And Now... To Laos! (that rhymes, ok? it's pronounced "Low"!!)

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Back in Bangkok again, sitting in a bar on Khao San Road with a gin and tonic... ahh. (free internet too! bonus!) I left gorgeous Ko Pha Ngan yesterday along with my gorgeous bungalow and gorgeous girl... (for more info, please enquire within 😉 Today i Bang-ed around the dreaded Kok again on various errands - including getting my docs back! Which I DID!! Woohoo! I managed to change my flight again as well, so now I don't leave until the 22nd of August which means I'm GOING TO LAOS! It's well exciting, and I'm going with a couple of friends from Pha Ngan as well which will be good. I've heard Laos is Beeeautiful and extremely cheap (which is a releif, seeing as my hotel bill for the last week came to 7000 Baht!!! -about $250 Agh!) and there are many chilled out and peaceful things to do there, which will be a nice change from the week-long party I've just come from 😊 Anyway, I'm not sure they have internet in Laos, and they defiitely don't have mobile phone coverage, so I will be somewhat uncontactable for the next 20 or so days, but don't worry, I'm ALWAYS happy, healthy and lovin it- whatever it is. My lucky buddha is working wonders 😊 Love and Hugs to one and all!

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Photos

Goodbye Lovely Bungalow
Yesterday I said goodbye to my home of a week, which felt more like a month. Look at it? Innit cute? Maybe I'll build one of my own one day :)

Last views of Ko Pha Ngan
...ahh the serenity!

Sunset from my window
yep, this was my view every night!

Mr T
One of Great Bay's 'hoteliers', Ti (or Mr T as we called him) lovely chap! Refreshing to see such a chilled out stoned Thai hippy running a resort!

Lucky Buddha
This guy has come in so much handy so far on my travels. Serously, the weirdest good things have been happening. This morning on the train I was thinking about Laos and how I probably needed to buy a lonely planet for it or something, and out of the blue the girl in the booth next to mine leant over and gave me a 'spare' copy of the Laos Lonely Planet that she had!! Thank you Buddha! Thank you mum!

On the Bus
The overcrowded, insane bus ride from the port to Surat Thani. On the way to the train to Bangkok.

Comments

[Struthie]

Ooooohhhh!
Gorgeous girl, eh?? OOOOOHHHHHHHH!!!! Tell all, tell all! CHARLIE AND *insert name here* SITTIN' IN A TREE, KAY-EYE-ESS-ESS... :p

[Faasha]

Lao has definitely got communication technology
Hi Chaz, Good to hear from you once more. You should try using the info pages on travelblog. there are numerous entries from Laos and the people travelling there, using travelblog just like you. So there is no excuse for not keeping us iinformed of your adventures. More photos are better, but please put your shirt ON when you are out in the sun and when you are in photos. (Pasty, white chests get sunburnt easily). Good to hear you're enjoying lots of different experinces. We spent 2 days digging up bamboo from a house in Manji for the school garden (and some for us). It is already about 6m tall and looks great. Physically exhausting though. Getting in shape for when we go woofing and I have to do manual work again. Will you still have the same mobile phone? (yes, you do get coverage in some places in Lao - we checked!) Love Dad, B, Jasper

[Norn]

Glad to get your latest message, Charlie. Your pics are great. When I travelled back home a couple of weeks ago, i met a couple between Kuala lumpur and perth who had been travelling through Asia for some time. They said they liked Laos best. It sounds like an interesting place. I look forward to your journal and pass on your news to Gail in the US. Try to keep in touch with either your dad or me whenever you can and let us know when we can reach you on your mobile. I tried to call a couple of times without success. Stay well and take care. We love you and miss you...Nornie and Pop Art