANO...SWANKIEST RESTAURANT IN TOWN...SO WE WERE TOLD...WHOS FOOLING WHO!...WE DISCUSSED OUR ACCOMADATION...WE ARE NOT HAPPY...ENQUIRED AT IVY GUESTHOUSE...LOOKS LIKE WE ARE ON THE MOVE TOMORROW.
7.40PM...HAD A COUPLE OF BEERS.
8.55PM...TUK TUK BACK TO HOTEL
9.35PM...IN BED...WATCHING FOOTIE...NU READING.
ALL RICE...ALL SPICE...VERY NICE...SOMETIMES!
BYE FOR NOWZ.
8.00AM...WOKE...SHOWER.
8.40AM...BREAKFAST...DIDNT FEEL HUNGRY...NU ATE MINE...APPLE/PINEAPPLE JUICE OK.
9.00AM...SPEAKING WITH COUPLE OF AUSSIES...NU SEWING.
10.10AM...SEMI PACKING...DEPART FOR MAINLAND AT 7.45AM TOMORROW...WIND PERMITTING.
11.20AM...RELAXING.
2.00PM...ORDERED CHICKEN/MUSHROOM SOUP...SPICY PORK SPAGHETTI...VERY NICE.
2.30PM...NU NOT HAPPY...MOBILE PHONE NOT WORKING.
3.00PM...SITTING BESIDE POOL.
4.20PM...LATE AFTERNOON NAP.
7.30PM...RESTAURANT...MET UP WITH THE TWO AUSSIES...DRANK TO MUCH WINE.
10.45PM...TIME FOR BED.
22.11.07.
5.30AM...ALARM...HEAD A WHIRL
5.50AM...SHOWER...HEAD STILL IN A WHIRL.
6.15AM...PACKING.
6.30AM...COFFEE.
6.55AM...TAXI.
7.20AM...PORT...THE DOCKSIDE...NOT THE DRINK!
7.45AM...FAST BOAT...LOOKS LIKE A ROCKET...STOMACH NOT AT ITS BEST.
10.30AM...PORT OF RACH GIA...BOYS ON MOTORBIKES PESTERING.
10.50AM...WALKING STREETS WITH 2 AUSSIES...THEY ARE EVERYWHERE...FOUND TRAVEL SHOP...20 MINS WAIT...NEXT WE ARE ON A RICKETY MINIBUS HEADING FOR CHAU DU...24,000 DONG FOR BOTH.
12.10PM...WONDERFUL SCENERY...PEOPLE PLEASANT...ENJOYABLE RIDE.
2.30PM...ARRIVED...BOREDER CROSSING TOWN...BACK ACHING...ROADS NOT GOOD.
3.15PM...BOOK INTO HOTEL...10 DOLLARS FOR BOTH.
3.50PM...SHOWER.
5.00PM...OUT SEARCHING FOR ORANGES.
6.00PM...BOOKED TRIP BY BOAT TO PHNOM PENN...GO 8.00AM...ARRIVE 2.30PM...18 DOLLAR EACH.
7.00PM...RESTAURANT...PORK SWEET AND SOUR...NOT THE BEST...PAPAYA JUICE OK...PINEAPPLE JUICE?...I THINK THEY FORGOT THE PINEAPPLE!
8.00PM...SPEND BEST PART OF EVENING CHATTING WITH TWO 60 YEAR OLD AMERICANS...THEY HAD HAD A WONDERFUL LIFE...TEACHING IN SO MANY COUNTRIES...ITS PEOPLE LIKE THAT WHO MAKE ME STOP AND THINK ABOUT LIFE...THAT LIFE OUTSIDE YOUR WINDOW...SO FEW PEOPLE LOOK NO FURTHER THAN A MANICURED LAWN...OR KEEPING UP WITH THERE NEIGHBOURS...THERES SO MUCH MORE...DAMN WELL GO AND ENJOY IT!
23.11.07.
5.45AM...UP EARLY.
6.00AM...SHOWER...PACKED.
7.00AM...BREAKFAST...THOUGHT IT WAS INCLUDED...HAD TO PAY...WONT COME AGAIN!
7.30AM...WALKED TO BOAT STATION FOR PHNOM PENN.
7.55AM...SITTING IN SPEED BOAT READY FOR OFF.
9.10AM...VIETNAM WATER BORDER...ALLS WELL.
11.20AM...CAMBODIAN WATER BORDER...OFF WE ALL GET...VERY SMILEY PEOPLE...NO PROBLEMS...MET TWO WELSH PEOPLE...SO WAFFLE ABOUND...ON THERE HONEYMOON FOR 8 MONTHS...I GUESS THIS IS NU AND MINES HONEYMOON!
2.30PM...AT PHNOM PENN PORT...WELL,IF YOU CAN CALL IT A PORT...MORE OF A MUD BANK!
3.05PM...TAXI ACROSS BRIDGE TO POSH HOTEL...HADNT BOOKED ANYTHING...BUT GOT LUCKY...THEY HAD A SPARE ROOM...BIT PRICEY...WE DID NOT KNOW IT WAS THE WEEKEND OF THE WATER FESTIVAL...MOST HOTELS WERE FULL.
4.30PM...WALKING STREETS WITH WELSH COUPLE.
4.50PM...BEER OR THREE.
6.10PM...AT THE COLONIAL CLUB...THE PLACE WHERE ALL THE PRESS PEOPLE STAYED IN THE WAR DAYS...ORDERED...KARI KROEUNG SACH MOAN...SPICEY CHICKEN CURRY?...WATCHED THE FIREWORKS AND ALL COLOURED BOATS GOING UP AND DOWN RIVER.
9.05PM...RETURNED TO HOTEL VIA FOUR BERTH TUK TUK...GIRLS POPPED OFF TO BED...HAD A GOOD OLD WAFFLE WITH WELSH CHAPPIE...WELL ENJOYABLE EVENING...THE JIM BEAM PROBABLY HELPED!
24.11.07.
8.00AM...WOKE WITH A CROAK...SHOWER.
9.25AM...BREAKFAST...EGGS AGAIN!...TOAST...I WANT BACON,MUSHROOMS...COFFEE OK THOUGH.
9.40AM...WELSHIES JOIN US.
10.25AM...HUE...WELSH CHAP AND ME GO LOOKING FOR MONEY EXCHANGE...CAMERA SHOP...TICKET OUTLET...GIRLS WAFFLING... NO PROBLEM.
10.50AM...THOUGHT WE HAD BETTER HAVE A BEER.
11.15AM...MONEY EXCHANGE PLACE...OK RATE.
11.20AM...FOUND CAMERA SHOP...GOTTA COME BACK LATER WITH CAMERA...NOT WORKING AT PRESENT...GOTTA GET IT SORTED.
11.50AM...TICKET OFFICE...CHECKING PRICES FOR BOATS AND BUSES.
12.10PM...BETTER HAVE ANOTHER BEER.
1.30PM...BACK AT HOTEL...EXPLAINING TO THE LADIES HOW WE GOT LOST...NU TELLS ME LATER SHE COULD SMELL THE BEER...OUCH!
2.30PM...OUT WITH THE WELSHIES...CAMERA SHOP...SOMEHOW A VIRUS HAD GOT INTO MEMORY CARD AND WAS ON THE ATTACK!...LOST SOME PHOTOS!...MAJORITY OK...PURCHASED NEW MEMORY CARD...OK NOW I HOPE...NU WELL HAPPY.
3.00PM...JUMP IN TUK TUK TO GENOCIDE MUSEUM.
3.15PM...LOOKING AROUND MUSEUM...SEEN A MOVIE...I KNOW THESE ATTROCITIES HAPPENED...ABOUT 3 MILLION PEOPLE TORTURED AND KILLED...BUT I AM NOT IN THE RIGHT FRAME OF MIND TO TAKE IT ALL IN...I APOLIGIZE.
4.45PM...BACK IN TUK TUK.
4.55PM...DROPPED US OFF AT SPORTS BAR...GIRLS DID NOT SEEM TO MIND...HUE AND I ARE PLEASED.
5.15PM...I THINK THEY FORGOT MY CHEESE IN MY CHEESE,HAM,TOMATO TOASTIE...HAD A BEER OR TWO.
6.25PM...WALKED THRU THE CROWDS TO THE IRISH BAR...HAD A BEER...BUT THE AURA WAS NOT GOOD.
7.15PM...STROLLED BACK TO ORIGINAL BAR.
7.35PM...ENGLISH FOOTIE ON TV...LIVERPOOL/NEWCASTLE...HAPPY CHAPPIES WE ARE...GIRLS WAFFLING.
9.00PM...STEAK SANDWICH...NO COMMENT!
10.00PM...BOLTON/MAN UTD...WE ARE IN OUR ELEMENT...GIRLS WAFFLING...BOLTON WON...HAD A COUPLE OF GAMES OF POOL...GIRLS WAFFLING...HAD A FEW WHISKIES.
12.30AM...WALKING BACK TO HOTEL...EXCELLENT DAY...GIRLS STILL WAFFLING!
25.11.07.
6.30AM...EARLY START...SHOWER.
7.00AM...BREAKFAST...ONLY HAD COFFEE.
7.45AM...WALKED TO ANOTHER HOTEL FOR PICK UP FOR START OF TRIP TO SIEM REAP.
8.05AM...IN 4 X4 TRAVELLING TO BUS STATION.
8.20AM...IN RICKETY CAMBODIAN BUS...OFF WE SET.
9.00AM...FIRST STOP...CHAPPIE CHECKING ENGINE...I THINK THE BUS AS GOTTA LEAK...DRIVER AND WATER AT REAR OF CONTRAPTION!
9.55AM...ANOTHER WATER FILLING STOP...TRIED TO SLEEP...I THINK THIS IS THE HOTTEST DAY...NOT THE BEST DAY FOR TRAVELLING ON A CAMBODIAN BUS!...I AM NOT ONE TO COMPLAIN THOUGH...AS YOU WELL KNOW!...HAD A FEW MANDARINS...GIRL TWO SEATS DOWN EATING SPIDERS...BIG AS TARANTULAS...DEEP FRIED!
2.30PM...AFTER SEVERAL STOPS...WE FINALLY ARRIVE IN SIEM REAP...CHAPPIE WITH TUK TUK WAITING TO TAKE US TO HOTEL.
2.50PM...HOTEL...OH...ITS NOT ONE WE THOUGHT WE HAD BOOKED...NO POOL.
3.10PM...PHONED MOTHER...ITS HER BIRTHDAY...HAD A GOOD CHAT...SANG HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOWN THE PHONE.
3.40PM...SHOWER/BEER.
4.20PM...TUK TUK INTO CENTRE.
6.00PM...EATING AT RED PIANO...SWANKIEST RESTAURANT IN TOWN...SO WE WERE TOLD...WHOS FOOLING WHO!...WE DISCUSSED OUR ACCOMADATION...WE ARE NOT HAPPY...ENQUIRED AT IVY GUESTHOUSE...LOOKS LIKE WE ARE ON THE MOVE TOMORROW.
7.40PM...HAD A COUPLE OF BEERS.
8.55PM...TUK TUK BACK TO HOTEL
9.35PM...IN BED...WATCHING FOOTIE...NU READING.
ALL RICE...ALL SPICE...VERY NICE...SOMETIMES!
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
twentieth...go...do...no regrets....[390]
18.11.07.
7.00AM...WOKE EARLY.
7.55AM...BREAKFAST...2 FRIED EGGS/2 BAGUETTES/2 PAPAYA JUICE.
8.50AM...HANDED LAUNDRY IN.
10.00AM...OFF I MARCH INTO TOWN...STILL NEED SHORTS...PLUS GOTTA GET SOME MANDARINS.
11.00AM...RUM AND RAISIN ICECREAM.
11.30AM...BARTERING OVER TSHIRT...WANTS 135,000...TO EXPENSIVE...ONLY PAID 70.000 THE OTHER DAY.
11.55AM...MANDARINS...SPOTTED TSHIRT...20.000...DIDN'T EVEN TRY IT ON...JUST HANDED OVER MONEY.
12.20PM...BEER.
12.50PM...UP I GET...OFF I GO.
1.25PM...JUST IN TIME...NU ABOUT TO TUCK INTO EGG FRIED RICE...ORDERED BEER.
3.00PM...GETTING USED TO THESE AFTERNOON NAPS.
5.00PM...ON BEACH WATCHING SUN GO DOWN...CHATTING WITH FINNISH AND RUSSIAN TOURISTS.
6.40PM...OFF TO AUSSIE RESTAURANT.
7.15PM...RESTAURANT...NO ELECTRICITY...BOTTLE OF LOCAL WINE PLEASE.
7.35PM...ELECTRICITY BACK ON.
7.40PM...ORDERED SNITZEL/CHIPS/SIDE SALAD...RED SNAPPER WAS ON OFFER...BUT DECLINED...PROMISED I'D BE BACK FOR TOMORROWS CATCH.
8.15PM...FILLED A GAP...NOT TO KEEN ON SNITZEL!
9.00PM...ANOTHER BOTTLE OF WINE...BORDEAUX THIS TIME.
10.00PM...WOBBLE BACK TO HOTEL.
19.11.07.
8.00AM...WOKE/SHOWER.
9.00AM...BREAKFAST AS NORMAL.
10.00AM...ON BEACH...NOT AS HOT AS YESTERDAY...BREEZY...READING...FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN BY MITCH ALBOM.
10.50AM...IN WARM SEA.
11.50AM...TIME FOR A BEER.
12.25PM...EGG FRIED RICE.
2.00PM...AFTERNOON NAP.
5.00PM...SHOWER.
7.00PM...RESTAURANT...PORK SKEWER X 3/CHIPS/SALAD...OWNED BY 2 AGEING AUSSIES...THE VIETS THEY EMPLOY ARE NOTHING SHORT OF USELESS...ENJOYED THE WINE!
20.11.07.
8.00AM...AWAKE...HAVE BEEN FOR THE LAST 3 HOURS...PHONE WENT OFF...COULDN'T GET BACK TO SLEEP.
9.10AM....BREAKFAST...BANANA PANCAKE...WISH I HADN'T BOTHERED.
10.00AM...LEFT NU ON BEACH...OFF TO GET TICKETS FOR MAINLAND...TO START JOURNEY TOWARDS CAMBODIA...BIT OF A JAUNT!
10.35AM...TICKET OFFICE...2 TICKETS FOR A TENNER...GOTTA BUY TICKETS FOR BUS WHEN WE ARRIVE AT MAINLAND FOR CHUC DU[BORDER]...THEN WALK OVER BORDER...THE BUY ANOTHER TICKET FOR BOAT TO PHNOM PENN.
11.00AM...TICKETS IN HAND I HEAD BACK TO NU.
11.30AM...ON BEACH WITH BEER.
1.00PM...EGG FRIED RICE/PAPAYA JUICE.
1.50PM...BACK ON BEACH...IF YOU HAVE A COLD CAN...DRINK IT FAST...WARM IN 20MINS.
3.40PM...SUN CRUSHING ME...BACK TO ROOM...FAN ON!
4.10PM...RUM AND COKE...NOT DONE A LOT SINCE WE'VE BEEN IN PHU QUOC...BUT WE ARE IN HOLIDAY MODE AS OPPOSED TO TRAVELLING MODE...SO LETS ENJOY!
7.00PM...AUSSIE RESTAURANT AGAIN...PROMISED TO HAVE FISH...FANCIED MEAT AGAIN...SERVICE WAS SWIFTER AND BETTER TONIGHT.
10.00PM...BACK AT HOTEL...RUMMING'N'COKING!
VIETNAM VIEW.
Go to Vietnam,the sun shines,the people always smile,the sea is warm,nothing seems to cost alot.Ok,you do have to get luck with the food...fresh fish[Phu Qouc] good.This is Greece 20 years ago.Just get a flight to Saigon.Don't bother booking accomadation,there will be plenty of people offering you good clean cheap rooms when you arrive.Just get to Vietnam,you will not be disappointed...Nov/Feb.Hanoi as its motorbikes.Hoi an as its rain!Phu Quoc as the white beaches/sunshine.Things look as if they shouldn't work...but they do.A wonderful country!
VIETNAM ROCK
BYE FOR NOWZ,
7.00AM...WOKE EARLY.
7.55AM...BREAKFAST...2 FRIED EGGS/2 BAGUETTES/2 PAPAYA JUICE.
8.50AM...HANDED LAUNDRY IN.
10.00AM...OFF I MARCH INTO TOWN...STILL NEED SHORTS...PLUS GOTTA GET SOME MANDARINS.
11.00AM...RUM AND RAISIN ICECREAM.
11.30AM...BARTERING OVER TSHIRT...WANTS 135,000...TO EXPENSIVE...ONLY PAID 70.000 THE OTHER DAY.
11.55AM...MANDARINS...SPOTTED TSHIRT...20.000...DIDN'T EVEN TRY IT ON...JUST HANDED OVER MONEY.
12.20PM...BEER.
12.50PM...UP I GET...OFF I GO.
1.25PM...JUST IN TIME...NU ABOUT TO TUCK INTO EGG FRIED RICE...ORDERED BEER.
3.00PM...GETTING USED TO THESE AFTERNOON NAPS.
5.00PM...ON BEACH WATCHING SUN GO DOWN...CHATTING WITH FINNISH AND RUSSIAN TOURISTS.
6.40PM...OFF TO AUSSIE RESTAURANT.
7.15PM...RESTAURANT...NO ELECTRICITY...BOTTLE OF LOCAL WINE PLEASE.
7.35PM...ELECTRICITY BACK ON.
7.40PM...ORDERED SNITZEL/CHIPS/SIDE SALAD...RED SNAPPER WAS ON OFFER...BUT DECLINED...PROMISED I'D BE BACK FOR TOMORROWS CATCH.
8.15PM...FILLED A GAP...NOT TO KEEN ON SNITZEL!
9.00PM...ANOTHER BOTTLE OF WINE...BORDEAUX THIS TIME.
10.00PM...WOBBLE BACK TO HOTEL.
19.11.07.
8.00AM...WOKE/SHOWER.
9.00AM...BREAKFAST AS NORMAL.
10.00AM...ON BEACH...NOT AS HOT AS YESTERDAY...BREEZY...READING...FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN BY MITCH ALBOM.
10.50AM...IN WARM SEA.
11.50AM...TIME FOR A BEER.
12.25PM...EGG FRIED RICE.
2.00PM...AFTERNOON NAP.
