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February 1st 2007
Published: February 1st 2007
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Condom SantaCondom SantaCondom Santa

Fraser and the condom Santa Claus at 'Cabbages and Condoms' in Bangkok
So the last update was from Ko Pha Ngan and since then the group has shrunk back down to the original three. This coincided with a dramatic drop in quality of both accommodation and daily spend. From Ko Pha Ngan the route has been bus up to Bangkok (with a side trip to Kanchanburi) followed by Vientiane (Laos capital), Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang.

Several very long, incredibly scenic and at times incredibly uncomfortable bus journeys were taken. Marie and Fraser then took a short romantic break from Andy (possibly to avoid the snoring) taking a different route to the eventual destination (Hanoi). So what have we seen and done since leaving the Thai islands?

(As with the previous entry, there are a number of photos which have fallen onto extra pages so you will need to click on the extra page numbers at the bottom of the entry to view them!)

Bangkok

Arrived at the ferry port in Koh Pha Ngan around 2pm for our 3pm ferry to Surrathani to discover the boat was broken so we would have to wait for the 5pm ferry - fun! 14 hours after boarding the ferry, we arrived in
Vertigo barVertigo barVertigo bar

Fraser and Al at the top of Vertigo bar in Bangkok
Bangkok and headed straight to Khao San road for some breakfast. (This was about the same length of time it took some people to get back to England!)

Bangkok seems to get a fair bit of bad press on travelers circuit but all three of us really enjoyed it. We were fortunate to have Frasers pal Al (a slightly shorter version of Rich) take us out one evening and also recommending a few places to go which meant we got to see a few places we might have otherwise missed.

On our first morning as it was too early to check in, we headed to Wat Pho, near the Grand Palace, to see the 46m long, 15m high reclining buddha - pretty spectacular.

Then in the evening after catching up on some rest and eating some 20 Baht (about 30p) pad thai from a stall on the roadside, we had a few cocktails on Khao San road, before heading down to Nana Plaza to a few of the ‘go go’ bars just to tick the box. It was an interesting experience which I feel left Marie scarred for life (little did she know, worse was to come
Andy with tigersAndy with tigersAndy with tigers

Andy with the tigers at the Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi province
a few nights later down Soi Cowboy).

The next day, Fraser and Marie went on a longtail boat ride around the outskirts of Bangkok before meeting up with Andy (who woke up a little later with a sore head and did some shopping and a shorter river trip). In the evening Fraser met his friend from uni, Al, who lives there and went for a drink at ‘Cabbages and Condoms’ - a really posh restaurant and bar run by the government to promote an awareness of safe sex (see attached picture of Santa Claus and Christmas tree made out of condoms). After this, met up with Andy and Marie and Al treated us to an expensive cocktail at Vertigo bar, on the 60th floor of a plush hotel with great views of Bangkok at night. We ate at the night bazaar (complete with Thai pop acts and massive containers of beer)and found out the following ‘interesting facts about Thailand’:

- It is illegal to drink alcohol on the king’s birthday
- It is illegal to buy alcohol from a shop in the afternoon (however, Al discovered if you buy three crates of Chang, they think it is not
Walking the tigerWalking the tigerWalking the tiger

Fraser walking the tiger at Tiger Temple in Thailand
for personal consumption, so that is ok???!???)
- Everyone is supposed to stand still at 6pm as they play the music of the King

Kanchanaburi

The next morning, we got the early bus to Kanchanaburi, site of the bridge over the river Kwai. We visited the JEATH war museum and the Thailand-Burma railway museum, both covering the building of the death railway during the Japanese invasion of Asia. In the afternoon, we headed out to a Tiger Temple and had our photographs taken with tigers which was pretty good fun. We spent sunset having a beer by the River Kwai bridge. It is very beautiful around there and reckon you could spend a week in that area alone.

The next morning, Marie and Fraser got an early bus to Suphanburi to catch another bus to Lopburi, a town overrun by mischeivous monkeys (not run by mischevious monkeys Amy and Kirsty!). However, they had decided they couldn’t be bothered to run the connecting buses to Lopburi so we had to catch another bus back to Bangkok. Therefore, headed down to the Grand Palace for a look around: unbelievable place that the King doesn’t use very often as he
Grand PalaceGrand PalaceGrand Palace

The grand palace in Bangkok
has another place in the north of the city.

