Saturday December, 29th 2007 I’m taking the bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong, last city before the border. There is a bus every half hour. The bus is already full so, it leaves 10 minutes ahead of schedule. I’m standing at the rear on pretty crowded floor but I cannot go in the alley as my head would touch the ceiling though I’m not tall by European standards. The border crossing is easy and without any problem. On the Laotian side, Huay Xai doesn’t offer much except for a small pagoda and the herbal sauna and massage, but the sunset over Mekong is something good. ... read more

Thursday December, 27th 2007 I’ve been at Doi Suthep since the 24th. This stay gave me an introduction to Vipassanah meditation. Practicing meditation a whole day is quite difficult for me. The first day was hard but the second day brought me some pleasure when I could concentrate for a few minutes. The rules of Doi Suthep are quite strict : no chatting between meditators, especially during the meals and the worst for me, 2 meals a days one at 6:30, one at 11:00. So, as I get out to day, I’m very greedy and gulp down any junk food I see on the way. It’s just as I was overreacting to what I did the previous days. I was glad to spend a simple Xmas time at that monastery far from the commercial nonsense that ... read more

Friday December, 21th 2007 Today, I'm leaving Um Phang for Mae Sot. I'm feeling sorry to leave this place but I'm looking forward for the 100 km ride on the mountain road. I often stop to look at the landscape and take pictures. Probably, they are the same as on the journey to Um Phang. I'm now used to ride the motorbike and I'm enjoying it. Nevertheless, at each bent of the road, I still contract my shoulders and then I think to relax. I really love this mountain and I'm sad to leave. On the other hand, I'm happy to be sad as it means I really had a good time at Um Phang. I also happy when I think that I coulkd be working at the office under the Belgian grey sky. I'm down ... read more

Tuesday December, 4th 2007 I’m on the boat to Battambang. The scenery is completely different from the one in dry season, as the water is several meters higher. The boat is also taking a slightly different route. The plain is no longer flooded but the river is not limited by high banks. Well, just look at the pictures. ... read more

Saturday November, 24th 2007 Hello, I’ve been lazy at filling my blog these last 2 weeks. Since I entered Cambodia, doing nothing has been my main activity. Nevertheless, I’ll try to fill up the blog backwards for the end of next week. Today was the celebration of Bon Om Tuk : boat races, fireworks and floating candles. A huge crowd gathered along the river this afternoon to look at the boat races. Rowing ended at half past five. There was a huge party on the river banks. A group of Khmer people offered me to share a drink. The conversation was limited but the atmosphere was good. I left them to look at the fireworks. Then, people started to launch floating candles on the river. It is bringing good luck to them. Sunday November, 25th 2007 ... read more