5.00PM...SHOWER.
7.00PM...RESTAURANT...PORK SKEWER X 3/CHIPS/SALAD...OWNED BY 2 AGEING AUSSIES...THE VIETS THEY EMPLOY ARE NOTHING SHORT OF USELESS...ENJOYED THE WINE!
20.11.07.
8.00AM...AWAKE...HAVE BEEN FOR THE LAST 3 HOURS...PHONE WENT OFF...COULDN'T GET BACK TO SLEEP.
9.10AM....BREAKFAST...BANANA PANCAKE...WISH I HADN'T BOTHERED.
10.00AM...LEFT NU ON BEACH...OFF TO GET TICKETS FOR MAINLAND...TO START JOURNEY TOWARDS CAMBODIA...BIT OF A JAUNT!
10.35AM...TICKET OFFICE...2 TICKETS FOR A TENNER...GOTTA BUY TICKETS FOR BUS WHEN WE ARRIVE AT MAINLAND FOR CHUC DU[BORDER]...THEN WALK OVER BORDER...THE BUY ANOTHER TICKET FOR BOAT TO PHNOM PENN.
11.00AM...TICKETS IN HAND I HEAD BACK TO NU.
11.30AM...ON BEACH WITH BEER.
1.00PM...EGG FRIED RICE/PAPAYA JUICE.
1.50PM...BACK ON BEACH...IF YOU HAVE A COLD CAN...DRINK IT FAST...WARM IN 20MINS.
3.40PM...SUN CRUSHING ME...BACK TO ROOM...FAN ON!
4.10PM...RUM AND COKE...NOT DONE A LOT SINCE WE'VE BEEN IN PHU QUOC...BUT WE ARE IN HOLIDAY MODE AS OPPOSED TO TRAVELLING MODE...SO LETS ENJOY!
7.00PM...AUSSIE RESTAURANT AGAIN...PROMISED TO HAVE FISH...FANCIED MEAT AGAIN...SERVICE WAS SWIFTER AND BETTER TONIGHT.
10.00PM...BACK AT HOTEL...RUMMING'N'COKING!
VIETNAM VIEW.
Go to Vietnam,the sun shines,the people always smile,the sea is warm,nothing seems to cost alot.Ok,you do have to get luck with the food...fresh fish[Phu Qouc] good.This is Greece 20 years ago.Just get a flight to Saigon.Don't bother booking accomadation,there will be plenty of people offering you good clean cheap rooms when you arrive.Just get to Vietnam,you will not be disappointed...Nov/Feb.Hanoi as its motorbikes.Hoi an as its rain!Phu Quoc as the white beaches/sunshine.Things look as if they shouldn't work...but they do.A wonderful country!
VIETNAM ROCK
BYE FOR NOWZ,
Saturday, 17 November 2007
nineteeth...motorbiking.....[260]
15.11.07
8.00AM...TIME TO GET UP...BREAKFAST WAS ON MY MIND...SHOWERED.
9.00AM...2 FRIED EGGS...2 SMALL BAGUETTES...COFFEE.
10.30AM...WALKED TO NEAREST VILLIAGE...ABOUT 2K.
11.15AM...AT CENTRAL CROSSROADS...LEFT OR RIGHT...UNSURE?
11.20AM...TO THE RIGHT WE GO...SUN PUNCHING INTO MY HEAD.
11.45AM...IN SOME HOTEL ENQUIRING...BOTTLE OF WATER REQUIRED...WE SHOULD HAVE GONE LEFT.
12.10PM...OFF WE STROLL BACK TO CENTRAL CROSSROADS...BOUGHT SOME PANADOL ON WAY.
12.30PM...HẼADING IN RIGHT DIRECTION FOR ONCE...NEED TO BUY TSHIRT AND SHORTS.
1.30PM...LOOKING...BUT NOTHING REALLY CATCHING MY EYE...I'M VERY FUNNY ABOUT WHAT I WEAR!
2.30PM...OVER THE BRIDGE WE GO...SPOTTED MARKET...SPOTTED FRUIT STALL...MANADARINS HERE I COME.
2.40PM...HEAVENS OPEN...DOWNPOUR FOR ABOUT 15MINS...DIDN'T SEE IT COMING...BRIGHT SKIES ABOVE.
3.10PM...BOUGHT BRANDY X 2...BOTTLE OF COKE...CAN'T FIND SHORTS I WANT.
4.05PM...BEER GARDEN...PORK SAUSAGE/BAGUETTE...3 BEERS.
5.25PM...ON OUR WAY AGAIN.
5.50PM...BACK AT HOTEL...SHOWER.
6.10PM...WONDERING WHETHER I SHOULD CRACK A BOTTLE OF BRANDY.
6.20PM...BRANDY OPEN...NOT BAD...LOCAL STUFF.
7.30PM...NEED FOOD.
7.55PM...RESTAURANT...TODAYS CATCH.
8.30PM...ITS BEEN FILLETED...STILL A FEW BONES THOUGH...TASTED GOOD...REALLY NEEDED SECONDS...FISH NEVER FILLS ME...RUM,MANGO,VANILLA ICECREAM FOLLOWED...BOTTLE OF LOCAL WINE...THE VIETS DO DO A GOOD WINE!...THEY MUST OF LIKED US...GOTTA A FREE SHOT OF BRANDY WINE!...THE WHOLE LOT ABOUT 10 QUID...WONDERFUL MEAL...WONDERFUL PEOPLE...WONDERFUL AURA.
16.11.07.
8.00AM...AWAKE...ENERGILESS...BUT HUNGRY.
9.05AM...BREAKIE AS YESTERDAY.
10.00AM...AT RECEPTION...RESERVING 2 MOTORBIKES FOR TOMORROW...3 QUID A DAY...INCLUDES PETROL.
10.35AM...NU SETTLES BESIDE POOL...ANKLE NOT GOOD...I HEAD OF TOWARDS TOWN...GOTTA BIT OF A SHOPPING LIST!
11.20AM...BEER...AFTER 3K...NEEDED.
12.05PM...SUNGLASSES FOR NU...WANTED 250,000...PAID 50,000!
12.10PM...SOAP FOR CLOTHES...3,000.
12.15PM...SUN LOTION AND INSECT REPELENT...50,000.
12.30PM...'ADIDAS'TSHIRT...70,000...WANTED 250,000!
12.50PM...FLIPFLOPS FOR NU...30,000...WANTED 100,000.
1.00PM...HAIRCLIP FOR NU...I MIGHT NEED ONE SOON!...3,000.
1.10PM...BEER.
1.35PM...CARDS...10 FOR 14,000...9 STAMPS FOR 72,000...NEEDED SHORTS...COULDN'T FIND ANY THAT TOOK MY FANCY.
2.00PM...WALKING BACK...SUN BEATING DOWN.
3.00PM...NU STILL BY POOL...BEER AND FRIED RICE...ALRIGHT FOR SOME.
3.10PM...BEER.
3.20PM...ANOTHER BEER.
4.00PM...CRASHED ON BED.
7.30PM...RESTAURANT...KING PRAWNS FRESHLY CAUGHT/FRIED RICE/MIXED SALAD...RUM/MANGO/VANILLA ICECREAM...BOTTLE OF DE LAT WINE...LOVELY ATMOSPHERE...GOT A BIT STICKY CRACKING THE PRAWNS...WORTH IT FOR THE TASTE.
9.20PM...WALKED BACK TO HOTEL.
17.11.07.
7.00AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
8.00AM...BREAKIE...BANANA PANCAKE/COFFEE.
9.00AM...HELMETS/KEYS/MOTORBIKES!...WE ARE OFF TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ISLAND...ABOUT 25K.
9.45AM...LIKE A DUCK TO WATER!!!?PULLED OVER TO LOOK AT WHITE BEACH THAT STRETCHED FOREVER...THE SUN UNRELENTING...IF A LORRY PASSED IT WAS A FOG OF DUST.
10.30AM...ARRIVED AT SOME SMALL VILLIAGE...2 BOTTLES OF STILL ORANGE...WELL RECIEVED.
11.00AM...ON WE GO...NEXT RIGHT...THIS IS A DIRT TRACK...HOLDING ON TIGHT...GOING ABOUT 10K AN HOUR!...LOCALS SMILE...PUZZLED...HAVE WE JUST LANDED FROM MARS!
11.20AM...THE BEACH...WONDERFULLY ISOLATED...TO ISOLATED...WE BOTH AGREE...WALKED THE SANDS...HAD A LOOK AT THE SHACKS...HAD A COLD CAN.
1.10PM...BACK ON BIKES...ALONG THE DIRT TRACK...SEEMED EASIER THIS TIME.
1.30PM...BACK ON MAIN ROAD...HEAD FOR ANOTHER VILLIAGE.
1.55PM...NU WANTED TO RETURN TO HOTEL...SEEN ENOUGH...HAD ENOUGH.
2.30PM...STOPPED FOR BEER.
3.10PM...BACK AT HOTEL WITH BUM ACHE.
3.35PM...SHOWER/REST.
6.00PM...WALKED BEACH TO ANOTHER RESTAURANT...NOT IMPRESSED WITH NEW ZEALANDERS MANNER WHO WAS IN CHARGE...WALKED BACK TO OUR USUAL EATERIE.
6.55PM...HAD FISH 2 NIGHTS RUNNING...SO OPTED FOR PORK IN CREAM SAUCE/FRIED RICE...MANGO JUICE...GIVE THE WINE A REST.
7.30PM...SMALL PORTION...BUT VERY NICE...NOT SURE WHAT WAS IN THE SAUCE.
9.30PM...BACK AT HOTEL...WEDDING RECEPTION...KARAOKE!...HEAD BANGING STUFF!
PHU QUOC.....[PHONETICALLY FOO COCK]
BYE FOR NOWZ.
8.00AM...TIME TO GET UP...BREAKFAST WAS ON MY MIND...SHOWERED.
9.00AM...2 FRIED EGGS...2 SMALL BAGUETTES...COFFEE.
10.30AM...WALKED TO NEAREST VILLIAGE...ABOUT 2K.
11.15AM...AT CENTRAL CROSSROADS...LEFT OR RIGHT...UNSURE?
11.20AM...TO THE RIGHT WE GO...SUN PUNCHING INTO MY HEAD.
11.45AM...IN SOME HOTEL ENQUIRING...BOTTLE OF WATER REQUIRED...WE SHOULD HAVE GONE LEFT.
12.10PM...OFF WE STROLL BACK TO CENTRAL CROSSROADS...BOUGHT SOME PANADOL ON WAY.
12.30PM...HẼADING IN RIGHT DIRECTION FOR ONCE...NEED TO BUY TSHIRT AND SHORTS.
1.30PM...LOOKING...BUT NOTHING REALLY CATCHING MY EYE...I'M VERY FUNNY ABOUT WHAT I WEAR!
2.30PM...OVER THE BRIDGE WE GO...SPOTTED MARKET...SPOTTED FRUIT STALL...MANADARINS HERE I COME.
2.40PM...HEAVENS OPEN...DOWNPOUR FOR ABOUT 15MINS...DIDN'T SEE IT COMING...BRIGHT SKIES ABOVE.
3.10PM...BOUGHT BRANDY X 2...BOTTLE OF COKE...CAN'T FIND SHORTS I WANT.
4.05PM...BEER GARDEN...PORK SAUSAGE/BAGUETTE...3 BEERS.
5.25PM...ON OUR WAY AGAIN.
5.50PM...BACK AT HOTEL...SHOWER.
6.10PM...WONDERING WHETHER I SHOULD CRACK A BOTTLE OF BRANDY.
6.20PM...BRANDY OPEN...NOT BAD...LOCAL STUFF.
7.30PM...NEED FOOD.
7.55PM...RESTAURANT...TODAYS CATCH.
8.30PM...ITS BEEN FILLETED...STILL A FEW BONES THOUGH...TASTED GOOD...REALLY NEEDED SECONDS...FISH NEVER FILLS ME...RUM,MANGO,VANILLA ICECREAM FOLLOWED...BOTTLE OF LOCAL WINE...THE VIETS DO DO A GOOD WINE!...THEY MUST OF LIKED US...GOTTA A FREE SHOT OF BRANDY WINE!...THE WHOLE LOT ABOUT 10 QUID...WONDERFUL MEAL...WONDERFUL PEOPLE...WONDERFUL AURA.
16.11.07.
8.00AM...AWAKE...ENERGILESS...BUT HUNGRY.
9.05AM...BREAKIE AS YESTERDAY.
10.00AM...AT RECEPTION...RESERVING 2 MOTORBIKES FOR TOMORROW...3 QUID A DAY...INCLUDES PETROL.
10.35AM...NU SETTLES BESIDE POOL...ANKLE NOT GOOD...I HEAD OF TOWARDS TOWN...GOTTA BIT OF A SHOPPING LIST!
11.20AM...BEER...AFTER 3K...NEEDED.
12.05PM...SUNGLASSES FOR NU...WANTED 250,000...PAID 50,000!
12.10PM...SOAP FOR CLOTHES...3,000.
12.15PM...SUN LOTION AND INSECT REPELENT...50,000.
12.30PM...'ADIDAS'TSHIRT...70,000...WANTED 250,000!
12.50PM...FLIPFLOPS FOR NU...30,000...WANTED 100,000.
1.00PM...HAIRCLIP FOR NU...I MIGHT NEED ONE SOON!...3,000.
1.10PM...BEER.
1.35PM...CARDS...10 FOR 14,000...9 STAMPS FOR 72,000...NEEDED SHORTS...COULDN'T FIND ANY THAT TOOK MY FANCY.
2.00PM...WALKING BACK...SUN BEATING DOWN.
3.00PM...NU STILL BY POOL...BEER AND FRIED RICE...ALRIGHT FOR SOME.
3.10PM...BEER.
3.20PM...ANOTHER BEER.
4.00PM...CRASHED ON BED.
7.30PM...RESTAURANT...KING PRAWNS FRESHLY CAUGHT/FRIED RICE/MIXED SALAD...RUM/MANGO/VANILLA ICECREAM...BOTTLE OF DE LAT WINE...LOVELY ATMOSPHERE...GOT A BIT STICKY CRACKING THE PRAWNS...WORTH IT FOR THE TASTE.
9.20PM...WALKED BACK TO HOTEL.
17.11.07.
7.00AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
8.00AM...BREAKIE...BANANA PANCAKE/COFFEE.
9.00AM...HELMETS/KEYS/MOTORBIKES!...WE ARE OFF TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ISLAND...ABOUT 25K.
9.45AM...LIKE A DUCK TO WATER!!!?PULLED OVER TO LOOK AT WHITE BEACH THAT STRETCHED FOREVER...THE SUN UNRELENTING...IF A LORRY PASSED IT WAS A FOG OF DUST.
10.30AM...ARRIVED AT SOME SMALL VILLIAGE...2 BOTTLES OF STILL ORANGE...WELL RECIEVED.
11.00AM...ON WE GO...NEXT RIGHT...THIS IS A DIRT TRACK...HOLDING ON TIGHT...GOING ABOUT 10K AN HOUR!...LOCALS SMILE...PUZZLED...HAVE WE JUST LANDED FROM MARS!
11.20AM...THE BEACH...WONDERFULLY ISOLATED...TO ISOLATED...WE BOTH AGREE...WALKED THE SANDS...HAD A LOOK AT THE SHACKS...HAD A COLD CAN.
1.10PM...BACK ON BIKES...ALONG THE DIRT TRACK...SEEMED EASIER THIS TIME.
1.30PM...BACK ON MAIN ROAD...HEAD FOR ANOTHER VILLIAGE.
1.55PM...NU WANTED TO RETURN TO HOTEL...SEEN ENOUGH...HAD ENOUGH.
2.30PM...STOPPED FOR BEER.
3.10PM...BACK AT HOTEL WITH BUM ACHE.
3.35PM...SHOWER/REST.
6.00PM...WALKED BEACH TO ANOTHER RESTAURANT...NOT IMPRESSED WITH NEW ZEALANDERS MANNER WHO WAS IN CHARGE...WALKED BACK TO OUR USUAL EATERIE.
6.55PM...HAD FISH 2 NIGHTS RUNNING...SO OPTED FOR PORK IN CREAM SAUCE/FRIED RICE...MANGO JUICE...GIVE THE WINE A REST.
7.30PM...SMALL PORTION...BUT VERY NICE...NOT SURE WHAT WAS IN THE SAUCE.
9.30PM...BACK AT HOTEL...WEDDING RECEPTION...KARAOKE!...HEAD BANGING STUFF!
PHU QUOC.....[PHONETICALLY FOO COCK]
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
eighteenth...raining sun.....[195]
8.11.07.
7.30AM...ALARM...BREAKFAST FINISHES 8.30AM...NOT HAPPY ABOUT THAT.
8.25AM...TRUNDLE DOWN TO BREAKFAST...ALL SMILES...COLOURFUL ARRAY DIFFERENT COLD MEATS,JAMS,FRIED EGG OR EGG CAKE?,FRESH BAGUETTES,TEA/COFFEE...NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT...THEN AGAIN WE ARE IN A FANCY PANTS HOTEL...THE CANADIANS WE SPOKE TO YEASTERDAY WERE ONLY PAYING 5 DOLLARS EACH FOR ACCOMADATION...WE'RE PAYING 15!
9.30AM...BOOKED ANOTHER NIGHT...PAID LAUNDRY...BOOKED BUS FOR HOI AN...DEPART 8.00AM.
11.00AM...SITTING ON BALCONY...WONDERFUL,WONDERFUL WEATHER...DOWN ON THE STREET A DOG SITS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD...UNCONCERNED...A CHAP WITH HELMET PACES...THINK HE'S LOST HIS BIKE...3 MEN CROUCHED ON THE KERB...WESTERN LOOKING WOMAN GETS OUTA RICKSHAW AND PERUSES 'FASHION' SHOP OPPOSITE...WOMAN ON OPPOSITE BALCONY SMILES...A FEW MOTORBIKES GO UP AND DOWN...ITS SO PEACEFUL...COMPARED TO HANOI...ANYTHING IS!...I THINK WE'LL SIT HERE ALL DAY...JUST ENOUGH TO KEEP US ENGROSSED...MIGHT POP OT FOR ABOTTLE OF BRANDY...BOTTLE OF COKE.
11.30AM...NU PUT SUGAR SATCHETS IN WITH MANDARINS...ALL GONE STICKY...SORTING THINGS OUT...THINK I'LL GO FOR BRANDY SHORTLY!
