Real World Views... Hi Iain, thank you so much for your kind words. Actually we weren't aware that you were "exposed" to our blogs. Now you have both guiltily and inspiringly motivated me to get some fishing in before we leave. I owe you some fish, hopefully interesting (if not big) ones. Best wishes to you, and tight lines...
Laps Thanks for your ‘expert’ commentary on the Israeli Palestine conflict. Last time I checked this a a travel blog, and aren’t you posting about your travels from Laos? Anyways, peace out.
Fair point Yes, the point you make is fair, but in describing our travels/lives abroad I always include snippets of current world/political/sporting events. Our blogs are primarily for our future recollection of those times and such events place these in context.
Real World Views... As always I thoroughly enjoy reading your blogs and getting a 'real world view' of life in Laos and beyond. It stands in stark contrast to the refined and privileged (?) life here in SW Florida. But then again it also highlights how this so called civilized lifestyle has plunged us ever deeper into environmental ruin, financial excess and social dystopia. Safe travels and wrap up warm for Scotland!
Deeeear Friends <3 Hey my dear friends! I'm so happy to read some news from you. I would be happy to call you. I'm also planning for the next months to travel a bit in North Africa with my new home on wheels. I'm also still dealing with my studies schedule, so let see where it leads me! Hope maybe to cross your travel roads, as we dit in India, Nepal and Laos. Big kisses from south of France (Saint Gaudens) <3
Happy travels Hi, great to hear from you Enora. A home on wheels is probably the very best way to travel around north Africa, you'll have a blast. We have to return to the UK in May, maybe for quite a long time. But we hope we can meet up again, somewhere, some time in the not so distant future. Love from us xx.
Had to check our blogs We went to Morocco in 2013. When reading your blog I had to have a look in our blogs to read what we did in Ouarzazate. All of a sudden it all came back to me. It was where we saw the film sets. Thanks for bringing back memories from our trip. And also thanks for this wonderful picture. Where did you take it? /Ake
RIP Dave - amazing memories I fell upon this old blog post with comments, sadly because my query was answered. Stayed at Dave's hostel and took some trips through the gorges with him (summer '91). . Your photos are like deja vu. Wittenoom was ❣️. Thank you Dave.
Beautiful photos Love your photos and the detailed explanations Andy :) I have to admit Pakistan hasn't been on my radar for many years, and probably won't be for a while longer, so I appreciated this insight into the country all the more. You and Ali have such a gift of really getting to know the people (and animals) you meet. Thanks for sharing. Hope your guts are doing better in SL ;)
Pakistani highlands are stunning I visited Pakistan 25 years ago. I then travelled mostly in the lowlands. But I see in your pictures that the highlands are absolutely stunning. For safety reasons I don't see me going there in the near future though. But it is great to see your photos and get to dream myself away for a while. Possibly I will one day get around to publish my own Pakistani photos. But I fear that it will not happen in the near future. I've got too much things going on in my life at the moment. /Ake
Goodbyes I love the (mis)quote from Winne about goodbyes - I think it perfectly sums up your time in Tad Lo. What a journey it was for you and Ali and thank you for sharing it with us over the two years! :) (I actually checked out your blog to see if you'd posted anything on your recent trip and realised I hadn't commented on this post)
Rebirth Maybe a Covid enforced stay in Laos but from your blogs over the last couple of years it sounded like a blessing of rebirth into a life of the unexpected with the colour and serendipity that staying put and smelling the flowers can only bring. I wonder if Laos must seem that it has led to a life rebirth or awakening.
Praying mantis Hiya, yes we get a lot of praying mantises here. He was a feisty one and lashed out a few times as I moved him to safety away from the dogs.
Thank you for your blogs I have really enjoyed sharing your stay in Laos. I was only three months in Thailand and found it very difficult to settle back into the "western" world. I suspect you may find the UK not the country you left. I would go back to Thai/Laos if I could though I am sure they will have changed as well.
Congratulations to your Covid shot It sounds like Laos so far has come through the pandemic better than most. Also congratulations to your Covid shot. The vaccines are what will eventually allow us to travel like we used to. But for us that won't happen this year. We are planning another trip in Sweden this summer. /Ake
Vaccines Hi Ake, thank you for the good wishes. Yes, Laos - largely of its own forging - has been fortunate. Sadly we have the new Vietnamese variant (showing features of the UK Kent and Indian variants) hovering at our door. Fingers-crossed that our restrictions prevent it coming here. Hopefully you are able to get vaccinated asap and are able to have a great trip this summer. Best wishes, A&A.
Wow.... what an adventure.... so glad things seem ok with Ali and your friend.... what an adventure you guys are having.... think I'll pass on the calf penis and the cow dung sauce doesn't seem to make it any more palatable.... sure do miss you guys.... stay healthy and safe. Ken & Diana
Dave and Roger! These two pups have the best names! :) I've thoroughly enjoyed reading your last few blogs. Laos has a special place in our hearts which made me sigh with happiness at many of the photos in this post. Hope you both continue to be safe and well x
Yeti
Andy and Ali Bell
Real World Views...
Hi Iain, thank you so much for your kind words. Actually we weren't aware that you were "exposed" to our blogs. Now you have both guiltily and inspiringly motivated me to get some fishing in before we leave. I owe you some fish, hopefully interesting (if not big) ones. Best wishes to you, and tight lines...