With Fraser and Marie having left for their trip to the monkey town, Andy had booked himself on a trip around some of the sights around Kanchanaburi including Hellfire Pass and museum, a ride on the death valley railway (constructed by POWs) and a superb trek in a nearby national park (which included a seven tiered waterfall - Erwan falls). You could swim in a lot of these, and one even had natural water slides which were actually very cool. There was even monkeys at the bottom trying to steal your sun glasses and camera.

Back in Bangkok

Marie managed to get fake ISIC cards for the three of us from some guy on Khao San road for about 1 pound each - he was also doing fake driving licences, degree certificates and pretty much anything else you wanted. We all met back up together in the evening and headed down to Long Gun on Soi Cowboy based on Al’s recommendation from the other night: this was a bit less tame than Nana Plaza and we saw some things that will be imprinted in Marie’s mind for a
Khao San Road by nightKhao San Road by nightKhao San Road by night

Khao San road in Bangkok
lifetime.

After a day spent wandering around Chinatown, we boarded the 8.30pm VIP bus to Vientiane (Laos). We arrived in Laos at 7.30am the next day without having to bribe our way over the borded crossing - result!

Laos


Vientiane

First stop in Laos (after an over night bus ride from Bangkok) was the capital Vientiane a sleepy town on the river where the pace of life, (as with all of Laos) is best described as slow. Luckily, we were aware that this is the only place in the entire country with an international ATM. Therefore, we all proceeded to take out close to 3 million Kip (nearly 200 notes individual notes each). Ridiculous - we were just lucky they had recently introduced the 10,000 and 20,000 Kip notes - otherwise, we would have needed an extra suitcase each to carry our money around.

We spent a couple of relaxing days here, seeing the local sites. One day we hired a bicycle and visited some monuments, temples, a museum, swimming pool (which we had to ourselves), a market and some bars. None stood out as being fantastic but it was an interesting day with a fair
Marie's favourite taxiMarie's favourite taxiMarie's favourite taxi

Having discovered there were some pink taxis in Bangkok, Marie pretty much refused to ride in anything that was not this colour
bit of exercise and a lot packed in.

On another evening we headed to a discotheque which was the first place we had visited in Laos that was busy. Being a Saturday night we got to watch the 3pm premiership games and enjoy some Beer Laos together with an assorted array of music (English rock to Asian pop). Given it is illegal to have a relationship with a local in Laos it was surprising the number of locals making advances (c.10 on the average trip to the toilet / bar (not all being girls!)). We also spent a night at the local bowling alley where Andy came from 1-0 down to be the eventual 2-1 victor. Much of the victory could probably be attributed to the effects of Beer Lao (6%!a(MISSING)nd 640ml bottles). Marie finished 3rd on both occassions despite three valiant performances and the coaching of a local expert.

Vang Vieng

After a short time in Vientiane we headed north to backpacker central (Vang Vieng) a small town packed with travellers pigging out on pancakes and pizza while watching Friends episodes back to back. We had been looking forward to Vang Vieng for sometime being
Bangkok Tuk-tukBangkok Tuk-tukBangkok Tuk-tuk

The great tuk-tuk of Bangkok - funny how those drivers always seem to be related to people who work in all manner of shops
a good opportunity to catch up on some exercise by participating in the local sport of tubing. Tubing involves hiring a tractor tire inner tube, getting a bus up river to the drop off point and letting the current drift you down the river back to town. Ordinarily this would take 2-3 hours but the river is packed with distractions. Barely minutes after getting in your tube you reach the first bar where helpful staff chuck out rope to pull you in a attempt to get you to purchase 640ml bottles of Beer Lao for 10,000 Kip (50p) which come with a free shot of paint stripper (Lao Lao). To keep you amused they also have zip lines and rope swings over the river (and rocks).

As you go down the river you pass 20-30 bars (of varying sizes ranging from huge bars with sun platforms and volleyball nets to women with cool boxes standing in the river). What should in fact take 2-3 hours ends up taking a whole day. We stayed in Vang Vieng 5 nights and each tubed 3 times. You meet so many randoms along the way who you innevitably end up meeting throughout the
Dress and drink like the localsDress and drink like the localsDress and drink like the locals

When in Rome! Well, if the vest is 1 pound and the beer 50p, why not indulge?
week and for dinner etc.