12.10PM...GOT RUM/COKE/EAR BUDS/PARACETEMOL/SUN LOTION x 2...115000 DONG!
2.00PM...WENT FOR PIZZA...POOL TABLE...WON 8...LOST 1.
5.20PM...BACK AT HOTEL...SEMI PACKING...DEPART HOI AN 8.00AM.
7.00PM...DRINKING RUM...HAVING FUN!?
9.11.07.
6.30AM...ALARM.
6.45AM...SHOWER.
7.10AM...BRAEKFAST...2 FRIED EGGS...IF THEY HADN'T PUT THEM UNDER MY NOSE I WOULDN'T HAVE MISSED'EM...TEA WAS WEAK...BAGUETTE DIDN'T TASTE RIGHT...BUT I'M NOT ONE TO COMPLAIN!
7.55AM...BUS ARRIVE...DOESN'T LOOK YHE BEST.
8.25AM...STUCK IN CENTRE OF CITY...FUNERAL OR WEDDING PROCESSION HAPPENING[NOT MUCH DIFFERENCE IN REALITY]...TRAFFIC JAM AS LONG AS YOUR EYE CAN SEE...THIS BUS AS GOT A WELL SQUEAKY HORN...SUSPENSION SQUEAKS TOO...NEEDS A OVERHAUL...LIKE MYSELF.
10.00AM...STOPPED AT CAFE...HAD BOWL OF STEAMED RICE WITH SHRIMPS/MEAT/SPRING ONION...NOT SURE...HOPE I'M OK...CAN OF STILL ORANGE WENT DOWN WELL.
1.30PM...ARRIVED...BIT LATE...BOOKED IN TO NEAREST HOTEL...8 DOLLARS FOR BOTH...ITS RAINING.
2.10PM...RESTAURANT...WAITING FOR CHICKEN BURGER AND CHIPS.
2.25PM...WISH I HADN'T BOTHERED...CHICKEN CURRIED BURGER IT SHOULD HAVE READ.
3.00PM...MET 2 CHAPS WE HAD MET IN HANOI...SO HAD A CHAT AND A BEER.
4.00PM...MET COUPLE WE HAD BEEN IN HALONG BAY WITH...SO MORE CHAT...MORE BEER.
5.15PM...STILL RAINING...MADE OUR WAY BACK TO HOTEL.
6.00PM...FELL ASLEEP.
10.10PM...WOKE...WATCHED HALF HOUR OF STARWARS,EPISODE 2...RUBBISH ACTING...TURNED IT OFF...BACK TO SLEEP.
10.11.07.
7.30AM...WOKE...BBC NEWS 24...SOMEONE IN FINLAND AS GONE ONA SHOOTING SPREE.
8.00AM...COFEE/SHAVE/SHOWER.
9.00AM...LEAVING HOTEL...GOTTA FIND ANOTHER...BEDSIDE TABLE LAMP NOT WORKING...FEW CREEPY CRAWLIES...NOT IMPRESSED...8 DOLLARS FOR BOTH...WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT!
9.40AM...FOUND HOTEL...20 DOLLARS FOR BOTH...SWIMMING POOL...NU IMPRESSED...CAN'T BOOK IN TILL 10.30AM...SO OFF FOR BREAKIE.
10.10AM...JEANS CAFE...NOTICE BOARD READS FULL WESTERN BREAKFAST...IN WE GO.
10.30AM...MUSHROOM OMELETTE...I'LL COME AGAIN...TOAST A BIT DOUGHIE...MUG OF TEA GOOD...HAVING ANOTHER.
10.35AM...STILL RAINING...STILL HOT...WELL STICKY.
10.45AM...WOMAN PUSHING FRUIT BARROW PASSING...KILO OF MANDARINS...QUID!
11.05AM...BOOKED IN TO HOTEL...NO CREEPY CRAWLIES WE HOPE.
11.30AM...NEW ROOM...FAR SUPERIOR TO LAST...NU GOT EVERTHING OUTA BAGS SEARCHING FOR HAIR CLIPS...ME SITTING CONSTANTLY STICKY IN CORNER...IS IT TO EARLY FOR A BEER?
11.50AM...BAG TIDYING TIME...NU FOUND CLIPS...ITS GOOD TO HAVE A CLEAR OUT...FIND THINGS YOU FORGOTTEN YOU HAD...SATCHETS OF SUGAR AND SUCH.
12.25PM...BAR ACROSS THE WAY GOT POOL TABLE...NU EAGER?!!!...OFF WE STROLL.
1.50PM...CAN'T LOSE A GAME IF I TRIED...VIETS ARE IMPRESSED...I THINK THEY MAKE ME LOOK GOOD...GETTING BORED.
2.20PM...JEANS CAFE...COD AND CHIPS...BIT SALTY.
3.30PM...BACK AT HOTEL...TRYING TO DOWNLOAD PICTURES FROM CAMERA...NOT HAPPENING.
5.05PM...NOT SURE IF THAT COD IS PLAYING TRICKS ON MY STOMACH.
7.30PM...WENT FOR SANDWICH AND COKE...LOTTA MEN IN SILLY HALF TROUSERS...IF YOU WANNA WEAR TROUSERS...WEAR THEM TO THE ANKLE OR WEAR SHORTS...BUT IF YOU WANNA LOOK SILLY...WEAR SILLY HALF TROUSERS.
9.30PM...BACK AT HOTEL...STICKY AND HOT...RAIN POURING DOWN.
11.11.07.
7.30AM...RAIN UNRELENTING...ABSOLUTELY POURING...THIS BLOG COULD GET BORING?
8.00AM...BREAKFAST...3 BOILED EGGS...BREAD/BUTTER/JAM...CUPPA TEA.
9.15AM...ATM...RAIN RAIN GO AWAY!
9.25AM...CHATTING WITH AUSSIE COUPLE.
10.05AM...SHOWER...BACK ACHING.
10.30AM...NU CAN'T GET CAMERA TO WORK...GETTING AGGITATED.
10.35AM...ELECTRICITY GONE OFF.
10.50AM...ELECTRICITY BACK ON.
12.05PM...LAUNDRY RETURNED...COULD THIS BE THE HIGHLOGHT OF THE DAY?
1.00PM...RAIN RECEDED SOMEWHAT...WALKED TO THE OLD QUARTER.
1.45PM...RAIN RETURNED.
2.00PM...CAFE...ORDERED TWO CHUNKY VEG SOUP...HAM AND CHEESE SANDWICH TO SHARE.
2.15PM...ONE VEG SOUP ARRIVES...NO SIGN OF MINE...WAITED...SPOKE WITH GIRL 'IN CHARGE'...WAITED.
2.25PM...NO SIGN OF BOWL OF SOUP...SPOKE WITH GIRL 'IN CHARGE'...TOLD HER THAT WHEN TWO PEOPLE SIT DOWN TOGETHER...THEY EXPECT TO EAT TOGETHER...SHE WAS ABOUT AS MUCH USE AS A SOAKING WET CARD BOARD BOX ON A DESERTED MOTORWAY.
2.30PM...GOT UP AND LEFT.
2.40PM...AT ANOTHER CAFE WAITING FOR MUSHROOM SOUP AND CHIPS.
3.00PM...WAITING.
3.15PM...MUSHROOM SOUP/CHIPS...WHOOPEE!
4.10PM...LONG SILK...SHOP/TAILORS...NU ORDERS 5 MADE TO MEASURE TROUSERS...75 DOLLARS...LOTTA MATERIAL I SUPPOSE.
5.00PM...TREATS CAFE...BUY ONE GET ONE FREE...FOUR BACARDI/COKES COMING UP...RAIN LASHING DOWN...RIVER BROKE ITS BANKS...100 YARDS FROM HOTEL...UP TO OUR KNEES...WONDERING IF THIS IS THE BEST PLACE TO BE...BETTER HAVE A FEW MORE BACARDS.
8.45PM...BACK AT HOTEL...WATCHING THE VILLA DESTROY BRUM...2~1!
12.11.07.
5.00AM...WOKE...HEAR THE RAIN...NON STOP TORRENTIAL...HOTEL FLOODED...WE'RE ON 3RD FLOOR...SO GOT LUCKY...PEOPLE ON 1ST FLOODED.
6.00PM...DEMANDED PASSPORTS[HAVE YOU EVER SEEN ME BEING DEMANDING?]...THEY DIDN'T WANNA GIVE...BUT MANY OTHER PEOPLE WANTED THIERS...PAID TWO NIGHTS BILL...NOT PAYING ANY MORE!
7.00AM...NO JOKE...7 FOOT OR MORE...THE WHOLE PLACE IS A LAKE...HANDING OUT POT NOODLES AND BISCUITS...THEY RECKON IT'LL BE A FEW DAYS BEFORE IT STOPS...NO WHERE TO GO.
9.00AM...STILL POURING,
10.00AM...SLOWING A BIT.
10.30AM...4 PEOPLE GET OUT VIA CANOE.
12.10PM...ANOTHER 4 PEOPLE GET OUT VIA CANOE...IT SAILS STRAIGHT INTO LOBBY...RECEPTION COMPLETELY UNDER WATER...WE'RE GONNA WAIT TILL TOMORROW TO MAKE OUR MOVE.
12.20PM...BEEF POT NOODLE...ASLURPING WE DO GO.
12.40PM...FELL ASLEEP.
3.00PM...WOKE...RAIN CEASED.
3.10PM...CUPPA COFFEE...ONLY ABOUT 15 PEOPLE LEFT IN HOTEL...MOST GONE TO DE NANG AIRPORT VIA BOAT AND TAXI.
4.00PM...TORRENTIAL RAIN RETURNED.
4.40PM...BOOKED AIR TICKETS TO FLY TOMORROW NIGHT.
5.35PM...NO ELECTRICITY...CANDLES HANDED OUT...MORE POT NOODLES...THINK I'VE BEEN BITTEN ON BOTH ANKLES.
7.30PM...WHERE WILL WE BE TOMORROW...CRAZY WEATHER...STILL POURING.
13.11.07.
8.00AM...NOT A VERY GOOD NIGHT...FOUND IT HARD TO SLEEP...HALF A BOTTLE OF WHISKEY WOULD'VE HELPED.
9.30AM...STILL RAINONG BUT WATER RECEDING...FOUND NU'S JACKET SHE HAD LEFT IN LOBBY AFTER THE AFTERNOON OF SEVERAL BACARDI'S...BIT WET!...IT'LL DRY...PLUS FOUND ENVELIPE WITH NU'S WRITINGS...OVER THE MOON...BIT DAMP...BUT THEY ARE SO SPECIAL...THINGS LOOKING UP!...ALSO GOT BAG OF KHIET...SPICY PIECES OF CORN...RATHER MORE-ISH.
11.00AM...STILL SPITTING...WATER RECEDING FAST...SHOULD BE HUNGRY...JUST FEEL STICKY...MY HAIR ONE MASS OF CURLS.
12.10PM...CHATTING AWAY...THE RAIN AS RETURNED.
2.00PM...COULD DO WITH A WHISKEY...CAN'T GET HOLD OF ANY.
2.50PM...VIETS HAPPILY PLAYING IN POND OF SEWAGE...GONNA TAKE BOAT PART OF THE WAY TO AIRPORT...THEN HOPEFULLY GET A TAXI...AIRPORT ABOUT 27K A WAY...BOAT COMES INTO FOYER...BOOKED FOR 4.30PM.
3.00PM...HAVING LAST CAN OF BEER.
4.00PM...AIR TICKETS FOR SAIGON...BOOKED ONE NIGHT IN HOTEL THERE.
6.00PM...NU'S TROUSERS ARRIVE...SHOULD'VE BEEN HERE ET 4.00PM.
6.10PM...BOAT TAXI ARRIVE...SHOULD'VE BEEN HERE AT 4.30PM.
7.50PM...VIA BOAT[GONDOLA] AND TAXI...FINALLY AT AIRPORT.
8.00PM...GOT AIR TICKETS I RESERVED...FLY AT 10.30PM.
8.20PM...ORDERED CHICKEN FRIED RICE AND BEER...KEEP'EM COMING!
9.15PM...CHECKED IN...WENT THRU TO FLIGHT LOUNGE.
10.35PM...HOORAY...UP AND AWAY...SAIGON HERE WE COME!
14.11.07.
12.10AM...LANDED...BIT OF A ROCKY FLIGHT...SLIGHT BIT OF TURBULANCE IN MY PANTS[TO MANY POT NOODLES!]...DECIDED WE WOULDN'T STAY IN SAIGON...INSTEAD WE WOULD FLY ON TO THE ISLAND OF PHU QUOC...SEEN A BOARD...NEXT FLIGHT AT 5.55AM...TICKET DESK NOT OPEN TILL 5.00AM...HOPE THEY'VE GOT TWO SPARE SEATS.
1.00AM...WELL HOT...FOUND A SIT...BIT OF A WAIT...BUT HOPEFULLY IT'LL BE WORTH IT...WE DIDN'T FANCY ANOTHER BIG CITY.
5.05AM...AT FLIGHT DESK...GOTTA GO ON STANDBY!
5.40AM...NO LUCK...ON STANDBY FOR NEXT FLIGHT AT 6.30AM.
6.05AM...LUCKS IN...WE'VE GOT TICKETS.
6.10AM...GO THRU NORMAL PROCEDURES...PASSPORT/BAGGAGE CHECK ETC.
6.20AM...ABOUT TO BOARD...BUT WE'RE STOPPED...SOMETHING WRONG WITH NU'S RUCKSACK.
6.25AM...THEY WANT TO KNOW WHATS IN NU'S RUCKSACK...IT TURNS OUT ITS INSECT REPELENT!
6.30AM...RUNNING FOR PLANE...SOMETHING NU AND I ARE NOT AKIN TOO!...MORE OF A PAIR OF TROTTERS!
6.45AM...ON PLANE...SEATED.
6.55AM...IN AIR...BIT LATE...BUT WHY BLAME US...THIS IS OUR 7TH FLIGHT...HAD NO PROBLEMS BEFORE.
8.00AM...PHU QUOC AIRPORT...BAG COLLECTION...HARDLY KEEP MY EYES OPEN.
8.20AM...CHAPPIE OFFERS ROOM IN HOTEL...10 DOLLARS FOR BOTH...WE ACCEPT.
8.50AM...HOTEL OK...NO INTERNET...NOT NEAR SHOPS.
9.30AM...HANDED ON LAINDRY...HAVING TO WEAR ONE OF NU'S TSHIRTS...AFTER FLOODS IN HOI AN...GOT NO CLEAN CLOTHES.
9.50AM...BREAKFAST...EGGS WITH BAGUETTE...WANTED TOAST!...COFFEE HORRIBLE.
10.20AM...SHOWER.
1040AM...SLEEP.
3.10PM...WOKE.
3.40PM...SWEET AND SOUR PORK...BEER...THE SUN IS BURNING INTO MY FACE...TO MUCH.
4.35PM...ON 3RD BEER...NEED TO SLOW DOWN...STILL WELL TIRED...THIS RESORT IS NOT REALLY MY CUPPA TEA...BUT NU LIKES IT...SWIMMING POOL...NEXT TO WHITE SANDY BEACH...FULL OF GERMANS!...I WANTED A SMALL SHACK ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ISLAND THAT HADN'T BEEN DEVELOPED YET...I NEED DESOLATION...PEOPLE ARE WONDERFUL...BUT ONLY ON MY TERMS!
5.30PM...WATCHED THE SUN GO DOWN.
6.30PM...WALKED ALONG BEACH TO A RESTEAURANT/BAR...HAD A BOTTLE OF LOCAL WINE...WONDERFUL WINE.
8.20PM...WALKED BACK TO HOTEL.
9.00PM...HEAD HIT PILLOW...OUT LIKE A LIGHT.
HAPPY.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
7.30AM...ALARM...BREAKFAST FINISHES 8.30AM...NOT HAPPY ABOUT THAT.
8.25AM...TRUNDLE DOWN TO BREAKFAST...ALL SMILES...COLOURFUL ARRAY DIFFERENT COLD MEATS,JAMS,FRIED EGG OR EGG CAKE?,FRESH BAGUETTES,TEA/COFFEE...NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT...THEN AGAIN WE ARE IN A FANCY PANTS HOTEL...THE CANADIANS WE SPOKE TO YEASTERDAY WERE ONLY PAYING 5 DOLLARS EACH FOR ACCOMADATION...WE'RE PAYING 15!
9.30AM...BOOKED ANOTHER NIGHT...PAID LAUNDRY...BOOKED BUS FOR HOI AN...DEPART 8.00AM.
11.00AM...SITTING ON BALCONY...WONDERFUL,WONDERFUL WEATHER...DOWN ON THE STREET A DOG SITS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD...UNCONCERNED...A CHAP WITH HELMET PACES...THINK HE'S LOST HIS BIKE...3 MEN CROUCHED ON THE KERB...WESTERN LOOKING WOMAN GETS OUTA RICKSHAW AND PERUSES 'FASHION' SHOP OPPOSITE...WOMAN ON OPPOSITE BALCONY SMILES...A FEW MOTORBIKES GO UP AND DOWN...ITS SO PEACEFUL...COMPARED TO HANOI...ANYTHING IS!...I THINK WE'LL SIT HERE ALL DAY...JUST ENOUGH TO KEEP US ENGROSSED...MIGHT POP OT FOR ABOTTLE OF BRANDY...BOTTLE OF COKE.
11.30AM...NU PUT SUGAR SATCHETS IN WITH MANDARINS...ALL GONE STICKY...SORTING THINGS OUT...THINK I'LL GO FOR BRANDY SHORTLY!
12.10PM...GOT RUM/COKE/EAR BUDS/PARACETEMOL/SUN LOTION x 2...115000 DONG!
2.00PM...WENT FOR PIZZA...POOL TABLE...WON 8...LOST 1.
5.20PM...BACK AT HOTEL...SEMI PACKING...DEPART HOI AN 8.00AM.
7.00PM...DRINKING RUM...HAVING FUN!?
9.11.07.
6.30AM...ALARM.
6.45AM...SHOWER.
7.10AM...BRAEKFAST...2 FRIED EGGS...IF THEY HADN'T PUT THEM UNDER MY NOSE I WOULDN'T HAVE MISSED'EM...TEA WAS WEAK...BAGUETTE DIDN'T TASTE RIGHT...BUT I'M NOT ONE TO COMPLAIN!
