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Published: November 6th 2010
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Hello everyone!
Where to begin??!! Busy busy busy but so much fun all at the same time!
The cookery course was brilliant we learnt so much and even made a superflame, although James’ was better than mine. Though I hate to admit it! Our lady was called Meaow, which caused James a bit of amusement, she was very nice though and gave as good as she got. We learnt how to make everything from spring rolls to satay sticks, Pad Thai, red curry, soup - it was really good. Best of all we got to eat everything we cooked. We also got a trip to the market where we bought all our ingredients. We also found a bag of live frogs - apparently a delicacy around here! We are not so sure!
Completely randomly we also found my engagement ring when we were wandering around Chiang Mai. We both picked out the same one so we knew it was right. Hope you enjoy the photos of it!
Then it was off on the bus to Chang Koeng. A 5 hour trip, which would have been fine if the malarone side effects hadn’t have started. We spent a night
there and then it was up early to get our visas and go through Thai and Laos immigration. This turned out to be little huts and crossing the border was getting on a boat and going across the river. After a brief wait, we went off to find our slow boat, which would sail us down the Mekong River to Loang Probang - a 2 day journey. The boat started off well, even if it was little uncomfortable but we met lots of people and the beer soon started flowing. That took our minds off the hard wooden seats and the lack of room! However, what we didn’t know was that this was the luxury boat!
After 6 hours we arrived in Pakbeng, where we spent the night sampling the local beer with some of the people we had met on the boat. Next morning it was up early - once again to get back on the boat. However, this time it was like caged hens. More and more people kept arriving on the boat until there were people sat all over the floor and squashed into benches. We sailed for a little while and then pulled in at
the ‘services’ where rice and live chickens and ducks were also loaded onto the boat - it made for a cozy journey! A particular highlight was when I was sat next to a Laos family, who fancied a snack. So they pulled out a giant live cricket and proceeded to pull off its legs and wings and then ate it. After, asking if anyone wanted any! I did decline the offer!
Everyone was pleased to get off the boat that day especially as we had spent 9 hours on it. Luckily we had arrived in Louang Probang, which was great. The night market was beautiful and it was so nice to walk around there without anyone hassling you. Laos is so relaxed its great, everyone is so friendly! We spent our time relaxing in Louang Probang and letting the blood get back to our bottoms after the boat journey. We also met a couple that are cycling from NZ to England to raise money for schools in Thailand and Laos. They are trying to raise 20,000 pounds and have already covered 8000km. They are now heading into the Gobi desert where there will be temperatures of -20! If you
A bag of frogs!
Apparently nice stir fried with garlic and ginger??!! fancy looking into it their website is www.bikeabout.co.uk The charity is called Child’s Dream.
We also went to see the most beautiful waterfall, where we spent the day swimming and James pretending to be Tarzan on a rope swing. There was also a bear sanctuary there as people use the bears here for terrible things. It was lovely to see them looking so healthy.
Next stop was Vang Vieng for a bit of tubing down the river in large rubber rings. Lots of fun, many friends made, much whiskey drank and lots of dancing done! We really enjoyed it there but it was a bit like being in Malaga or Ibiza so were ready to move on after a few days. We also seemed to be plagued by cockerels where ever we go. They don't seem to realise that the sun doesn't come up till 6 but they insist on starting at 4. Hopefully are new room is free of them! Now we are in Vientiane the capital. Only arrived today so not sure about it but will probably move on fairly soon to 4000 islands, where we can lay in hammocks and maybe see dolphins.
We
look forward to getting some messages from you all and we hope you are all well. You can subscribe to our blog so that you get an e-mail as soon as we update anything. Lots of love James and Sam xxx
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Mum M
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Bottled scorpions??????
Loving the pictures - what a classy pair you are drinking out of buckets!!! Are those really bottled scorpions? what are they used for? the waterfall pools look very inviting so much nicer than dark cold and wet November here. stay safe, love you lots - not long til Oz xxxxx