Vang Vieng is probably best described by the pictures, the scenery was stunning, the weather hot and the days incredibly lazy. A notable achievement was being the first three on the river one day. A major achievement for Marie was finishing a whole bottle of Beer Lao on a tube - she stacked it when trying to get back onto a tube moments later! It was also pretty funny to be able to go in to a bar and just choose what film you wanted to watch. One film we watched called 'The Ringer' with Johnny Knoxville can best be described as very very wrong. The plot involves Johnny Knoxville joining and attempting to fix the special olympics for betting purposes.

Luang Prabang

We didn't really know too much about Luang Prabang before arrival apart from what we had heard from other travellers. Luang Prabang is a temple town with a mix of French and Asian influences. It is set where the Mekong and Khan Rivers join and is a beautiful (though very small) city nestled between the river banks. It is also the former royal capital of Laos. The city is
Bikes in VientianeBikes in VientianeBikes in Vientiane

Bikes we hired to get around Vientiane
full with dozens of wats, colonial buildings and trading houses and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

We didn't really do too much in the way of sightseeing however during our stay. We visited the Royal Palace (which was interesting due to the complete lack of opulence). I reckon it was probably a lot smaller than the houses of some people back home (except the shed Catherine's dad lives in). We avoided the wats/temples as we had seen a lot of these already.

The only other major thing we did was an afternoon excursion to some waterfalls (which also had some caged tigers and bears). This was a fun, and incredibly cheap trip and involved some treking between the different falls and swimming in some. Much of the rest of the time in Luang Prabang was spent either drinking or eating with one night spent watching some football (with a couple we met on the excursion) and another wandering around a very interesting night market.

Phonsavan (Marie/Fraser)

Having opted to cross into Vietnam overland, the two of us boarded a 9 hour bus to Phonsavan, the home of the Plain of Jars. We
Flying foxFlying foxFlying fox

Andy on rope swing at one of the riverside bars in Vang Vieng during a well-earned break from the strenuous sport that is tubing
were delighted to discover it was actually the 7 hour express bus on the day in question. Marie was not so happy about 4 hours into the journey when the local guy sat next to her was sick everywhere in his sleep! Amazingly, none managed to hit her but she moved into the aisle after he continued being sick into a bag before swinging it past her and out of the window. There has apparently been a history of bandits ambushing the buses on this route so Fraser had a guy riding shotgun (armed with a huge machine gun) sat next to him for the journey.

Phonsavan is one of the quietest places we have been but also one of the cheapest to date: 5 US dollars for a twin room. We visited the Plain of Jars, three sites where there a number of unexplained concrete jars in the middle of nowhere which are over 1,000 years old. The locals believe that an ancient King had them made to brew lots of Lao Lao for a huge party after he won a major battle? Archaeologists believe these are actually burial sites having found bones underneath the jars. We like
The best bar in the world?The best bar in the world?The best bar in the world?

One of the tubing bars
to think the bones are purely the remains of those who fell into the Lao Lao whilst it was being made and drowned.

We boarded a 6.30am bus from Phonsavan to Vinh (Vietnam). This was a fourteen hour bus journey where we picked up a number of items on the way which the locals were taking to trade in Vietnam at the border with China. Many of them also had plastic bags/suitcases full of money to trade with. One particular woman towards the front of the bus must have been the Laos equivalent of Del Boy. She was stopping everywhere exhanging goods for cash and also picking up brown envelopes with visa/passport application forms and photos in exchange for cash and bags of fruit.

The Trotters independent trading theory was confirmed when her husband, lets call him Rodney, tried to exchange Dong (Vietnamese currency) for any Laos currency that the tourists had left on them. At 8.30pm, we arrived in Vinh and boarded a small bus for the journey to Hanoi. The local buses do this journey in around 8 hours but this bus managed to motor along and arrive in less than 5 hours despite a toilet
TubingTubingTubing

Enjoying a Beer Lao on the river in Vang Vieng
break. We managed to get into a hotel at 3am and had a well deserved rest. Total travel time was around 21 hours versus Andy's 1 hour and 20 minute flight. However, the scenery along the way was amazing coming through the valleys near the border.