7.55AM...BUS ARRIVE...DOESN'T LOOK YHE BEST.
8.25AM...STUCK IN CENTRE OF CITY...FUNERAL OR WEDDING PROCESSION HAPPENING[NOT MUCH DIFFERENCE IN REALITY]...TRAFFIC JAM AS LONG AS YOUR EYE CAN SEE...THIS BUS AS GOT A WELL SQUEAKY HORN...SUSPENSION SQUEAKS TOO...NEEDS A OVERHAUL...LIKE MYSELF.
10.00AM...STOPPED AT CAFE...HAD BOWL OF STEAMED RICE WITH SHRIMPS/MEAT/SPRING ONION...NOT SURE...HOPE I'M OK...CAN OF STILL ORANGE WENT DOWN WELL.
1.30PM...ARRIVED...BIT LATE...BOOKED IN TO NEAREST HOTEL...8 DOLLARS FOR BOTH...ITS RAINING.
2.10PM...RESTAURANT...WAITING FOR CHICKEN BURGER AND CHIPS.
2.25PM...WISH I HADN'T BOTHERED...CHICKEN CURRIED BURGER IT SHOULD HAVE READ.
3.00PM...MET 2 CHAPS WE HAD MET IN HANOI...SO HAD A CHAT AND A BEER.
4.00PM...MET COUPLE WE HAD BEEN IN HALONG BAY WITH...SO MORE CHAT...MORE BEER.
5.15PM...STILL RAINING...MADE OUR WAY BACK TO HOTEL.
6.00PM...FELL ASLEEP.
10.10PM...WOKE...WATCHED HALF HOUR OF STARWARS,EPISODE 2...RUBBISH ACTING...TURNED IT OFF...BACK TO SLEEP.
10.11.07.
7.30AM...WOKE...BBC NEWS 24...SOMEONE IN FINLAND AS GONE ONA SHOOTING SPREE.
8.00AM...COFEE/SHAVE/SHOWER.
9.00AM...LEAVING HOTEL...GOTTA FIND ANOTHER...BEDSIDE TABLE LAMP NOT WORKING...FEW CREEPY CRAWLIES...NOT IMPRESSED...8 DOLLARS FOR BOTH...WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT!
9.40AM...FOUND HOTEL...20 DOLLARS FOR BOTH...SWIMMING POOL...NU IMPRESSED...CAN'T BOOK IN TILL 10.30AM...SO OFF FOR BREAKIE.
10.10AM...JEANS CAFE...NOTICE BOARD READS FULL WESTERN BREAKFAST...IN WE GO.
10.30AM...MUSHROOM OMELETTE...I'LL COME AGAIN...TOAST A BIT DOUGHIE...MUG OF TEA GOOD...HAVING ANOTHER.
10.35AM...STILL RAINING...STILL HOT...WELL STICKY.
10.45AM...WOMAN PUSHING FRUIT BARROW PASSING...KILO OF MANDARINS...QUID!
11.05AM...BOOKED IN TO HOTEL...NO CREEPY CRAWLIES WE HOPE.
11.30AM...NEW ROOM...FAR SUPERIOR TO LAST...NU GOT EVERTHING OUTA BAGS SEARCHING FOR HAIR CLIPS...ME SITTING CONSTANTLY STICKY IN CORNER...IS IT TO EARLY FOR A BEER?
11.50AM...BAG TIDYING TIME...NU FOUND CLIPS...ITS GOOD TO HAVE A CLEAR OUT...FIND THINGS YOU FORGOTTEN YOU HAD...SATCHETS OF SUGAR AND SUCH.
12.25PM...BAR ACROSS THE WAY GOT POOL TABLE...NU EAGER?!!!...OFF WE STROLL.
1.50PM...CAN'T LOSE A GAME IF I TRIED...VIETS ARE IMPRESSED...I THINK THEY MAKE ME LOOK GOOD...GETTING BORED.
2.20PM...JEANS CAFE...COD AND CHIPS...BIT SALTY.
3.30PM...BACK AT HOTEL...TRYING TO DOWNLOAD PICTURES FROM CAMERA...NOT HAPPENING.
5.05PM...NOT SURE IF THAT COD IS PLAYING TRICKS ON MY STOMACH.
7.30PM...WENT FOR SANDWICH AND COKE...LOTTA MEN IN SILLY HALF TROUSERS...IF YOU WANNA WEAR TROUSERS...WEAR THEM TO THE ANKLE OR WEAR SHORTS...BUT IF YOU WANNA LOOK SILLY...WEAR SILLY HALF TROUSERS.
9.30PM...BACK AT HOTEL...STICKY AND HOT...RAIN POURING DOWN.
11.11.07.
7.30AM...RAIN UNRELENTING...ABSOLUTELY POURING...THIS BLOG COULD GET BORING?
8.00AM...BREAKFAST...3 BOILED EGGS...BREAD/BUTTER/JAM...CUPPA TEA.
9.15AM...ATM...RAIN RAIN GO AWAY!
9.25AM...CHATTING WITH AUSSIE COUPLE.
10.05AM...SHOWER...BACK ACHING.
10.30AM...NU CAN'T GET CAMERA TO WORK...GETTING AGGITATED.
10.35AM...ELECTRICITY GONE OFF.
10.50AM...ELECTRICITY BACK ON.
12.05PM...LAUNDRY RETURNED...COULD THIS BE THE HIGHLOGHT OF THE DAY?
1.00PM...RAIN RECEDED SOMEWHAT...WALKED TO THE OLD QUARTER.
1.45PM...RAIN RETURNED.
2.00PM...CAFE...ORDERED TWO CHUNKY VEG SOUP...HAM AND CHEESE SANDWICH TO SHARE.
2.15PM...ONE VEG SOUP ARRIVES...NO SIGN OF MINE...WAITED...SPOKE WITH GIRL 'IN CHARGE'...WAITED.
2.25PM...NO SIGN OF BOWL OF SOUP...SPOKE WITH GIRL 'IN CHARGE'...TOLD HER THAT WHEN TWO PEOPLE SIT DOWN TOGETHER...THEY EXPECT TO EAT TOGETHER...SHE WAS ABOUT AS MUCH USE AS A SOAKING WET CARD BOARD BOX ON A DESERTED MOTORWAY.
2.30PM...GOT UP AND LEFT.
2.40PM...AT ANOTHER CAFE WAITING FOR MUSHROOM SOUP AND CHIPS.
3.00PM...WAITING.
3.15PM...MUSHROOM SOUP/CHIPS...WHOOPEE!
4.10PM...LONG SILK...SHOP/TAILORS...NU ORDERS 5 MADE TO MEASURE TROUSERS...75 DOLLARS...LOTTA MATERIAL I SUPPOSE.
5.00PM...TREATS CAFE...BUY ONE GET ONE FREE...FOUR BACARDI/COKES COMING UP...RAIN LASHING DOWN...RIVER BROKE ITS BANKS...100 YARDS FROM HOTEL...UP TO OUR KNEES...WONDERING IF THIS IS THE BEST PLACE TO BE...BETTER HAVE A FEW MORE BACARDS.
8.45PM...BACK AT HOTEL...WATCHING THE VILLA DESTROY BRUM...2~1!
12.11.07.
5.00AM...WOKE...HEAR THE RAIN...NON STOP TORRENTIAL...HOTEL FLOODED...WE'RE ON 3RD FLOOR...SO GOT LUCKY...PEOPLE ON 1ST FLOODED.
6.00PM...DEMANDED PASSPORTS[HAVE YOU EVER SEEN ME BEING DEMANDING?]...THEY DIDN'T WANNA GIVE...BUT MANY OTHER PEOPLE WANTED THIERS...PAID TWO NIGHTS BILL...NOT PAYING ANY MORE!
7.00AM...NO JOKE...7 FOOT OR MORE...THE WHOLE PLACE IS A LAKE...HANDING OUT POT NOODLES AND BISCUITS...THEY RECKON IT'LL BE A FEW DAYS BEFORE IT STOPS...NO WHERE TO GO.
9.00AM...STILL POURING,
10.00AM...SLOWING A BIT.
10.30AM...4 PEOPLE GET OUT VIA CANOE.
12.10PM...ANOTHER 4 PEOPLE GET OUT VIA CANOE...IT SAILS STRAIGHT INTO LOBBY...RECEPTION COMPLETELY UNDER WATER...WE'RE GONNA WAIT TILL TOMORROW TO MAKE OUR MOVE.
12.20PM...BEEF POT NOODLE...ASLURPING WE DO GO.
12.40PM...FELL ASLEEP.
3.00PM...WOKE...RAIN CEASED.
3.10PM...CUPPA COFFEE...ONLY ABOUT 15 PEOPLE LEFT IN HOTEL...MOST GONE TO DE NANG AIRPORT VIA BOAT AND TAXI.
4.00PM...TORRENTIAL RAIN RETURNED.
4.40PM...BOOKED AIR TICKETS TO FLY TOMORROW NIGHT.
5.35PM...NO ELECTRICITY...CANDLES HANDED OUT...MORE POT NOODLES...THINK I'VE BEEN BITTEN ON BOTH ANKLES.
7.30PM...WHERE WILL WE BE TOMORROW...CRAZY WEATHER...STILL POURING.
13.11.07.
8.00AM...NOT A VERY GOOD NIGHT...FOUND IT HARD TO SLEEP...HALF A BOTTLE OF WHISKEY WOULD'VE HELPED.
9.30AM...STILL RAINONG BUT WATER RECEDING...FOUND NU'S JACKET SHE HAD LEFT IN LOBBY AFTER THE AFTERNOON OF SEVERAL BACARDI'S...BIT WET!...IT'LL DRY...PLUS FOUND ENVELIPE WITH NU'S WRITINGS...OVER THE MOON...BIT DAMP...BUT THEY ARE SO SPECIAL...THINGS LOOKING UP!...ALSO GOT BAG OF KHIET...SPICY PIECES OF CORN...RATHER MORE-ISH.
11.00AM...STILL SPITTING...WATER RECEDING FAST...SHOULD BE HUNGRY...JUST FEEL STICKY...MY HAIR ONE MASS OF CURLS.
12.10PM...CHATTING AWAY...THE RAIN AS RETURNED.
2.00PM...COULD DO WITH A WHISKEY...CAN'T GET HOLD OF ANY.
2.50PM...VIETS HAPPILY PLAYING IN POND OF SEWAGE...GONNA TAKE BOAT PART OF THE WAY TO AIRPORT...THEN HOPEFULLY GET A TAXI...AIRPORT ABOUT 27K A WAY...BOAT COMES INTO FOYER...BOOKED FOR 4.30PM.
3.00PM...HAVING LAST CAN OF BEER.
4.00PM...AIR TICKETS FOR SAIGON...BOOKED ONE NIGHT IN HOTEL THERE.
6.00PM...NU'S TROUSERS ARRIVE...SHOULD'VE BEEN HERE ET 4.00PM.
6.10PM...BOAT TAXI ARRIVE...SHOULD'VE BEEN HERE AT 4.30PM.
7.50PM...VIA BOAT[GONDOLA] AND TAXI...FINALLY AT AIRPORT.
8.00PM...GOT AIR TICKETS I RESERVED...FLY AT 10.30PM.
8.20PM...ORDERED CHICKEN FRIED RICE AND BEER...KEEP'EM COMING!
9.15PM...CHECKED IN...WENT THRU TO FLIGHT LOUNGE.
10.35PM...HOORAY...UP AND AWAY...SAIGON HERE WE COME!
14.11.07.
12.10AM...LANDED...BIT OF A ROCKY FLIGHT...SLIGHT BIT OF TURBULANCE IN MY PANTS[TO MANY POT NOODLES!]...DECIDED WE WOULDN'T STAY IN SAIGON...INSTEAD WE WOULD FLY ON TO THE ISLAND OF PHU QUOC...SEEN A BOARD...NEXT FLIGHT AT 5.55AM...TICKET DESK NOT OPEN TILL 5.00AM...HOPE THEY'VE GOT TWO SPARE SEATS.
1.00AM...WELL HOT...FOUND A SIT...BIT OF A WAIT...BUT HOPEFULLY IT'LL BE WORTH IT...WE DIDN'T FANCY ANOTHER BIG CITY.
5.05AM...AT FLIGHT DESK...GOTTA GO ON STANDBY!
5.40AM...NO LUCK...ON STANDBY FOR NEXT FLIGHT AT 6.30AM.
6.05AM...LUCKS IN...WE'VE GOT TICKETS.
6.10AM...GO THRU NORMAL PROCEDURES...PASSPORT/BAGGAGE CHECK ETC.
6.20AM...ABOUT TO BOARD...BUT WE'RE STOPPED...SOMETHING WRONG WITH NU'S RUCKSACK.
6.25AM...THEY WANT TO KNOW WHATS IN NU'S RUCKSACK...IT TURNS OUT ITS INSECT REPELENT!
6.30AM...RUNNING FOR PLANE...SOMETHING NU AND I ARE NOT AKIN TOO!...MORE OF A PAIR OF TROTTERS!
6.45AM...ON PLANE...SEATED.
6.55AM...IN AIR...BIT LATE...BUT WHY BLAME US...THIS IS OUR 7TH FLIGHT...HAD NO PROBLEMS BEFORE.
8.00AM...PHU QUOC AIRPORT...BAG COLLECTION...HARDLY KEEP MY EYES OPEN.
8.20AM...CHAPPIE OFFERS ROOM IN HOTEL...10 DOLLARS FOR BOTH...WE ACCEPT.
8.50AM...HOTEL OK...NO INTERNET...NOT NEAR SHOPS.
9.30AM...HANDED ON LAINDRY...HAVING TO WEAR ONE OF NU'S TSHIRTS...AFTER FLOODS IN HOI AN...GOT NO CLEAN CLOTHES.
9.50AM...BREAKFAST...EGGS WITH BAGUETTE...WANTED TOAST!...COFFEE HORRIBLE.
10.20AM...SHOWER.
1040AM...SLEEP.
3.10PM...WOKE.
3.40PM...SWEET AND SOUR PORK...BEER...THE SUN IS BURNING INTO MY FACE...TO MUCH.
4.35PM...ON 3RD BEER...NEED TO SLOW DOWN...STILL WELL TIRED...THIS RESORT IS NOT REALLY MY CUPPA TEA...BUT NU LIKES IT...SWIMMING POOL...NEXT TO WHITE SANDY BEACH...FULL OF GERMANS!...I WANTED A SMALL SHACK ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ISLAND THAT HADN'T BEEN DEVELOPED YET...I NEED DESOLATION...PEOPLE ARE WONDERFUL...BUT ONLY ON MY TERMS!
5.30PM...WATCHED THE SUN GO DOWN.
6.30PM...WALKED ALONG BEACH TO A RESTEAURANT/BAR...HAD A BOTTLE OF LOCAL WINE...WONDERFUL WINE.
8.20PM...WALKED BACK TO HOTEL.
9.00PM...HEAD HIT PILLOW...OUT LIKE A LIGHT.
HAPPY.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
seventeenth....hot
5.11.07.
6.00AM...ALARM...GOTTA GET SHOWERED...GOTTA DO LAST OF PACK...BREAKIE 7.00AM ...MINI BUS FOR HALONG BAY 7.45/8.00AM...NEED TO SHAKE A LEG...NOT SURE WHICH ONE!
7.00AM...BREAKIE...NEED A CUPPA TEA AND A LITTLE BREAD AND JAM.
7.40AM...WAITING FOR MINIBUS.
8.10AM...PACKED IN...NU AND I HAVE FRONT SEATS...BIT MORE LEG ROOM.
12.05PM...HALONG BAY...SUN BEAMING...ME SWEATING...SUNGLASSES ON...ORBISON STYLE.
12.30PM...ON JUNK[BOAT]...LOOKS OK...WAITING FOR LUNCH...NU AND I GONE VEGGIE...NEVER KNOW WHAT THEY MIGHT SERVE!
1.00PM...SHOWN ROOM...PRETTY GOOD...DOUBLE WITH PRIVATE BATHROOM.
1.35PM...LUNCH...ALTHOUGH GONE VEGGIE...OTHERS GIVING ME THERE NO VEG FOOD...SQUID...PRAWNS...SHRIMPS...SOME OTHER FISH WHOLE INCLUDING EYES...TASTED GOOD THOUGH...RICE...SALAD...VEGGIES...DRAGON FRUIT FOR DESSERT...HAD TO PAY FOR DRINKS THOUGH!
3.00PM...ON DECK...CHATTING...DRINKING RUM AND COKE...SHORTS ON...SUNTAN LOTION...THIS MINI CRUISE IS IN MOTION...SOME GUY IN FLASHY SHORTS PLAYING GUITAR...HEADING FOR CAVES AND A SWIM...NU EXCITED...I'LL HAVE ANOTHER RUM!
4.15PM...AT THE CAVES...GOT CAJOLED IN TO GOING...DUCKED OUT OF THE KAYAKING.
6.00PM...BACK ON DECK.
7.00PM...EVENING MEAL...NOT SURE...DIDN'T EAT MUCH...CHIPS WERE ALRIGHT.
8.00PM...BACK ON DECK...MUSIC PLAYING...PEOPLE SWAYING.
10.00PM...STILL GOING STRONG...WONDER WHAT BAR BILL WILL BE?
11.30PM...OFF TO BED.
6.11.07.
6.00AM...ALARM...HEAD BUZZING.
6.30AM...COLD SHOWER...OUCH!
7.00AM...PACKING...NU GONE ON UPPER DECK...CAMERA IN HAND.
7.30AM...BREAKIE...COLD FRIED EGG...SEMI TOASTED BREAD AND JAM...TREACLE COFFEE.
9.00AM...ON DECK...CAN OF COKE...SUN BEATING DOWN...FEEL GROGGY...NU FULL OF LIFE.
11.00AM...DOCK...BAGS TO CARRY...GOT NO ENERGY.
11.35AM...RESTAURANT...DON'T FEEL HUNGRY,BUT IT'S PART OF THE TRIP.
11.50AM...ONION SOUP...WONDERFUL...FORGET THE REST...ALL I WANT IS CHEESE ON TOAST...THINK I MIGHT HAVE JUST TASTED DOG!
1.15PM...DEPART RESTAURANT FOR MINIBUS...MANAGED TO GET FRONT SEAT AGAIN
...LEG ROOM NEEDED FOR US OLDIES...THE YOUNGER ONES HAVE REALLY LOOKED AFTER US...NOT JUST TODAY...BUT ON MANY OCCASIONS...THEY'RE REALLY GREAT TO BE WITH.
