The Irish Mob So I set off from Phnom Penh for Kampot and was happily minding my own business sat on a coach when for some reason a game of musical chairs took place. The net result of which was a pretty Irish girl sitting next to me called Cathy. Over the next five or so hours we got talking and at the rest stops I met her four other travel companions; Declan, Stu, Niall and Neil. When we arrived at Kampot I was pretty set on staying at Bodhi Villa guest house which numerous others had raved about. But Cathy persuaded me to join them at 'The magic sponge' instead. Turned out to be one of the best decisions I made on my trip. The Magic Sponge We were met at the bus stop by ... read more

So the triumphant trio had reached their destination of Ho Chi Minh formerly Saigon. Suitably dishevelled, frayed around the edges but in high spirits. I'd like to say we received a rapturous and emphatic welcome with people lining the streets as we dished out the high fives, but the truth is among the hoards of tourists we didn't even register. Not even the unmistakable burble of our dirty soviet two strokes caused a stir. Orient-ation We were in the touristy part of Ho chi minh and it seemed in ou little enclave there was nothing but hotels and guest houses catering to all budgets. We found a family run one above a suit shop that suited us perfectly. I remember the first thing I did was go out onto the street and buy a new clean ... read more

Bordering on insanity So having reconvened with legendary Leeds stalwarts Joe & Marc in Laos (first met them way back in India) we made our way to Vietnam. We were warned that the border crossing in the far north of Laos was a dodgy one by our trusty lonely bible. However, having initially breezed through security we began to wonder what the fuss was all about. We soon found out... As the only three people crossing the border at that point a minibus suspiciously pulls up and offers us a ride to Hanoi for $90USD. We know it's a rip off so we wander into the small rural village across the border. We stopped for some chow at a local diner and the owner informs us a bus will be along in 30 minutes to Hanoi. ... read more

Sa-wat-dee Kaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah ! It's been a while since I've blogged and there is as usual much to say. Seems like an age ago since I was in Thailand so hopefully my dire memory (mercifully aided by my journal) will do it justice! One night in Bangkok Having left Singapore I was greeted by the hedonistic chaos that is Bangkoks infamous Koh San Road. For those not in the know this street is a mecca for firang (tourists) of all backgrounds. From the Douche-esque wife beater wearers, to the geriatric sex pest tourists and those out for a family holiday with a twist. The whole thing came as somewhat of a garish culture shock and neon sensory overload after the rustic India and clean and sensible Singapore. So having trudged around endlessly to find some digs I ... read more

Namaste peeps! I have a fair amount to recap so this may turn out to be another mini-essay! I believe I left you last when I was making my way up to Goa so I will pick up the thread there. I arrived in the state of Goa after an overnight train ride, this train is one of only two in India where you get all your meals included and they had walls vanilla ice cream for dessert! Simples things for simple minds =P Goa, mid-way down the west coast of India provides welcome relief to weary travellors who are a little ground down by India. It has a kind of Mediterranean feel to it which makes sense since it was at one point a Portuguese colony. Package tourists inevitably flock here for beautiful beaches and ... read more