Nong Khiow (Andy)

Andy spent an extra night in Luang Prabang (involving a lie in, a hang over, some food, some beers, internet poker, a film, some football and a few chapters of a book by the river). The next day I caught the first bus of the morning to a place called Nong Khiow. To use the word bus is probably pretty flattering. Imagine a covered pickup truck with benches down either side and some plastic kids chairs in the middle. Then pack 45 people in (despite the sign on the side - max 25), have some people hanging off the back and a girl being sick all the way and you get the picture. Despite all this the journey was actually pretty enjoyable due mainly to the fantastic scenery, a very funny Aussie couple (together with the the fact it was only 3 1/2hrs). Anymore would have been painful.
Marie on the  beers?Marie on the  beers?Marie on the beers?

Marie having a Beer Lao whilst tubing - it went to her head and she stacked it a few minutes later

Nong Khiaw is dominated by a huge bridge spanning the Nam Ou river and connecting the town to its 200 year old sister city, Ban Lao (where I stayed). Both town are built along the banks of the river and life centers around it. My first afternoon was pretty relaxed doing a short walk and then settling down by the river bank for some sun time. Being such a small place the atmosphere in the evenings was really friendly and the first evening I met (amongst others) a couple from Germany, an Aussie (Natasha) and a Kiwi (James) who were travelling together and also a German guy called Peter. We proceeded to enjoy a few Beer Laos and arranged to do a bike ride in the morning to a cave that was bombed by the Americans as part of the secret war in Laos during the Vietnam war. We followed this with a village (where there was a wedding in progress) and a waterfall before returning exhausted due to the lack of gears on the bikes.

The afternoon was again spent relaxing on the sand dunes (following lunch time curry and beers) and the evening was spent eating curry
TubingTubingTubing

It's a hard life in Laos on a tube
and drinking a few beers (this time with a further extended group of travellers). A few of us caught the first bus back to Luang Prabang the next day (this time a proper bus - by Laos standards anyway but nether the less an interesting experience). The bus was pretty full already with about 30 people in a 20 seater, when the bus pulled over to pick up a farmer and his pig. Turned out the pig was too heavy to put on the roof so on to the bus it came (in a rice sack) where it proceeded to kick, fight, grunt, hyperventilate and piss. It wasn't too bad until the smell took a noticeable turn for the worse about an hour from our destination. Wish I had a camera!

Spent a pretty relaxing afternoon in Luang Prabang before meeting with some people we had bumped in to several times previously for dinner together with a couple of randoms. Enjoyed a few Beer Lao in a bar with camp fires (not in a Swarbrick sense) and awoke with a little bit of a hangover prepared to embark on the 1hr long trip to Hanoi.

Vietnam


Hanoi
Tubing rope swingTubing rope swingTubing rope swing

The main bar on the tubing circuit - unfortunately the picture of the bar has been obscured in some way - don't know how that could have happened.

Having arrived two days before Andy, Marie and Fraser agreed not to do too much of the touristy stuff that Andy wanted to do. Therefore, we spent the first few days perfecting the art-form that is crossing the road in Hanoi without being taken out by one of the 2 million motorbikes. Bangkok is a walk in the park compared to this place. We also went on a day trip to the old capital of Vietnam and on a boat trip through the rice paddies. Met up with Andy on the second evening there and we managed to find the stalls at the side of the road with plastic chairs and a keg of beer (Bia Hoi) where a glass costs about 6p (the cheapest beer we have discovered anywhere).

We visited the old war prison and also the temple on the river in the old quarter before visiting the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Our favourite exhibit was the statues of fertility around a tomb (see pictures). In the evening, we went out to a few bars down by the river, including Funky Monkey and Polite Pub. On the way home, Andy needed to fulfil his noodle soup obsession
Laos SceneryLaos SceneryLaos Scenery

There was great scenery whilst tubing in Vang Vieng
and we got probably the best beef noodle soup of our lives for about 40p. (We have been trying to avoid chicken given the bird flu articles that have been floating around). We had arranged a trip to Halong Bay for early the next day.

Halong Bay / Cat Ba Island

We were collected early in the morning for the four hour bus journey to Halong City to board the boat for our trip (see picture). We were lucky enough to get onto a boat which was really nice. Very nice food and also managed to get two nice cabins to ourselves as this Bangladeshi guy wasnt allowed to stay on the boat as he hadn't brought his passport with him. Having seen the state of some of the other boats, we were glad we had opted to pay the extra $4 per person for the nicer food and boat. The first day was spent lounging on the roof of the boat, visiting some caves in the mountains and being paddled around a floating fishing village by a 14 year old girl and her young brother. Marie was delighted that the boat had a selection of drinks (not
Tubing barTubing barTubing bar

Andy still can't get off the buckets!
just beer) and treated herself to a bottle of wine on the boat in the evening.

