Half Way Already

Hello again.

This week has flown by and Tuesday marked the half way point of our journey. It's hard to believe time has gone so quickly but it's also great to know that we have the same amount of time we've already had to have new adventures and experiences. Here's a quick summary of our week.

We arrived in Luang Prabang on Monday evening after a surprisingly civilised journey from Si Phan Don. We spent Tuesday strolling around town looking at a temple or two and planning how to spend the rest of our time. We also had to try to find an opticians as I realised while we were in Si Phan Don that I hadn't seen my contact lenses for a while, we have the same prescription and I've been wearing Tonys since about the second day because his were more accessible. An empty rucksack later we found zero contact lenses. We asked around and after a few vague and confused expressions a waiter told us that we might find some in Vientiane (the capital city we hadn't planned on visiting). We couldn't believe our luck when the only opticians in town actually had our prescription in stock, this was then dampened by the fact they only had two boxes so we have enough for every other day at the moment until we get to another town. This wouldn't be so bad if Tonys reactaliight glasses worked properly and my prescription sunglasses had the correct prescription in them!

Wednesday was a brilliant day. We were up early and met up with a guide that spent the day with us. We started off on mountain bikes on the dirt roads outside of Luang Prabang, reaching an elephant training camp for rescued elephants where we had a ride through the jungle for an hour and a half. We then paddled down the slowest running river the world has ever known for about two or three hours. It was so slow that if you stopped paddling you just stopped altogether, no lazing around for us then! Then it was back on the mountain bikes to head back to town. We can definitely say that we earned our massage that night and we both think the Laos version is the best yet.

During our trip Tonys Teva sandals have become increasingly smelly and he has tried washing them but they still smell like wet dog, on flights or bus journeys he is akin to taking them off but this has become out of the question due to the stench. Yesterday he bought a pair of flip flops to wear whilst travelling. This has resulted in three things a) a ridiculous walk b) his toes ache from gripping the things on and c) the new world record on the most noise a person can make with each flip or flop! I've never heard anything like it! He as been better today but still needs practice.

Today we've spent the afternoon at Kuang Si waterfall. It's a series of waterfalls and natural swimming pools in perfectly turquoise waters about 30-40km from Luang Prabang. They really were something special but you'll have to take our word for it because we forgot to take the camera.

Tomorrow we head to Huay Xai, our last and most eagerly awaited stop in Laos. Huay Xai is a two day boat journey away and we have splashed out a bit for the trip. We have booked a luxury boat that stops half way at it's own five star resort for a nights accommodation and everything is included. We managed to get it half price as a last minute deal and it's still a bit pricey so we don't expect to see many other backpacks on board!

Huay Xai is where we are booked on to the Gibbons Experience. From Monday to Wednesday we will be living in the jungle tree top shacks with very few facilities so an ounce of luxury before we head off should be absolutely lovely. We may need another dose once we return!

We have both loved it here in Luang Prabang, we had certainly underestimated the level of development in Laos, anyone could be mistaken in thinking they were in an alpine town during summer months here. It seems they have overtaken the Cambodians and the Vietnamese in certain respects, particularly when in comes to the toilets - not a squatter in sight!

Love to everyone
Xxx