3.00PM...STOPPED FOR LEG STRETCH...INDULGED IN A CORNETTO.
4.30PM...ARRIVE HANOI...STREETS STILL AS MAD AS WHEN WE LEFT.
5.15PM...CHEESE/BAGUETTE/BEER...BOUGHT HOLDALL...WEARING LESS BECAUSE OF THE HEAT...SO MORE CLOTHES TO CARRY.
6.10PM...WAITING FOR SLEEPER COACH TO TAKE US TO HUE[PRONOUNCED WAY]...SPANIARDS HAVE TAKEN OVER...ECHOING FROM WALL TO WALL...NEEDA SHAVE...NEEDA HAIRCUT.
7.00PM...MINIBUS ARRIVES TO TAKE US TO SLEEPER COACH...HOPE I SLEEP!?
7.55PM...FOUND OUR BEDS FOR THE NIGHT...I'M ON TOP...NU BELOW.
8.30PM...ASLEEP.
3.00AM...AWAKE...THE DRIVER IS IN LOVE WITH HIS HORN!
7.11.07.
6.00AM...STILL ON SLEEPER...DRIVER PULLED IN FOR COFFEE.
8.00AM...DROPPED OF IN HUE...5 MINS WALK TO HOTEL...YEAH RIGHT!
8.35AM...FOUND HOTEL...CUPPA TEA PLEASE!
9.10AM...IN ROOM...SORTING LAUNDRY.
9.30AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
10.40AM...WALKING STREETS OF HUE.
11.20AM...PINEAPPLE MILKSHAKE.
11.50AM...RESTAURANT...PORK/MUSHROOM/ONION WITH RICE...BEER TO FOLLOW.
2.00PM...WALKING BESIDE RIVER...KNEES ACHING.
3.00PM...FOUND FRUIT STALLS...I'VE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH LITTLE MANDARIN ORANGES.
3.40PM...FOUND A LITTLE CAFE...HAVING A BEER...REFLECTING ON ALL WE'VE DONE...ITS REALLY AMAZING...SOME DAYS HAVEN'T SHONE...BUT FOR THE MOST WE CAN HONESTLY SAY WE'VE SMILED AND WE ARE HAVING ONE HELL OF AN EXPERIENCE.
5.00PM...BACK AT HOTEL...LAUNDRY RETURNED CLEANED AND DRIED.
5.10PM...FELL ASLEEP.
11.50PM...WOKE.
12.10AM...DRINKING COOL BEER ON BALCONY...WARM BREEZE BLOWING...WONDERFUL...THANK YOU NUALA...YOU'RE ONE SPECIAL PERSON!
6.00AM...ALARM...GOTTA GET SHOWERED...GOTTA DO LAST OF PACK...BREAKIE 7.00AM ...MINI BUS FOR HALONG BAY 7.45/8.00AM...NEED TO SHAKE A LEG...NOT SURE WHICH ONE!
7.00AM...BREAKIE...NEED A CUPPA TEA AND A LITTLE BREAD AND JAM.
7.40AM...WAITING FOR MINIBUS.
8.10AM...PACKED IN...NU AND I HAVE FRONT SEATS...BIT MORE LEG ROOM.
12.05PM...HALONG BAY...SUN BEAMING...ME SWEATING...SUNGLASSES ON...ORBISON STYLE.
12.30PM...ON JUNK[BOAT]...LOOKS OK...WAITING FOR LUNCH...NU AND I GONE VEGGIE...NEVER KNOW WHAT THEY MIGHT SERVE!
1.00PM...SHOWN ROOM...PRETTY GOOD...DOUBLE WITH PRIVATE BATHROOM.
1.35PM...LUNCH...ALTHOUGH GONE VEGGIE...OTHERS GIVING ME THERE NO VEG FOOD...SQUID...PRAWNS...SHRIMPS...SOME OTHER FISH WHOLE INCLUDING EYES...TASTED GOOD THOUGH...RICE...SALAD...VEGGIES...DRAGON FRUIT FOR DESSERT...HAD TO PAY FOR DRINKS THOUGH!
3.00PM...ON DECK...CHATTING...DRINKING RUM AND COKE...SHORTS ON...SUNTAN LOTION...THIS MINI CRUISE IS IN MOTION...SOME GUY IN FLASHY SHORTS PLAYING GUITAR...HEADING FOR CAVES AND A SWIM...NU EXCITED...I'LL HAVE ANOTHER RUM!
4.15PM...AT THE CAVES...GOT CAJOLED IN TO GOING...DUCKED OUT OF THE KAYAKING.
6.00PM...BACK ON DECK.
7.00PM...EVENING MEAL...NOT SURE...DIDN'T EAT MUCH...CHIPS WERE ALRIGHT.
8.00PM...BACK ON DECK...MUSIC PLAYING...PEOPLE SWAYING.
10.00PM...STILL GOING STRONG...WONDER WHAT BAR BILL WILL BE?
11.30PM...OFF TO BED.
6.11.07.
6.00AM...ALARM...HEAD BUZZING.
6.30AM...COLD SHOWER...OUCH!
7.00AM...PACKING...NU GONE ON UPPER DECK...CAMERA IN HAND.
7.30AM...BREAKIE...COLD FRIED EGG...SEMI TOASTED BREAD AND JAM...TREACLE COFFEE.
9.00AM...ON DECK...CAN OF COKE...SUN BEATING DOWN...FEEL GROGGY...NU FULL OF LIFE.
11.00AM...DOCK...BAGS TO CARRY...GOT NO ENERGY.
11.35AM...RESTAURANT...DON'T FEEL HUNGRY,BUT IT'S PART OF THE TRIP.
11.50AM...ONION SOUP...WONDERFUL...FORGET THE REST...ALL I WANT IS CHEESE ON TOAST...THINK I MIGHT HAVE JUST TASTED DOG!
1.15PM...DEPART RESTAURANT FOR MINIBUS...MANAGED TO GET FRONT SEAT AGAIN
...LEG ROOM NEEDED FOR US OLDIES...THE YOUNGER ONES HAVE REALLY LOOKED AFTER US...NOT JUST TODAY...BUT ON MANY OCCASIONS...THEY'RE REALLY GREAT TO BE WITH.
3.00PM...STOPPED FOR LEG STRETCH...INDULGED IN A CORNETTO.
4.30PM...ARRIVE HANOI...STREETS STILL AS MAD AS WHEN WE LEFT.
5.15PM...CHEESE/BAGUETTE/BEER...BOUGHT HOLDALL...WEARING LESS BECAUSE OF THE HEAT...SO MORE CLOTHES TO CARRY.
6.10PM...WAITING FOR SLEEPER COACH TO TAKE US TO HUE[PRONOUNCED WAY]...SPANIARDS HAVE TAKEN OVER...ECHOING FROM WALL TO WALL...NEEDA SHAVE...NEEDA HAIRCUT.
7.00PM...MINIBUS ARRIVES TO TAKE US TO SLEEPER COACH...HOPE I SLEEP!?
7.55PM...FOUND OUR BEDS FOR THE NIGHT...I'M ON TOP...NU BELOW.
8.30PM...ASLEEP.
3.00AM...AWAKE...THE DRIVER IS IN LOVE WITH HIS HORN!
7.11.07.
6.00AM...STILL ON SLEEPER...DRIVER PULLED IN FOR COFFEE.
8.00AM...DROPPED OF IN HUE...5 MINS WALK TO HOTEL...YEAH RIGHT!
8.35AM...FOUND HOTEL...CUPPA TEA PLEASE!
9.10AM...IN ROOM...SORTING LAUNDRY.
9.30AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
10.40AM...WALKING STREETS OF HUE.
11.20AM...PINEAPPLE MILKSHAKE.
11.50AM...RESTAURANT...PORK/MUSHROOM/ONION WITH RICE...BEER TO FOLLOW.
2.00PM...WALKING BESIDE RIVER...KNEES ACHING.
3.00PM...FOUND FRUIT STALLS...I'VE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH LITTLE MANDARIN ORANGES.
3.40PM...FOUND A LITTLE CAFE...HAVING A BEER...REFLECTING ON ALL WE'VE DONE...ITS REALLY AMAZING...SOME DAYS HAVEN'T SHONE...BUT FOR THE MOST WE CAN HONESTLY SAY WE'VE SMILED AND WE ARE HAVING ONE HELL OF AN EXPERIENCE.
5.00PM...BACK AT HOTEL...LAUNDRY RETURNED CLEANED AND DRIED.
5.10PM...FELL ASLEEP.
11.50PM...WOKE.
12.10AM...DRINKING COOL BEER ON BALCONY...WARM BREEZE BLOWING...WONDERFUL...THANK YOU NUALA...YOU'RE ONE SPECIAL PERSON!
Sunday, 4 November 2007
sixteenth...hanoi...enjoy (65)
2.11.07.
8.00AM...WOKE EARLY...WENT TO BED EARLY...BUT STILL FEEL TIRED.
8.30AM...SHAVE/SHOWER/COFFEE.
9.00AM...PACKING.
9.40AM...EVERYTHING IN...TIGHT FIT...MAYBE MY PACKING ISN'T UP TO SCRATCH.
10.00AM...COFFEE.
10.15AM...DEPART.
10.30AM...BREAKFAST AT OUR FAVOURITE CAFE.
11.15AM...PHONED VIETNAM FOR AIRPORT PICKUP...HOPE THEY UNDERSTAND...NOT THE BEST OF ENGLISH SPEAKERS ON THE OTHER END OF BLOWER!
12.05PM...SAID OUR FAREWELLS...IF YOU READ THIS JUSTIN...SORRY I DIDN'T GET TO SAY CHEERIO...I WAS KINDA USHERED OUT THE DOOR...TAXI WAITING...TAKE CARE...ENJOY KOREA.
12.55PM...AIRPORT...FORMS TO FILL
1.15PM...THRU BAGGAGE CONTROL ETC.
1.50PM...HAVING A BEER...SPENDING LAST YUAN.
3.10PM...BOARDING PLANE...NEED LOO!
3.45PM...IN THE AIR.
4.20PM...THE VIETMESE ARE BUSY BEES...PORK AND RICE...VERY NICE...ANOTHER GLASS OF WINE...THAT'LL GO DOWN FINE!...CAN'T DO ENOUGH FOR YOU.
6.30PM...TOUCH DOWN.
6.50PM...BAGGAGE COLLECTION...PASSPORT CONTROL...WELL SLOW...FEEL THE HEAT.
7.20PM...CHAPPIE WAITING TO TAKE US TO HOTE BODEGA.
8.10PM...ARRIVE AT HOTEL...CRAZY STREETS...MOTORBIKES EVERYWHERE...PEOPLE COOKING SUPPER ON PAVEMENT...THIS IS MAD...HOW THE DRIVER DIDN'T HIT A BIKE...GOD KNOWS!
8.25PM...ROOM OK...MORE OF A GUEST HOUSE THAN A HOTEL.
9.00PM...HIT THE CRAZY STREETS...FEEL THE HEAT.
9.30PM...FOUND A RESTAURANT...LOOKS CLEAN...NEED TO EAT.
9.50PM...VIET CHICKEN AND VEGGIES WITH RICE...BOTTLE OF BEER...2 QUID THE LOT FOR BOTH...THAT INCLUDED A BANANA/HONEY PANCAKE.
10.55PM...HEADED BACK TO HOTEL.
3.11.07.
8.30AM...WOKE/SHOWER.
9.20AM...BREAKIE...TEA/COFFEE/FRENCH BAGUETTE/JAM/OMELLETTE AND BANANAS.
10.00AM...WALKED TO LAKE...BOUGHT MAP OF VIETNAM...NU ENQUIRED ABOUT HAVING SOME TROUSERS MADE...BOUGHT SOME STAMPS AND CARDS.
11.00AM...SITTING IN BAR BY LAKE...WRITING CARDS...DRINKING BEER.
12.05PM...IN RICKSHAW...WELL SQUASHED...POOR CHAPPIE PEDDLING LIKE MAD...SEEING MOST OF THE CITY THOUGH...PERHAPS I SHOULD GIVE HIM AN EXTRA THOUSAND!
1.10PM...FEEL PECKISH.
1.35PM...ORDERED PIZZA FUNGI...SPRING ROLLS AND BEER.
2.00PM...SPRING ROLLS ARRIVE...VEGGIES WRAPPED IN RICE CONDOMS...WELL THATS WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE TO ME!
2.10PM...PIZZA HERE...NOT THE BEST...BUT NOT THE WORST.
4.00PM...WALKED IN TO CAFE...THERES A FAT RAT RUNNING UP A PIPE...TOLD THE WAITRESS...SHE JUST SMILED...WE DEPARTED...THERES NOT ALOT TO DO IN HANOI...DRINK/EAT/PEOPLE WATCH.
4.55PM...FOUND BACKPACKERS HOSTEL...WHERE PEOPLE ARE USUALLY HELPFUL..ON THIS OCCASION THE MAN AT THE DESK WAS ABOUT AS HELPFUL AS A BANDAGE TO A GOLDFISH!
4.11.07.
8.30AM...WOKE/SHAVE/SHOWER.
10.00AM...BREAKIE AS YESTERDAY.
11.00AM...LISTENED TO WHAT I THOUGHT WAS JAMES BLUNT'S NEW CD...ALL IT DOES IS REPEAT THE FIRST LINE OF EACH SONG...COST A QUID!
11.30AM...RETURNRD CD.
12.30PM...AT TOUR BOOKING PLACE.
1.05PM...BOOKING BOAT CRUISE IN HA LONG BAY AND THEN ONTO HUE WITH HOTEL...PLUS HOP ON/HOP OFF TICKET TO SAIGON...238 DOLLARS...OK IT'S A LOT...BUT WHAT NU WANTS...NU GETS!...8.00AM KICK OFF TOMORROW.
3.00PM...POSTED CARDS...ATM.
3.15PM...SPAG BOL FOR ME...BEEF NOODLE FOR NU...STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKES...WEATHER GETTING COOLER.
4.30PM...BACK AT HOTEL...NOISE ON STREET HORRENDOUS...SHOULD BE A LAW AGAINST MOTORBIKES ON A SUNDAY!
4.45PM...WATCHING FROM BALCONY AS THE MESS OF MOPEDS/MOTORBIKES GO BY...HORNS A TOOTING...THE ODD CAR MAKES ITS WAY THRU SLOWLY.
5.10PM...GOTTA PACK...PET HATE...THE I'LL HAVE A BEER.
5.15PM...WATCHING A CHARLIE CHAPLIN FILM...HE'S SWALLOWED A WHISTLE AND AS GOT HICCUPS!
7.00PM...STILL HAVEN'T PACKED...GONNA TAKE A STROLL.
CONCOZY.........(FENETICALLY.......NO WORRIES)
BYE FOR NOWZ.
8.00AM...WOKE EARLY...WENT TO BED EARLY...BUT STILL FEEL TIRED.
8.30AM...SHAVE/SHOWER/COFFEE.
9.00AM...PACKING.
9.40AM...EVERYTHING IN...TIGHT FIT...MAYBE MY PACKING ISN'T UP TO SCRATCH.
10.00AM...COFFEE.
10.15AM...DEPART.
10.30AM...BREAKFAST AT OUR FAVOURITE CAFE.
11.15AM...PHONED VIETNAM FOR AIRPORT PICKUP...HOPE THEY UNDERSTAND...NOT THE BEST OF ENGLISH SPEAKERS ON THE OTHER END OF BLOWER!
12.05PM...SAID OUR FAREWELLS...IF YOU READ THIS JUSTIN...SORRY I DIDN'T GET TO SAY CHEERIO...I WAS KINDA USHERED OUT THE DOOR...TAXI WAITING...TAKE CARE...ENJOY KOREA.
12.55PM...AIRPORT...FORMS TO FILL
1.15PM...THRU BAGGAGE CONTROL ETC.
1.50PM...HAVING A BEER...SPENDING LAST YUAN.
3.10PM...BOARDING PLANE...NEED LOO!
3.45PM...IN THE AIR.
4.20PM...THE VIETMESE ARE BUSY BEES...PORK AND RICE...VERY NICE...ANOTHER GLASS OF WINE...THAT'LL GO DOWN FINE!...CAN'T DO ENOUGH FOR YOU.
6.30PM...TOUCH DOWN.
6.50PM...BAGGAGE COLLECTION...PASSPORT CONTROL...WELL SLOW...FEEL THE HEAT.
7.20PM...CHAPPIE WAITING TO TAKE US TO HOTE BODEGA.
8.10PM...ARRIVE AT HOTEL...CRAZY STREETS...MOTORBIKES EVERYWHERE...PEOPLE COOKING SUPPER ON PAVEMENT...THIS IS MAD...HOW THE DRIVER DIDN'T HIT A BIKE...GOD KNOWS!
8.25PM...ROOM OK...MORE OF A GUEST HOUSE THAN A HOTEL.
9.00PM...HIT THE CRAZY STREETS...FEEL THE HEAT.
9.30PM...FOUND A RESTAURANT...LOOKS CLEAN...NEED TO EAT.
9.50PM...VIET CHICKEN AND VEGGIES WITH RICE...BOTTLE OF BEER...2 QUID THE LOT FOR BOTH...THAT INCLUDED A BANANA/HONEY PANCAKE.
10.55PM...HEADED BACK TO HOTEL.
3.11.07.
8.30AM...WOKE/SHOWER.
9.20AM...BREAKIE...TEA/COFFEE/FRENCH BAGUETTE/JAM/OMELLETTE AND BANANAS.
10.00AM...WALKED TO LAKE...BOUGHT MAP OF VIETNAM...NU ENQUIRED ABOUT HAVING SOME TROUSERS MADE...BOUGHT SOME STAMPS AND CARDS.
11.00AM...SITTING IN BAR BY LAKE...WRITING CARDS...DRINKING BEER.
12.05PM...IN RICKSHAW...WELL SQUASHED...POOR CHAPPIE PEDDLING LIKE MAD...SEEING MOST OF THE CITY THOUGH...PERHAPS I SHOULD GIVE HIM AN EXTRA THOUSAND!
1.10PM...FEEL PECKISH.
1.35PM...ORDERED PIZZA FUNGI...SPRING ROLLS AND BEER.