The following morning, we were dropped off at Cat Ba island where one of the locals took us on a 2 hour trek through the National Park. There was a Norwegian guy with us but he opted to sit at a bar and drink rather than come on the trek. Apparently, he had a bad leg. I was sceptical as he had started on his 2nd Tiger beer before breakfast arrived at 7.30am. After lunch, we kayaked out to Monkey Island and relaxed on the beach there. Fraser had a yellow strap on his camera which the monkeys took a shine to and proceeded to chase him - fun! In the evening, we met a couple of English girls and an Aussie guy and headed out for some drinks. It wasn't overly busy anywhere but we did manage to find a night club, which had about 6 locals who were wearing tailored flared trousers. Quite a funny evening.

Highlight of the day was talking to our guide about which football teams we supported. When Andy said Luton Town, our guide replied:
Tubing barTubing barTubing bar

Main bar on tubing circuit - take 2!

"Oh yes, Luton. They are in the Premiership.........on my computer game as I managed to get them promoted." Well, it's not going to happen this year is it Andy?

The next morning, we boarded a couple of boats for some more sunbathing on the deck before our bus transfer back to Hanoi. All in all, a very good trip which only cost $42 each, with everything included except drinks (which came to significantly more than $42 despite being fairly priced).

Back in Hanoi

Checked back into the Hanoi Kangaroo Hotel where we had a triple room including free internet access for $9 a night. Went for dinner with the people we met on the boat trip then to a Jazz bar and a bar which plays only Christmas music with a techno beat in the background - very bizarre!

On our final day in Hanoi, we visited the Ho Chi Minh Masoleum and the museum of Ho Chi Minh, which actually seemed more like an art gallery which anti-facism artwork from around the world. Visited Ho Chi Minh's 'house on stilts' and also the Military War Museum which houses a number of American planes and tanks
Last day of tubing Last day of tubing Last day of tubing

The group we were with for our last day of tubing
captured during the Vietnam war. We had an expensive dinner at Cyclo restaurant for our last supper in Hanoi before we boarded the open tour bus just after 7pm for the 14 hour overnight bus journey to Hue, not overly optmistic about getting any sleep but praying no-one near us was going to be sick. Find out on the next update how the bus journey went.

Other random stuff:


Guess who made the comment

A new section of the blog called can you guess who made this comment?

"We were beaten by a better side, a better squad, a stronger team. I don't know how much money they have had from going up to the Premiership, coming back down, going up again, coming back down again - £70m maybe?

"They are entitled to have a good side and I've said before that anyone who finishes above them will have a chance of winning the Championship. Those thoughts haven't changed."

"I am disappointed we didn't compete better and have a better game. It is a lesson for us."

(Clue it was made after West Brom pounded local rivals Wolves in the FA Cup 5th round)
Luang Prabang waterfallLuang Prabang waterfallLuang Prabang waterfall

Waterfall in National Park near Luang Prabang


Random facts

Despite numerous requests, there have been no shoes performed since we left the UK.
Andy has not lost any caps since the last Blog update (a record).
Insects bite less in North Laos and Vietnam.
North Vietnam requires scarves at this time of year.
Marie wears scarves in the sunshine now as apparently its too cold!
Bence is still behind in the fantasy football.
Most Australians travelling come from Melbourne.
You can buy a beer for 6p.
You can buy a beer for 9p and feel ripped off.
Christmas seems to be celebrated all year round in Vietnam.
Motorcycles are fun.
There are 2m motorcycles in Hanoi and very little in the way of road rules.
Crossing roads can become tiring with the concentration it requires.
Bence (being risk adverse) would not be able to visit Hanoi due to the road crossings.
Noodle soup tastes good for breakfast.
Chocolate and cheese do not go well together on pancakes despite both being good individually.
Pancakes are addicitive.
Tubing is addictive and a lot of fun.
Tubing is dangerous.
Tubing causes injuries and aches.
Laos public buses are generally over full.
Laos public buses are un-comfortable.
Laos public
Andy and Laos waterfallAndy and Laos waterfallAndy and Laos waterfall

Andy with the waterfall in Luang Prabang
buses are full of people leaning out of the window to spit.
Laos public buses often involve people being sick.
Laos public buses are occassionally filled with animals.
Pigs smell bad in rice sacks when they are scared.
Laos public buses are an experience definitely worth having.
Taxi drivers in Hanoi are not always honest.
Little Hanoi is the best Vietnamese restaurant in Hanoi at that price range.
Noodle soup is a good alternative to a kebab post night out.
Marie sleeps a lot.


