Monday, January 3, 2011

two nights plus one nasty night


That's all we have left. Two nights in hanoi and then lots of plane terminals and an overnight flight. I can't remember what it is like to have our own house, it seems an eternity ago. The last week has had some truly awful days but enough nice surprises to keep us going.


Here are a few photos from Laos, loved Laos, Vientiene was just a lovely place to be. There is such hope in that country. the kids all seem to have an opportunity to be educated, always a positive. We were talking to a guide and he told us that up until 6 years ago, the Laotian people live doff the land which meant three months of exceptionally hard work and then 9 months of pretty well doing nothing. Then the foreigners came in and opened Guest houses and hotels, and started applying some marketing techniques. the Laotian's then thought " ahh that's how it is done !" and know we can do it ourselves, we can work hard for most of the year. So now they do.

This was obvious with our first stay in Luang Prabang staying in Bungalows at Khone and Khouns. Just brilliant. We loved it there. They took us every where in an old jeep, so much fun. It was hard to leave and go into town esp as the hotelin twn was pretty crappy, but it was the only one we had prepaid for the entire trip (doh!). We ended up leaving a niight early anyway.


Henry with Khone and Khoun and friend.

We also spent time at an elephant rescue centre and riding elephants, also excellent fun. More of this later.
And riding on long boats down the river on the same day, the look on our face is actually panic as Geoff had turned around to take the photo and the boat was rocking rather precariously...

Enough for now, Matt has just walked in with his latest purchase, a Vietnamese Army outfit...

More when we are back home xx

2 comments:

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

looks like an exciting trip!! Loveeeeee the photos!!! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

Irini said...

So good to hear your news!!!....look forward to more pics!!