2.00PM...SPRING ROLLS ARRIVE...VEGGIES WRAPPED IN RICE CONDOMS...WELL THATS WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE TO ME!
2.10PM...PIZZA HERE...NOT THE BEST...BUT NOT THE WORST.
4.00PM...WALKED IN TO CAFE...THERES A FAT RAT RUNNING UP A PIPE...TOLD THE WAITRESS...SHE JUST SMILED...WE DEPARTED...THERES NOT ALOT TO DO IN HANOI...DRINK/EAT/PEOPLE WATCH.
4.55PM...FOUND BACKPACKERS HOSTEL...WHERE PEOPLE ARE USUALLY HELPFUL..ON THIS OCCASION THE MAN AT THE DESK WAS ABOUT AS HELPFUL AS A BANDAGE TO A GOLDFISH!
4.11.07.
8.30AM...WOKE/SHAVE/SHOWER.
10.00AM...BREAKIE AS YESTERDAY.
11.00AM...LISTENED TO WHAT I THOUGHT WAS JAMES BLUNT'S NEW CD...ALL IT DOES IS REPEAT THE FIRST LINE OF EACH SONG...COST A QUID!
11.30AM...RETURNRD CD.
12.30PM...AT TOUR BOOKING PLACE.
1.05PM...BOOKING BOAT CRUISE IN HA LONG BAY AND THEN ONTO HUE WITH HOTEL...PLUS HOP ON/HOP OFF TICKET TO SAIGON...238 DOLLARS...OK IT'S A LOT...BUT WHAT NU WANTS...NU GETS!...8.00AM KICK OFF TOMORROW.
3.00PM...POSTED CARDS...ATM.
3.15PM...SPAG BOL FOR ME...BEEF NOODLE FOR NU...STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKES...WEATHER GETTING COOLER.
4.30PM...BACK AT HOTEL...NOISE ON STREET HORRENDOUS...SHOULD BE A LAW AGAINST MOTORBIKES ON A SUNDAY!
4.45PM...WATCHING FROM BALCONY AS THE MESS OF MOPEDS/MOTORBIKES GO BY...HORNS A TOOTING...THE ODD CAR MAKES ITS WAY THRU SLOWLY.
5.10PM...GOTTA PACK...PET HATE...THE I'LL HAVE A BEER.
5.15PM...WATCHING A CHARLIE CHAPLIN FILM...HE'S SWALLOWED A WHISTLE AND AS GOT HICCUPS!
7.00PM...STILL HAVEN'T PACKED...GONNA TAKE A STROLL.
CONCOZY.........(FENETICALLY.......NO WORRIES)
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Thursday, 1 November 2007
fifthteenth...beijeng...part two
30.10.07.
10.00AM...DIDN'T RISE TO EARLY...NU SEEMED UNCONCERNED.
11.00AM...WALKED THE BACK STREETS OF BEIJENG IN SEARCH OF POST OFFICE...YOU HAVE TO GET LOST TO SEE THE REAL CHINA...NU AND I ARE GOOD AT THAT!
1.25PM...HAVING ENGLISH BREAKFAST WITH FRENCH/AMERICAN COFFEE!
2.30PM...NU OUTA BRANDY...GONNA HAVE TO GET HER SOME MORE...BLESS.
3.10PM...READING SOME OLD MUSIC MAGS...INTRODUCED HER TO ISRAELI/AUSSIE FRIENDS...LIFE IS GOOD.
OVERALL VIEW.
Go to china,but don't go on a organized tour like with Travelsphere etc.Its a rip off...get a return flight from Heathrow.Book accomadation via net.They'll write your hotel/hostel address in chinese if you want.Jump in taxi on arrival,show taxi driver address...20/30 yuan...you will only see the true China this way.If you wanna move on to another part of China,internal flights are cheap and easy to get...about 80 quid...get your next address sorted via net and off you go...its so simple!You might spend the same as going with a tour company,but i guarantee you'll see a whole lot more doing it yourself...don't get ripped off!
5.40PM...CHICKEN CURRY...ORANGE JUICE.
7.25PM...WALKED SLOWLY BACK TO HOSTEL...DIMLY LIT STREETS...SUN SEEMED TO GO DOWN EARLY THIS EVE...EVERYONE WANTING TO WELCOME US INTO THIER SHOPS...VERY PLEASANT.
31.10.07.
8.00AM...ALARM.
8.15AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
8.35AM...GOTTA GET CRACKING...PICKING UP VISAS TODAY.
9.30AM...HAILED TAXI.
10.15AM...VIETNAM VISA OFFICE...ALL OK!
10.45AM...AIRLINE OFFICE...GOT TICKETS...FLY 3.30PM FRIDAY 2ND NOV...ALL OK!
11.50AM...TIANNAMEN SQUARE...TAXI DRIVER REFUSED TO TAKE US TO DOOR OF HOSTEL...HAD TO WALK HALF KILOMETRE.
12.20PM...RESTAURANT...PIZZA ANGEL[EVERYTHING]...ORANGE/CARROT JUICE...SHARING...WAITING.
12.55PM...PIZZA FINALLY ARRIVE...WORTH IT...WONDERFUL!...WONDERFUL WAITRESS APOLIGIZE...BUT THERE ARE MANY CUSTOMERS.
2.15PM...BOOKED HOTEL IN HANOI...WAS GOING TO RITZ...BUT DON'T HAVE OUR DATES AVAILABLE...SO GOING TO BAGGOTA...JUST AS PLUSH...MAYBE PLUSHER!...MONEY SPINNING OUTA CONTROL...NU NEEDS COMFORT...GUESS I'LL HAVE TO PLOD ALONG WITH IT...3 NIGHTS WON'T HARM.
3.10PM...BOUGHT SOME HONEYCOMB...I GOT VERY LITTLE...NU'S A DEVIL...WALKING SLOWLY BEHIND ME...MUNCHING...HOPING I DON'T REALISE!
3.20PM...BOUGHT MYSELF SOME MANDARINS...HOLDING'EM TIGHT!
6.00PM...HAVING A BRANDY OR THREE...HALLOWEEN PARTY TONIGHT.
6.40PM...SWEET AND SOUR PORK...A BIT SWEETER THAN I WOULD LIKE.
8.00PM...PARTY!...BUY ONE GET ONE FREE...NU IN ECSTASY...LITRE BOTTLES OF BEER...17p EACH.
9.00PM...DANCING TO BEEGEES!...CHATTING...DANCING...CHATTING...DANCING...THEY WERE CHANTING MY NAME...MR.WILLIS...MR.WILLIS...MR.WILLIS!
10.20PM...CHATTING WITH SOME SWEDISH GIRL...KEPT NODDING... BUT NOT TO SURE WHAT THE CONVERSATION WAS ABOUT...MUSIC TO LOUD.
11.55PM...MANAGED TO FIND NU CHATTING TO SOMEONE IN CORNER...AGREED IT WAS TIME TO GO...I WAS DANCED OUT...QUICK EXIT REQUIRED.
1.11.07.
10.30AM...CAN'T BE BOTHERED...NEED MORE SLEEP.
11.10AM...NU REMINDS ME WE GOT A FEW THINGS TO DO TODAY...CAUSE WE ARE LEAVING TOMORROW.
11.55AM...MADE OUR WAY TO QIAN MEN...JUST OFF TIN SQUARE...IT AS BECOME OUR LOCAL EATERIE...BEST FOOD GOING...FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST PLEASE/MUG OF TEA...WELL RECIEVED!
2.00PM...POSTED SOME ITEMS BACK TO ENGLAND...HOPE THEY GET THERE.
3.00PM...SORTING TAXI FOR AIRPORT FOR TOMORROW...ALL A BIT QUIET...WEATHER OK...LOOKING FORWARD TO VIETNAM HEAT...REALLY ENJOYED BEIJENG.
4.55PM...WELL TIRED...CAN'T STOP YAWNING...OFF TO BED!
HOLD ON TIGHT TO YOUR DREAMS.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
10.00AM...DIDN'T RISE TO EARLY...NU SEEMED UNCONCERNED.
11.00AM...WALKED THE BACK STREETS OF BEIJENG IN SEARCH OF POST OFFICE...YOU HAVE TO GET LOST TO SEE THE REAL CHINA...NU AND I ARE GOOD AT THAT!
1.25PM...HAVING ENGLISH BREAKFAST WITH FRENCH/AMERICAN COFFEE!
2.30PM...NU OUTA BRANDY...GONNA HAVE TO GET HER SOME MORE...BLESS.
3.10PM...READING SOME OLD MUSIC MAGS...INTRODUCED HER TO ISRAELI/AUSSIE FRIENDS...LIFE IS GOOD.
OVERALL VIEW.
Go to china,but don't go on a organized tour like with Travelsphere etc.Its a rip off...get a return flight from Heathrow.Book accomadation via net.They'll write your hotel/hostel address in chinese if you want.Jump in taxi on arrival,show taxi driver address...20/30 yuan...you will only see the true China this way.If you wanna move on to another part of China,internal flights are cheap and easy to get...about 80 quid...get your next address sorted via net and off you go...its so simple!You might spend the same as going with a tour company,but i guarantee you'll see a whole lot more doing it yourself...don't get ripped off!
5.40PM...CHICKEN CURRY...ORANGE JUICE.
7.25PM...WALKED SLOWLY BACK TO HOSTEL...DIMLY LIT STREETS...SUN SEEMED TO GO DOWN EARLY THIS EVE...EVERYONE WANTING TO WELCOME US INTO THIER SHOPS...VERY PLEASANT.
31.10.07.
8.00AM...ALARM.
8.15AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
8.35AM...GOTTA GET CRACKING...PICKING UP VISAS TODAY.
9.30AM...HAILED TAXI.
10.15AM...VIETNAM VISA OFFICE...ALL OK!
10.45AM...AIRLINE OFFICE...GOT TICKETS...FLY 3.30PM FRIDAY 2ND NOV...ALL OK!
11.50AM...TIANNAMEN SQUARE...TAXI DRIVER REFUSED TO TAKE US TO DOOR OF HOSTEL...HAD TO WALK HALF KILOMETRE.
12.20PM...RESTAURANT...PIZZA ANGEL[EVERYTHING]...ORANGE/CARROT JUICE...SHARING...WAITING.
12.55PM...PIZZA FINALLY ARRIVE...WORTH IT...WONDERFUL!...WONDERFUL WAITRESS APOLIGIZE...BUT THERE ARE MANY CUSTOMERS.
2.15PM...BOOKED HOTEL IN HANOI...WAS GOING TO RITZ...BUT DON'T HAVE OUR DATES AVAILABLE...SO GOING TO BAGGOTA...JUST AS PLUSH...MAYBE PLUSHER!...MONEY SPINNING OUTA CONTROL...NU NEEDS COMFORT...GUESS I'LL HAVE TO PLOD ALONG WITH IT...3 NIGHTS WON'T HARM.
3.10PM...BOUGHT SOME HONEYCOMB...I GOT VERY LITTLE...NU'S A DEVIL...WALKING SLOWLY BEHIND ME...MUNCHING...HOPING I DON'T REALISE!
3.20PM...BOUGHT MYSELF SOME MANDARINS...HOLDING'EM TIGHT!
6.00PM...HAVING A BRANDY OR THREE...HALLOWEEN PARTY TONIGHT.
6.40PM...SWEET AND SOUR PORK...A BIT SWEETER THAN I WOULD LIKE.
8.00PM...PARTY!...BUY ONE GET ONE FREE...NU IN ECSTASY...LITRE BOTTLES OF BEER...17p EACH.
9.00PM...DANCING TO BEEGEES!...CHATTING...DANCING...CHATTING...DANCING...THEY WERE CHANTING MY NAME...MR.WILLIS...MR.WILLIS...MR.WILLIS!
10.20PM...CHATTING WITH SOME SWEDISH GIRL...KEPT NODDING... BUT NOT TO SURE WHAT THE CONVERSATION WAS ABOUT...MUSIC TO LOUD.
11.55PM...MANAGED TO FIND NU CHATTING TO SOMEONE IN CORNER...AGREED IT WAS TIME TO GO...I WAS DANCED OUT...QUICK EXIT REQUIRED.
1.11.07.
10.30AM...CAN'T BE BOTHERED...NEED MORE SLEEP.
11.10AM...NU REMINDS ME WE GOT A FEW THINGS TO DO TODAY...CAUSE WE ARE LEAVING TOMORROW.
11.55AM...MADE OUR WAY TO QIAN MEN...JUST OFF TIN SQUARE...IT AS BECOME OUR LOCAL EATERIE...BEST FOOD GOING...FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST PLEASE/MUG OF TEA...WELL RECIEVED!
2.00PM...POSTED SOME ITEMS BACK TO ENGLAND...HOPE THEY GET THERE.
3.00PM...SORTING TAXI FOR AIRPORT FOR TOMORROW...ALL A BIT QUIET...WEATHER OK...LOOKING FORWARD TO VIETNAM HEAT...REALLY ENJOYED BEIJENG.
4.55PM...WELL TIRED...CAN'T STOP YAWNING...OFF TO BED!
HOLD ON TIGHT TO YOUR DREAMS.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Tuesday, 30 October 2007
fourteenth...beijeng
28.10.07.
8.35AM...TRAIN PULLED IN AT BEIJENG STATION.
9.00AM...TAXI TO HOSTEL.
9.45AM...BOOKED TWIN ROOM ENSUITE.
10.00AM...EGG/TOMATO ON TOAST/COFFEE.
10.45AM...SHOWER/SHAVE...WONDERFUL.
11.55AM...BEER...VERY WONDERFUL.
2.00PM...WALKED THE STREETS OUTSIDE OUR HOSTEL...FOOD STALLS...BAG SELLERS.
4.00PM...CHATTING WITH OTHER TRAVELLERS...WEATHER GONE COLD...WATCHED A ANIMATED FILM ABOUT A RAT BECOMING A TOP CHEF IN PARIS...WORTH A LOOK!
6.00PM...BURGER AND CHIPS...YUK...BANANA PANCAKE...PASSABLE.
7.10PM...TOILET LEAKING IN ROOM.
7.20PM...CHANGED ROOM.
7.40PM...HEATER NOT WORKING.
8.00PM...CHANGED ROOM AGAIN!...MADE SURE ALL WAS OK BEFORE WE SHIFTED BAGS AGAIN.
8.40PM...WENT OUT TO SEE IF I COULD FIND BAR WHERE VILLA/BOLTON MATCH ON...NU STAYED IN WITH BRANDY AND COKE.
9.10PM...AT ANOTHER HOSTEL THAT HAD SKY TV...BUT COULDN'T GET MATCH ON 'CAUSE OF WEATHER...YEAH RIGHT!
9.20PM...SPOKE WITH TWO ALRIGHT GUYS...ISRAELI AND AUSSIE...BIT OF A DEEP CONVERSATION AT TIMES...ENJOYED IT THOUGH...THINK THEY MIGHT HAVE THOUGHT I WAS GAY!...IS IT THE WAY I WALK?...WANTED TO TAKE ME DANCING!
10.30PM...WALKED BACK TO HOSTEL.
10.40PM...NU STILL AWAKE...DRINKING BRANDY AND WATCHING SOME DANCE PROG.
11.10PM...GOOD NIGHT!
29.10.07.
8.30AM...WOKE...COFFEE.
9.00AM...SHOWER.
9.30AM...EGG TOASTED SANDWICH/COFFEE...BRIAN HYLAND MUSIC PLAYING...NOT HEARD FOR YEARS.
10.30AM...HAILED TAXI TO TAKE US TO VIETNAM EMBASSY FOR VISAS.
11.10AM...FILLED IN FORMS...PAID DEPOSIT...PAY REST ON COLLECTION ON WEDNESDAY.
12.05PM...VIETNAM AIRLINES OFFICE CLOSED TILL 1.30PM...OUCH.
12.20PM...KEMPSKI HOTEL...BIT WELL TO DO...BUSINESS FOLK EVERYWHERE...NU...ROAST BEEF ON FRENCH BREAD...ME...CHEESE AND HAM ON FRENCH BREAD...LARGE COFFEE FOR ME...NU ON THE LAGER!...FOLLOWED BY FANCY PANTS CAKE!...ON THE WAY WE WERE SAYING HOW WE GOTTA STOP SPENDING SO MUCH...CUT OUR CLOTH ETC...NOW HERE WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS KIP ON POSH SARNIES!
1.40PM...TAXI.
2.10PM...HAVING A BEER...LISTENING TO BBC WORLD.
3.30PM...NU ENQUIRED ABOUT CHIPS...CHEF NOT ON SITE AT MO...OH!
4.10PM...NU STAYING PUT...I'M OFF ON A MISSION TO FIND PARACETEMOL.
4.50PM...MISSION COMPLETED...THOUGH IT TOOK 3 STOREYS OF A STORE AND MUCH ANIMATED WAFFLE.
5,40PM...HAD A GLORIOUS MEAL...RICE/CHICKEN/MUSHROOM/PEPPERS/ONION IN A TASTY SAUCE...AWESOME!
8.00PM...WAFFLING WITH FELLOW WAFFLERS...LAUNDRY RETURNED...WHITE POWDER MARKS EVERYWHERE!
SEALED WITH A KISS.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
8.35AM...TRAIN PULLED IN AT BEIJENG STATION.
9.00AM...TAXI TO HOSTEL.
9.45AM...BOOKED TWIN ROOM ENSUITE.
10.00AM...EGG/TOMATO ON TOAST/COFFEE.
10.45AM...SHOWER/SHAVE...WONDERFUL.
11.55AM...BEER...VERY WONDERFUL.
2.00PM...WALKED THE STREETS OUTSIDE OUR HOSTEL...FOOD STALLS...BAG SELLERS.
4.00PM...CHATTING WITH OTHER TRAVELLERS...WEATHER GONE COLD...WATCHED A ANIMATED FILM ABOUT A RAT BECOMING A TOP CHEF IN PARIS...WORTH A LOOK!
6.00PM...BURGER AND CHIPS...YUK...BANANA PANCAKE...PASSABLE.
7.10PM...TOILET LEAKING IN ROOM.
7.20PM...CHANGED ROOM.
7.40PM...HEATER NOT WORKING.
8.00PM...CHANGED ROOM AGAIN!...MADE SURE ALL WAS OK BEFORE WE SHIFTED BAGS AGAIN.
8.40PM...WENT OUT TO SEE IF I COULD FIND BAR WHERE VILLA/BOLTON MATCH ON...NU STAYED IN WITH BRANDY AND COKE.