Additional photos below
Photos: 46, Displayed: 38


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Bus to Nong KhiowBus to Nong Khiow
Bus to Nong Khiow

The 20 seater bus Andy got to Nong Khiow which had 45 people in.
Nong KhiowNong Khiow
Nong Khiow

View of Nong Khiow in Laos
Plain de JarsPlain de Jars
Plain de Jars

Many unexplained jars in the middle of Laos - the locals believe they were used to make whiskey but historians believe they were graves for the dead
Fraser in a jarFraser in a jar
Fraser in a jar

Inside one of the jars at Le Plain de Jars in Phonsavan
Hanoi motorbikesHanoi motorbikes
Hanoi motorbikes

A quiet time of the day in Hanoi, taken from City View Bar
Boat tripBoat trip
Boat trip

Paddle boat from Fraser and Marie's day trip in Hanoi
Interesting rowing techniqueInteresting rowing technique
Interesting rowing technique

Local method of rowing using their feet
Grocery storeGrocery store
Grocery store

Anyone for groceries?
BustedBusted
Busted

Anyone else think this looks like James Fedarb from Colchester?
SatisfiedSatisfied
Satisfied

One of the fertility symbols at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi (also now the screen saver for a bar in Hue with free internet). He looks pretty pleased with himself. Bence (in answer to your question) it is wrong that this picture excites you.
Boat hotelBoat hotel
Boat hotel

The boat that took us round Halong Bay that we also spent the night on
Boat accommodationBoat accommodation
Boat accommodation

Our cabins on the boat - they may not look like much but probably some of the best accommodation we have stayed in. Maybe even Catherine and Kirsty would have stayed here???
Child rowersChild rowers
Child rowers

Children who rowed us around the fishing village in Halong Bay
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Drinking on a boat

The bar/restaurant from the boat we stayed on - could get used to living in such luxury at sea!
Trekking in Cat Ba National ParkTrekking in Cat Ba National Park
Trekking in Cat Ba National Park

Andy and Fraser trekking in the National Park
KayakingKayaking
Kayaking

Andy kayaking out to Monkey Island off Cat Ba island
MonkeyMonkey
Monkey

One of the monkeys that chased Fraser on Monkey Island off Cat Ba Island
MonkeyMonkey
Monkey

Looked cute before it spied the yellow camera strap!
Cat Ba SunsetCat Ba Sunset
Cat Ba Sunset

Sunset from Cat Ba island on Halong Bay boat trip
Cyclo barCyclo bar
Cyclo bar

Cyclo bar in Hanoi
Vietnam Military MuseumVietnam Military Museum
Vietnam Military Museum

Remnants of American planes shot down in the Vietnam war
Oranges anyone?Oranges anyone?
Oranges anyone?

Those women must be very strong to carry those fruits around the streets of Hanoi all day long
House on StiltsHouse on Stilts
House on Stilts

Ho Chi Minh's Hanoi residence
6p beers6p beers
6p beers

The cheapest beer we have found on our travels on the streets of Hanoi


1st February 2007

Luton Town
In response to the quote, an equally wise man once said; Women in football are ****, they are worthless beings. This is not Sunday football, although we do sometimes produce it. They should just **** off back to the kitchen where they belong and not pretend to know anything about the offside rule.
1st February 2007

Le Plain de Jars
"historians believe they were graves for the dead" - so Fraser poses for a photo by standing inside one....? PS I am not risk averse, merely safety conscious
1st February 2007

Hey!!!
Hey guys!!! Glad you're still living it up in the land of travel!! I arrived home a couple of weeks ago and am just sooooo jealous now after hearing your fantastic travel stories of your adventures through the rest of asia!!! take acer and keep going as long as you can - it's so true that NOTHING changes at home...! Shell x
6th February 2007

it seems incredulous that it has taken as far as Laos to discover Marie sleeps a lot.
9th February 2007

Vest
Andy, now you have a shaven head, you should wear your England top more! Fraser, you're biceps look enormous in that vest, even arousing!!! I'm pleased that despite being half way around the world, Ben is still the recipient of much banter! Good effort Love Sam and Janine!

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