twentyninth....christmas thailang style.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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,

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.

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.