9.10PM...AT ANOTHER HOSTEL THAT HAD SKY TV...BUT COULDN'T GET MATCH ON 'CAUSE OF WEATHER...YEAH RIGHT!
9.20PM...SPOKE WITH TWO ALRIGHT GUYS...ISRAELI AND AUSSIE...BIT OF A DEEP CONVERSATION AT TIMES...ENJOYED IT THOUGH...THINK THEY MIGHT HAVE THOUGHT I WAS GAY!...IS IT THE WAY I WALK?...WANTED TO TAKE ME DANCING!
10.30PM...WALKED BACK TO HOSTEL.
10.40PM...NU STILL AWAKE...DRINKING BRANDY AND WATCHING SOME DANCE PROG.
11.10PM...GOOD NIGHT!
29.10.07.
8.30AM...WOKE...COFFEE.
9.00AM...SHOWER.
9.30AM...EGG TOASTED SANDWICH/COFFEE...BRIAN HYLAND MUSIC PLAYING...NOT HEARD FOR YEARS.
10.30AM...HAILED TAXI TO TAKE US TO VIETNAM EMBASSY FOR VISAS.
11.10AM...FILLED IN FORMS...PAID DEPOSIT...PAY REST ON COLLECTION ON WEDNESDAY.
12.05PM...VIETNAM AIRLINES OFFICE CLOSED TILL 1.30PM...OUCH.
12.20PM...KEMPSKI HOTEL...BIT WELL TO DO...BUSINESS FOLK EVERYWHERE...NU...ROAST BEEF ON FRENCH BREAD...ME...CHEESE AND HAM ON FRENCH BREAD...LARGE COFFEE FOR ME...NU ON THE LAGER!...FOLLOWED BY FANCY PANTS CAKE!...ON THE WAY WE WERE SAYING HOW WE GOTTA STOP SPENDING SO MUCH...CUT OUR CLOTH ETC...NOW HERE WE ARE SPENDING TWO NIGHTS KIP ON POSH SARNIES!
1.40PM...TAXI.
2.10PM...HAVING A BEER...LISTENING TO BBC WORLD.
3.30PM...NU ENQUIRED ABOUT CHIPS...CHEF NOT ON SITE AT MO...OH!
4.10PM...NU STAYING PUT...I'M OFF ON A MISSION TO FIND PARACETEMOL.
4.50PM...MISSION COMPLETED...THOUGH IT TOOK 3 STOREYS OF A STORE AND MUCH ANIMATED WAFFLE.
5,40PM...HAD A GLORIOUS MEAL...RICE/CHICKEN/MUSHROOM/PEPPERS/ONION IN A TASTY SAUCE...AWESOME!
8.00PM...WAFFLING WITH FELLOW WAFFLERS...LAUNDRY RETURNED...WHITE POWDER MARKS EVERYWHERE!
SEALED WITH A KISS.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Saturday, 27 October 2007
thirteenth...tibetan dispair
24.10.07.
8.00AM...WOKE...THOUGH A HARDLY SLEPT...PARACETMOL AND COFFEE.
8.30AM...TEPID SHOWER.
9.00AM...HEAD FOR BREAKFAST...FIFTH FLOOR...ARE THEY TRYINGH TO KILL US?!...POTATO...OMELLETTE...BACON...COFFEE...NOT BAD.
10.30AM...JOKHANG PALACE...VERY COLOURFUL AND INTERESTING...STOOD SINCE 700AD...THE GUIDE VERY INFORMATIVE...ROOMS/CANDLES/DRAPES GALORE...BUT ONE THING HIT ME...ALL THE POOR PEOPLE COME TO THE CITY TO PAY THERE RESPECTS AND GIVE WHAT LITTLE MONEY THEY HAVE...THE BUDD MONKS COME ROUND COLLECTING IT...I RECKON THEY HAVE A GOOD OLD KNEES UP WITH ALL THAT DOSH...THE SMELL WAS PRETTY AWFUL...THEY BURN YAK BUTTER...SMELLED LIKE AN ABATTOIR.
12.15PM...POTALA PALACE...TOO MANY STEPS...SO WE FOUND A BENCH AND WAITED FOR THE GUIDE AND POLISH COUPLE...THIS IS WHERE THE DIM LAMA STAYED WHEN HE WAS LAST IN TOWN.
3.00PM...LEGS ACHING...TIME TO EAT...SLIGHTLY HUNGRY.
3.15PM...TRYING SOME TIBETAN CUISINE...NOT RECOMMENDED.
3.45PM...DON'T BOTHER WITH PIZZA EITHER...NU HAD TUNA SARNIES...THEY'RE GOING IN THE BIN AS WELL...ARE THE TIBETANS GOING TO FALL INTO THE SAME CATEGORY AS THE RUSSIANS AND ITALIANS...PROBABLY!
4.00PM...TRYING SOME TIBETAN CHEESE...NOT RECOMMENDED.
5.00PM...BOOKED TICKETS TO FLY TO KUNMING...THEN DECIDED WE'D TAKE HIGH ALTITUDE TRAIN BACK TO BEIJENG...WHAT A NIGHTMARE...THEN ON TO HANOI...NOW WE HAVE GOTTA TRY AND GET OUR MONEY BACK ON OUR FLIGHTS.
7.00PM...CAN HAVE MONEY BACK...LESS 10%...OUCH...OK.
8.00PM...BOUGHT BOTTLE OF BRANDY...QUID 25P...SUPPING IT SLOWLY...BUT THOROUGHLY.
9.00PM...POLISH COUPLE KNOCK ON DOOR...EXPLAINED EVERYTHING...SO WE ARE ABOUT 30 QUID DOWN...BUT ITS BETTER WE TAKE TRAIN TO BEIJENG...BECAUSE ITS EASIER TO GET TO HANOI THAT WAY.
25.10.07.
8.00AM...WOKE...NEED JUICE.
8.50AM...SHOWER.
9.30AM...BREAKIE...EGGS ON TOAST...COFFEE.
10.30AM...REFUND ON AIR TICKETS...LESS 10 PERCENT...OUCH!
11.20AM...BOUGHT TRAIN TICKETS FOR BEIJENG...HARD SLEEP...MIDDLE BUNKS...1568 YUAN FOR BOTH.
12.25PM...SUPPLIES FOR 48 HOUR TRAIN JOURNEY...BANANAS/LIPTONS ICE TEA.
2.00PM...BACK AT YAK HOTEL...WEATHER HOT...ROOM STUFFY...NOT THE BEST HOTEL IN LHASA.
3.00PM...SERA MONASTERY...DON'T BOTHER...IT STINKS...BURNING YAK BUTTER EVERYWHERE...DIRTY PEOPLE BRUSHING/PUSHING PASSED YOU.
5.00PM...WENT FOR A MEAL...DIDN'T EAT IT...BUT NOT THAT HUNGRY NOW.
OVERALL VIEW.
Tibet...only if you need to go...go.Its dirty and smelly.They can't cook.The people from the rural areas only wash once a year...some holy day!Tibetan people will rip you off something rotten.The city of Lhasa is surrounded by mountains and the scenery is wonderful,but the people let themselves and the place down.Also theYak hotel is a grubby hole.By far the place i have enjoyed the least...roll on Vietnam!
9.00PM...COULDN'T SLEEP...WENT FOR A BEER...FOLLOWED BY A WHISKEY...THERE I WAS HALF A DOZEN TIBETANS AND ME...WENT TO PAY AND THEY HAD PAID MY BILL!?...SHOULD I CHANGE MY OVERALL VIEW?
26.10.07.
6.00AM...EARLY RISE...WARM SHOWER...HEAD NOT GOOD.
7.00AM...COFEE...COFFEE...COFFEE!
7.30AM...IN BUS ON WAY TO TRAIN STATION.
8.25AM...ON TRAIN.
9.00AM...ASLEEP.
12.05PM...WOKE.
12.30PM...TRYING TO SORT OUT WHATS BEST TO DO...GOT IN A MESS WITH VISAS...GOT 2 WEEKS TO KILL BEFORE VIETNAM VISA KICKS IN...MADE A TOTAL COCK UP...SO BEIJENG HERE WE COME TO HOPEFULLY GET OUR VISA DATED CHANGED.
6.00PM...SITTING ON BUNK...BORED...MY HEAD IN A MESS...OR IS THAT...MY HAIR IN A MESS...NU NOT CONCERNED!
27.10.07.
JUST WANNA SLEEP THIS DAY AWAY...STOMACH AND 'OTHER' NOT IN A HAPPY STATE...TIRED AND BORED...THERES ONLY SO MUCH SCENERY YOU CAN LOOK AT...SHARING ACOMPARMENT WITH FIVE WOMEN[NU INCLUDED]...ITS NON STOP CHINESE CHATTER...UNCOMFORTABLE AND ACHY...THE SMELL OF NOODLE DISHES IS HORRIBLE...DON'T FEEL HUNGRY...ONLY EATEN AN ORANGE.
LOVIN' EVERY MINUTE?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BYE FOR NOWZ.
8.00AM...WOKE...THOUGH A HARDLY SLEPT...PARACETMOL AND COFFEE.
8.30AM...TEPID SHOWER.
9.00AM...HEAD FOR BREAKFAST...FIFTH FLOOR...ARE THEY TRYINGH TO KILL US?!...POTATO...OMELLETTE...BACON...COFFEE...NOT BAD.
10.30AM...JOKHANG PALACE...VERY COLOURFUL AND INTERESTING...STOOD SINCE 700AD...THE GUIDE VERY INFORMATIVE...ROOMS/CANDLES/DRAPES GALORE...BUT ONE THING HIT ME...ALL THE POOR PEOPLE COME TO THE CITY TO PAY THERE RESPECTS AND GIVE WHAT LITTLE MONEY THEY HAVE...THE BUDD MONKS COME ROUND COLLECTING IT...I RECKON THEY HAVE A GOOD OLD KNEES UP WITH ALL THAT DOSH...THE SMELL WAS PRETTY AWFUL...THEY BURN YAK BUTTER...SMELLED LIKE AN ABATTOIR.
12.15PM...POTALA PALACE...TOO MANY STEPS...SO WE FOUND A BENCH AND WAITED FOR THE GUIDE AND POLISH COUPLE...THIS IS WHERE THE DIM LAMA STAYED WHEN HE WAS LAST IN TOWN.
3.00PM...LEGS ACHING...TIME TO EAT...SLIGHTLY HUNGRY.
3.15PM...TRYING SOME TIBETAN CUISINE...NOT RECOMMENDED.
3.45PM...DON'T BOTHER WITH PIZZA EITHER...NU HAD TUNA SARNIES...THEY'RE GOING IN THE BIN AS WELL...ARE THE TIBETANS GOING TO FALL INTO THE SAME CATEGORY AS THE RUSSIANS AND ITALIANS...PROBABLY!
4.00PM...TRYING SOME TIBETAN CHEESE...NOT RECOMMENDED.
5.00PM...BOOKED TICKETS TO FLY TO KUNMING...THEN DECIDED WE'D TAKE HIGH ALTITUDE TRAIN BACK TO BEIJENG...WHAT A NIGHTMARE...THEN ON TO HANOI...NOW WE HAVE GOTTA TRY AND GET OUR MONEY BACK ON OUR FLIGHTS.
7.00PM...CAN HAVE MONEY BACK...LESS 10%...OUCH...OK.
8.00PM...BOUGHT BOTTLE OF BRANDY...QUID 25P...SUPPING IT SLOWLY...BUT THOROUGHLY.
9.00PM...POLISH COUPLE KNOCK ON DOOR...EXPLAINED EVERYTHING...SO WE ARE ABOUT 30 QUID DOWN...BUT ITS BETTER WE TAKE TRAIN TO BEIJENG...BECAUSE ITS EASIER TO GET TO HANOI THAT WAY.
25.10.07.
8.00AM...WOKE...NEED JUICE.
8.50AM...SHOWER.
9.30AM...BREAKIE...EGGS ON TOAST...COFFEE.
10.30AM...REFUND ON AIR TICKETS...LESS 10 PERCENT...OUCH!
11.20AM...BOUGHT TRAIN TICKETS FOR BEIJENG...HARD SLEEP...MIDDLE BUNKS...1568 YUAN FOR BOTH.
12.25PM...SUPPLIES FOR 48 HOUR TRAIN JOURNEY...BANANAS/LIPTONS ICE TEA.
2.00PM...BACK AT YAK HOTEL...WEATHER HOT...ROOM STUFFY...NOT THE BEST HOTEL IN LHASA.
3.00PM...SERA MONASTERY...DON'T BOTHER...IT STINKS...BURNING YAK BUTTER EVERYWHERE...DIRTY PEOPLE BRUSHING/PUSHING PASSED YOU.
5.00PM...WENT FOR A MEAL...DIDN'T EAT IT...BUT NOT THAT HUNGRY NOW.
OVERALL VIEW.
Tibet...only if you need to go...go.Its dirty and smelly.They can't cook.The people from the rural areas only wash once a year...some holy day!Tibetan people will rip you off something rotten.The city of Lhasa is surrounded by mountains and the scenery is wonderful,but the people let themselves and the place down.Also theYak hotel is a grubby hole.By far the place i have enjoyed the least...roll on Vietnam!
9.00PM...COULDN'T SLEEP...WENT FOR A BEER...FOLLOWED BY A WHISKEY...THERE I WAS HALF A DOZEN TIBETANS AND ME...WENT TO PAY AND THEY HAD PAID MY BILL!?...SHOULD I CHANGE MY OVERALL VIEW?
26.10.07.
6.00AM...EARLY RISE...WARM SHOWER...HEAD NOT GOOD.
7.00AM...COFEE...COFFEE...COFFEE!
7.30AM...IN BUS ON WAY TO TRAIN STATION.
8.25AM...ON TRAIN.
9.00AM...ASLEEP.
12.05PM...WOKE.
12.30PM...TRYING TO SORT OUT WHATS BEST TO DO...GOT IN A MESS WITH VISAS...GOT 2 WEEKS TO KILL BEFORE VIETNAM VISA KICKS IN...MADE A TOTAL COCK UP...SO BEIJENG HERE WE COME TO HOPEFULLY GET OUR VISA DATED CHANGED.
6.00PM...SITTING ON BUNK...BORED...MY HEAD IN A MESS...OR IS THAT...MY HAIR IN A MESS...NU NOT CONCERNED!
27.10.07.
JUST WANNA SLEEP THIS DAY AWAY...STOMACH AND 'OTHER' NOT IN A HAPPY STATE...TIRED AND BORED...THERES ONLY SO MUCH SCENERY YOU CAN LOOK AT...SHARING ACOMPARMENT WITH FIVE WOMEN[NU INCLUDED]...ITS NON STOP CHINESE CHATTER...UNCOMFORTABLE AND ACHY...THE SMELL OF NOODLE DISHES IS HORRIBLE...DON'T FEEL HUNGRY...ONLY EATEN AN ORANGE.
LOVIN' EVERY MINUTE?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Tuesday, 23 October 2007
twelfth....tibetan air.
22.10.07.
8.30am...WOKE...CUPPA COFFEE.
10.00AM...STILL IN BED.
10.10AM...KNOCK ON DOOR...POLISH COUPLE...WANT US TO COME TO RECEPTION TO DISCUSS TIBET.
10.30AM...RECEPTION...THEY STILL DON'T KNOW IF WE HAVE PERMITS...GOTTA COME BACK AT 5.00PM.
11.15AM...BACON/EGG SARNIE...NU HAD PORRIDGE WITH FRUIT.
12.05PM...ATM...SUPERMARKET.
12.55PM...ATTEMPTING TO READ PAPERBACK I HAVE PURLOINED FROM GUESTHOUSE LIBRARY.
3.30PM...STARTED TAKING TABS FOR ALTITUDE SICKNESS.
3.50PM...WAITING FOR SPAG BOL.
5.00PM...WE HAVE PERMITS.
5.45PM...PAY AN INDECENT FEE TO GO TO TIBET.
7.00PM...SITTING WITH POLISH COUPLE...OUR TRAVEL COMPANIONS FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
8.15PM...HAVING SWEET/SOUR PORK...BOTTLE OF RED.
9.20PM...TOLD RECEPTION TO GIVE US A CALL AT 4.45AM...TAXI AT 5.50AM...FLY AT 7.50AM.
9.40PM...OFF TO BED.
23.10.07.
4.45AM...EARLY MORNING KNOCK...LAY FOR NEXT 15 MINS.
5.00AM...SITTING ON SIDE OF BED.
5.10AM...SHOWER.
5.35AM...PACKED.
5.45AM...WAITING FOR TAXI.
6.30AM...AIRPORT.
6.55AM...FOUND A COPY OF SUNDAY MAIL...1ST ENGLISH PAPER I'VE SEEN IN 5 WEEKS.
7.50AM...FLYING.
8.20AM...FOOD SERVED ON PLANE AWFUL...LUCKILY WE'D BOUGHT SOME CRACKERS AND CHEESE WITH US.
9.55AM...LANDED...VERY PLEASANT FLIGHT...NEWISH PLANE...PLENTY LEG ROOM.
10.20AM...COLLECTED BAGS...WOMAN GUIDE WAITING TO TAKE US TO LLASA TOWN CENTRE AND HOTEL.
10.30AM...BOUGHT OXYGEN...NOT FEELING TO GOOD...FEEL DIZZY.
11.40AM...ARRIVED AT HOTEL...NOT FEELING TO GOOD...THIN AIR NOT OBLIGING.
12.20PM...FELL ASLEEP.
3.30PM...WOKE.
4.05PM...SITTING IN TIBET CAFE WITH LOCAL BEER...TALLEST BOTTLE...SMALLEST GLASS...NU HAD A FLASK OF TEA...BUT AS PUSHED CORK LID INTO FAR...OH DEAR...INTERNATIONAL INCIDENT!
4.25PM...EATING GALLYFAN[MIGHT BE SPELT DIFFERENT]...MEAT...SPUD...RICE...RAW SHREDDED CARROT...IN SOME GRAVY...WENT DOWN WELL...UNSURE OF MEAT...NU NOT THAT SMITTEN.
5.30PM...BACK AT HOTEL YAK...HAVING A BEER IN TERRACE CAFE...DON'T FEEL TO GOOD AGAIN.
