There is no chilling sound as the squealing of a pig. Especially at 4am when one is in a deep slumber. But I guess if you want to be one with nature, there are drawbacks. Does it have to be followed up with the barking of dogs and the crowing of roosters? Leaving Son La behind we head further west to Dien Bien Phu, passing through some of the most amazing valleys I have ever seen. Everywhere you look there is a photo. I have run out of superlatives to describe it, so you can just look at the pictures. The tribes people here are long ,thin and elegant as opposed to others I have encountered. All are exceptionally friendly and beautifully dressed in their local costum. Arriving at Dien Bien Phu, we separate with our ... read more

From Singapore we fly north to Hanoi, duration two and a half hours choice of airline Vietnam this time, price $150. A feeling of trepidation engulfs me because I have been here before and spouted to anybody and everybody who would listen to me that this is without doubt my most favourite city that I have ever had the pleasure of visiting in the world. On arrival I comment to Thomas how foggy it is. Soon realised that it is smoke not fog. Last time we ventured here it was summertime. This time winter! The burning of rice stubble is the cause. Our driver greets us outside customs, his English nonexistent of course. Who cares! This is Vietnam. Everything will turn out right it; always does; just have faith. The traffic of Nam has changed little ... read more

Shots of our mystery trip to Phuket. A quick summary....... read more

THE BEACHES, BOATS, BAYS, BARS AND BOYS’ Author Susan Smith and Kathryn Brown I woke from a long deep sleep; only possible when the mind is at ease and the body full of great food and an excess of alcohol. Holidays are great. It is the taking yourself away from reality of everyday life and replacing it with nothing. No stress, no commitment and most of all, no time. Being punctual is not the most redeeming feature of a holiday. No one knows what hour, day or even what week it is. If you care you shouldn’t be here. Thep, our driver has arrived to take us for a jaunt around Phang Da Bay, which is off Phuket Island and about 100kms north of Patong Beach where we are staying. The bay is full of limestone ... read more

I know how Adam must have felt in the Garden of Eden. Anything you have ever dreamed of. Everything you could ever desire is here. But there is a catch, maybe two, the first is money. Dubai is basically in three sections. The first the old town, with the trading port and the creek flowing up the middle. This is Deira. Here is where we stayed for the first few days. Got the feel of the place, visited the museum and strolled through the old souks with a ride on a dhow (not quite as authentic as Morocco). Further along the coast is the business district. Woah! Skyscrapers reach for the clouds. The streets are full of expensive cars. The home to the Burj Khalif, the tallest building in the world, supposedly 834 metres tall, no ... read more