6.10PM...BOOKED FLIGHT TICKETS TO KUMNING FOR THE 26TH OCT...WAS GONNA TAKE HIGH ALTITUDE TRAIN TO BEIJENG...BUT FLYING TO KUMNING SHOULD BE CHEAPER?
6.55PM...BACK IN ROOM...HEADACHEY...JUST LYING ON BED.
THE LESS WE KNOW...THE MORE WE ACHIEVE.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
8.30am...WOKE...CUPPA COFFEE.
10.00AM...STILL IN BED.
10.10AM...KNOCK ON DOOR...POLISH COUPLE...WANT US TO COME TO RECEPTION TO DISCUSS TIBET.
10.30AM...RECEPTION...THEY STILL DON'T KNOW IF WE HAVE PERMITS...GOTTA COME BACK AT 5.00PM.
11.15AM...BACON/EGG SARNIE...NU HAD PORRIDGE WITH FRUIT.
12.05PM...ATM...SUPERMARKET.
12.55PM...ATTEMPTING TO READ PAPERBACK I HAVE PURLOINED FROM GUESTHOUSE LIBRARY.
3.30PM...STARTED TAKING TABS FOR ALTITUDE SICKNESS.
3.50PM...WAITING FOR SPAG BOL.
5.00PM...WE HAVE PERMITS.
5.45PM...PAY AN INDECENT FEE TO GO TO TIBET.
7.00PM...SITTING WITH POLISH COUPLE...OUR TRAVEL COMPANIONS FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
8.15PM...HAVING SWEET/SOUR PORK...BOTTLE OF RED.
9.20PM...TOLD RECEPTION TO GIVE US A CALL AT 4.45AM...TAXI AT 5.50AM...FLY AT 7.50AM.
9.40PM...OFF TO BED.
23.10.07.
4.45AM...EARLY MORNING KNOCK...LAY FOR NEXT 15 MINS.
5.00AM...SITTING ON SIDE OF BED.
5.10AM...SHOWER.
5.35AM...PACKED.
5.45AM...WAITING FOR TAXI.
6.30AM...AIRPORT.
6.55AM...FOUND A COPY OF SUNDAY MAIL...1ST ENGLISH PAPER I'VE SEEN IN 5 WEEKS.
7.50AM...FLYING.
8.20AM...FOOD SERVED ON PLANE AWFUL...LUCKILY WE'D BOUGHT SOME CRACKERS AND CHEESE WITH US.
9.55AM...LANDED...VERY PLEASANT FLIGHT...NEWISH PLANE...PLENTY LEG ROOM.
10.20AM...COLLECTED BAGS...WOMAN GUIDE WAITING TO TAKE US TO LLASA TOWN CENTRE AND HOTEL.
10.30AM...BOUGHT OXYGEN...NOT FEELING TO GOOD...FEEL DIZZY.
11.40AM...ARRIVED AT HOTEL...NOT FEELING TO GOOD...THIN AIR NOT OBLIGING.
12.20PM...FELL ASLEEP.
3.30PM...WOKE.
4.05PM...SITTING IN TIBET CAFE WITH LOCAL BEER...TALLEST BOTTLE...SMALLEST GLASS...NU HAD A FLASK OF TEA...BUT AS PUSHED CORK LID INTO FAR...OH DEAR...INTERNATIONAL INCIDENT!
4.25PM...EATING GALLYFAN[MIGHT BE SPELT DIFFERENT]...MEAT...SPUD...RICE...RAW SHREDDED CARROT...IN SOME GRAVY...WENT DOWN WELL...UNSURE OF MEAT...NU NOT THAT SMITTEN.
5.30PM...BACK AT HOTEL YAK...HAVING A BEER IN TERRACE CAFE...DON'T FEEL TO GOOD AGAIN.
6.10PM...BOOKED FLIGHT TICKETS TO KUMNING FOR THE 26TH OCT...WAS GONNA TAKE HIGH ALTITUDE TRAIN TO BEIJENG...BUT FLYING TO KUMNING SHOULD BE CHEAPER?
6.55PM...BACK IN ROOM...HEADACHEY...JUST LYING ON BED.
THE LESS WE KNOW...THE MORE WE ACHIEVE.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Sunday, 21 October 2007
china calling...part three
20.10.07.
8.00AM...WOKE...NOT FEELING TO BAD...NEED A SHAVE...NOW I FEEL BAD...HATE SHAVING...NEED COFFEE.
8.30AM...SHAVE SORTED...SHOWERED...DRESSED...LAUNDRY TO DO.
9.05AM...LAUNDRY IN.
9.30AM...ORDERED BANANA/CHOC PANCAKE AND COFFEE FOR BREAKIE.
10.00AM...THE TWO OLD BIRDS JOINED US...TINA AND EMMA.
11.00AM...ATM...NEED SOME DOSH.
11.30AM...BOOKED PANDA EXCURSION...70 YUAN EACH.
12.30PM...TWO PIGS HAVE JUST GONE RACING THRU...EVERYBODY REACHES FOR THERE CAMERAS.
1.30PM...LOOKING AT NET FOR HOTEL IN HANOI, VIETNAM.
2.30PM...BOOKED THE RITZ...ABOUT 20 QUID FOR 3 NIGHTS.
3.00PM...BEER REQUIRED...WELL THIRSTY.
3.10PM...OLD BIRDS JUST DEPARTED TO GO TO SOME OTHER PART OF CHINA...SAD REALLY...THEY WERE OK TO TALK TOO...SEE YOU SOON!?
4.00PM...STEAK SANDWICH FOR ME...TUNA SALAD FOR NU...PLUS CHIPS AND FRUIT...TO MUCH...40 YUAN...ABOUT 3 QUID.
6.00PM...NOT ALOT HAPPENING...JUST PEOPLE WATCHING...JUST HAD COMFIRMATION OF HOTEL BOOKING IN HANOI.
7.15PM...SPEAKING WITH AUSSIE COUPLE WHO HAVE JUST RETURNED FROM TIBET...THEY WERE NOT IMPRESSED...BOTH SUFFERED ALTITUDE SICKNESS...A LITTLE BIT CONCERNED?...GONNA GIVE US SOME ALTITUDE SICKNESS TABLETS...JUST GIVE ME A BOTTLE OF JACK D!
8.50PM...TALKING TO CHAP ABOUT GOING TO IRISH BAR TO WATCH VILLA/MAN U MATCH...STARTS AT 12.45AM...AFTER VILLA MATCH ITS THE RUGBY WORLD CUP FINAL...BOOKED THE PANDAS FOR 7.40AM...IS THAT A LAME EXCUSE!?
10.00PM...WISH I HAD SAID YES...BUT MISSED THE BOAT[TAXI]...4 LADS HAVE GONE AND THERE WAS A SPACE FOR ME!...OUCH
10.15PM...THINK I'LL HAVE A BRANDY...INDECISIVE WILLIS...THATS ME!
21.10.07.
6.30AM...HUNGRY...BIT COLD...STAYED UP LATE TO CATCH FOOTIE RESULTS.
7.00AM...UP WE GET...SHOWER...ORANGE JUICE...JUST HEARD ENGLAND LOST AT RUGBY.
7.40AM...OFF TO SEE PANDAS.
8.10AM...PANDA CENTRE...ALL VERY NICE...CUTE PLAYFUL THINGS...EAT BAMBOO AND MORE BAMBOO...IS THIS ALL THEY DO?
11.30AM...BACK AT GUEST HOUSE...COFFEE AND BACON/EGG SARNIE.
12.10PM...CAME OVER ALL TIRED...CRASHED.
4.00PM...WOKE...SHOWERED.
4.40PM...SPICY STEAK SARNIE...ORANGE JUICE.
5.20PM...CHATTING WITH FELLOW TRAVELLERS...GRAND PRIX ON AT MIDNIGHT...DON'T KNOW IF I'LL MAKE IT...TALKING ABUT ENGLANDS DEFEAT AT RUGBY AND PREM MATCHES...MEETING SOME REAL NICE PEOPLE...STARTED OUR ALTITUDE TABS...STILL NO CONFIRMATION WE GO ON TUESDAY...SILLY BUREAUCRACY...AS IF NU AND I ARE GONNA MAKE ANY TROUBLE!
7.00PM...CRASHED...DONT THINK I'VE RECOVERED FROM THIS MORNINGS TRIP.
12.00AM...GOT UP...WATCHED BRAZIL GP.
1.52AM...DAMN...LEW HAMILTON...1 POINT DIFF...UNLUCKY OR WHAT!
GREAT DAYS ARE THESE.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
8.00AM...WOKE...NOT FEELING TO BAD...NEED A SHAVE...NOW I FEEL BAD...HATE SHAVING...NEED COFFEE.
8.30AM...SHAVE SORTED...SHOWERED...DRESSED...LAUNDRY TO DO.
9.05AM...LAUNDRY IN.
9.30AM...ORDERED BANANA/CHOC PANCAKE AND COFFEE FOR BREAKIE.
10.00AM...THE TWO OLD BIRDS JOINED US...TINA AND EMMA.
11.00AM...ATM...NEED SOME DOSH.
11.30AM...BOOKED PANDA EXCURSION...70 YUAN EACH.
12.30PM...TWO PIGS HAVE JUST GONE RACING THRU...EVERYBODY REACHES FOR THERE CAMERAS.
1.30PM...LOOKING AT NET FOR HOTEL IN HANOI, VIETNAM.
2.30PM...BOOKED THE RITZ...ABOUT 20 QUID FOR 3 NIGHTS.
3.00PM...BEER REQUIRED...WELL THIRSTY.
3.10PM...OLD BIRDS JUST DEPARTED TO GO TO SOME OTHER PART OF CHINA...SAD REALLY...THEY WERE OK TO TALK TOO...SEE YOU SOON!?
4.00PM...STEAK SANDWICH FOR ME...TUNA SALAD FOR NU...PLUS CHIPS AND FRUIT...TO MUCH...40 YUAN...ABOUT 3 QUID.
6.00PM...NOT ALOT HAPPENING...JUST PEOPLE WATCHING...JUST HAD COMFIRMATION OF HOTEL BOOKING IN HANOI.
7.15PM...SPEAKING WITH AUSSIE COUPLE WHO HAVE JUST RETURNED FROM TIBET...THEY WERE NOT IMPRESSED...BOTH SUFFERED ALTITUDE SICKNESS...A LITTLE BIT CONCERNED?...GONNA GIVE US SOME ALTITUDE SICKNESS TABLETS...JUST GIVE ME A BOTTLE OF JACK D!
8.50PM...TALKING TO CHAP ABOUT GOING TO IRISH BAR TO WATCH VILLA/MAN U MATCH...STARTS AT 12.45AM...AFTER VILLA MATCH ITS THE RUGBY WORLD CUP FINAL...BOOKED THE PANDAS FOR 7.40AM...IS THAT A LAME EXCUSE!?
10.00PM...WISH I HAD SAID YES...BUT MISSED THE BOAT[TAXI]...4 LADS HAVE GONE AND THERE WAS A SPACE FOR ME!...OUCH
10.15PM...THINK I'LL HAVE A BRANDY...INDECISIVE WILLIS...THATS ME!
21.10.07.
6.30AM...HUNGRY...BIT COLD...STAYED UP LATE TO CATCH FOOTIE RESULTS.
7.00AM...UP WE GET...SHOWER...ORANGE JUICE...JUST HEARD ENGLAND LOST AT RUGBY.
7.40AM...OFF TO SEE PANDAS.
8.10AM...PANDA CENTRE...ALL VERY NICE...CUTE PLAYFUL THINGS...EAT BAMBOO AND MORE BAMBOO...IS THIS ALL THEY DO?
11.30AM...BACK AT GUEST HOUSE...COFFEE AND BACON/EGG SARNIE.
12.10PM...CAME OVER ALL TIRED...CRASHED.
4.00PM...WOKE...SHOWERED.
4.40PM...SPICY STEAK SARNIE...ORANGE JUICE.
5.20PM...CHATTING WITH FELLOW TRAVELLERS...GRAND PRIX ON AT MIDNIGHT...DON'T KNOW IF I'LL MAKE IT...TALKING ABUT ENGLANDS DEFEAT AT RUGBY AND PREM MATCHES...MEETING SOME REAL NICE PEOPLE...STARTED OUR ALTITUDE TABS...STILL NO CONFIRMATION WE GO ON TUESDAY...SILLY BUREAUCRACY...AS IF NU AND I ARE GONNA MAKE ANY TROUBLE!
7.00PM...CRASHED...DONT THINK I'VE RECOVERED FROM THIS MORNINGS TRIP.
12.00AM...GOT UP...WATCHED BRAZIL GP.
1.52AM...DAMN...LEW HAMILTON...1 POINT DIFF...UNLUCKY OR WHAT!
GREAT DAYS ARE THESE.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
china calling...part two
19.10.07.
8.00AM...WOKE...FEEL ACHY...BUT HAPPY TO HAVE FINALLY SLEPT.
9.00AM...SHOWER...NEEDA SHAVE...BUT CANT BE BOTHERED...GOTTA BOOK TIBET...THEY NEED TO KNOW YOUR ITINARY FOR YOUR DURATION OF YOUR STAY...FUNNY LOT TIBETANS.
10.45AM...WAITING FOR FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST...MUG OF COFFEE JIST ARRIVED.
10.10AM...BREAKIE HERE...WITH MUSHROOM STIR FRY!...SPICY AND NICE...TOAST...EGG...BACON...DIET WILL HAVE TO WAIT!
10.50AM...NEEDA ANOTHER COFFEE.
12.05PM...ENQUIRE ABOUT TIBET TRIP...GOT OUR ITENARY IN ORDER...ABOUT 135 QIUD EACH...GOTTA GO BACK AT 5.PM CAUSE THE TIBET CHIEF DIM LLAMA IS ABOUT TO MEET WITH BUSHEY BABES AND THE CHINESE DONT APPROVE AND THEREFORE MIGHT NOT BE GIVING OUT VISAS.
1.00PM...OFF TO SUPERMARKET...NEED A FEW ITEMS.
1.30PM...SUPERMARKET...NO CHEESE IN SIGHT!
2.15PM...CHEMIST...NEED PARACETEMOL.
3.00PM...BACK AT SIMS GUEST HOUSE.
3.20PM...HAVING A BEER WITH TWO OLD BIRDS...BRAS...NUDISM.
5.00PM...CHECK AGAIN ABOUT TIBET...FILLED IN FORMS...GOTTA RETURN TOMORROW AT 4.PM FOR PAYMENT...ALL A BIT SLOW.
5.50PM...ORDER MISHROOM/VEG SOUP...FOLLOWED BY PORK RICE...FOLLOWED BY A BOTTLE OF WINE...CAMPO LARGO...WINE PROMOTION.
7.00PM...CHATTING AWAY HAPPILY WITH FELLOW WAFFLERS.
8.25PM...STILL WAFFLING.
9.00PM...OUT OF BLUE...TWO POLISH...BOY AND GIRL SAY'HI WE ARE GOING TO TIBET WITH YOU'.
9.25PM...DISCUSSING TIBET AT RECEPTION...BIT OF A PICKLE...NOW WE GO TO TIBET...TAKE HIGH ALTITUDE TRAIN TO BEIJENG...FLY TO HANOI...A WEEK AHEAD OF SCHEDULE... MONEY WISE ITS BETTER...I THINK.
10.25PM...BOTTLE OF WINE TO CELEBRATE?
11.40PM...OFF TO BED...TIPSY VIA RED...TWO BOTTLES GONE TO MY HEAD!
WHEREVER YOU ARE...WHATEVER YOU DO...RELY ON YOUR DREAMS
AND YOU'LL ALWAYS COME THRU.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
8.00AM...WOKE...FEEL ACHY...BUT HAPPY TO HAVE FINALLY SLEPT.
9.00AM...SHOWER...NEEDA SHAVE...BUT CANT BE BOTHERED...GOTTA BOOK TIBET...THEY NEED TO KNOW YOUR ITINARY FOR YOUR DURATION OF YOUR STAY...FUNNY LOT TIBETANS.
10.45AM...WAITING FOR FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST...MUG OF COFFEE JIST ARRIVED.
10.10AM...BREAKIE HERE...WITH MUSHROOM STIR FRY!...SPICY AND NICE...TOAST...EGG...BACON...DIET WILL HAVE TO WAIT!
10.50AM...NEEDA ANOTHER COFFEE.
12.05PM...ENQUIRE ABOUT TIBET TRIP...GOT OUR ITENARY IN ORDER...ABOUT 135 QIUD EACH...GOTTA GO BACK AT 5.PM CAUSE THE TIBET CHIEF DIM LLAMA IS ABOUT TO MEET WITH BUSHEY BABES AND THE CHINESE DONT APPROVE AND THEREFORE MIGHT NOT BE GIVING OUT VISAS.
1.00PM...OFF TO SUPERMARKET...NEED A FEW ITEMS.
1.30PM...SUPERMARKET...NO CHEESE IN SIGHT!
2.15PM...CHEMIST...NEED PARACETEMOL.
3.00PM...BACK AT SIMS GUEST HOUSE.
3.20PM...HAVING A BEER WITH TWO OLD BIRDS...BRAS...NUDISM.
5.00PM...CHECK AGAIN ABOUT TIBET...FILLED IN FORMS...GOTTA RETURN TOMORROW AT 4.PM FOR PAYMENT...ALL A BIT SLOW.
5.50PM...ORDER MISHROOM/VEG SOUP...FOLLOWED BY PORK RICE...FOLLOWED BY A BOTTLE OF WINE...CAMPO LARGO...WINE PROMOTION.
7.00PM...CHATTING AWAY HAPPILY WITH FELLOW WAFFLERS.
8.25PM...STILL WAFFLING.
9.00PM...OUT OF BLUE...TWO POLISH...BOY AND GIRL SAY'HI WE ARE GOING TO TIBET WITH YOU'.
9.25PM...DISCUSSING TIBET AT RECEPTION...BIT OF A PICKLE...NOW WE GO TO TIBET...TAKE HIGH ALTITUDE TRAIN TO BEIJENG...FLY TO HANOI...A WEEK AHEAD OF SCHEDULE... MONEY WISE ITS BETTER...I THINK.
10.25PM...BOTTLE OF WINE TO CELEBRATE?
11.40PM...OFF TO BED...TIPSY VIA RED...TWO BOTTLES GONE TO MY HEAD!
WHEREVER YOU ARE...WHATEVER YOU DO...RELY ON YOUR DREAMS
AND YOU'LL ALWAYS COME THRU.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
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