From laid-back Laos

Arrived in Vientiane this afternoon and if the rest of my stay here is like this afteroon there will be no complaints. What a lovely laid back place, friendly poeple and weather - its a balmy 30 deg this evening as I enjoy a cold beer on the outside terrace at Lao Orchid Hotel. I went for a little walk around town  this afternoon and then headed out for a meal and beer at a roadside stall - my Chicken Tomyum was delicious and actually meant for two people I think but I managed to get through most of it. The Beerlao is nice as well. Following that I headed for a foot massage - my feet are in heaven (might be the only part that ever gets there!). Dinner, beers and massage all for about £8 - think I might be doing more of the same tomorrow, and the next day...

My night in Bangkok was really good as well - hotel was excellent and I ended up eating in their restaurant as it was late and I needed food. Can't say I was dissapointed - Som tum khau khem (spicy green papaya salad with shrimp, chilly, tomato, beans, garlic and lime) followed by Gaeng phed ped yang (roast duck red curry with pineapple and tomato). The hotel room had a great view so I was up early watching all the street stall holders set up. There was time for a short walk up and down the street before my 8.30am taxi to the airport. The electrical wiring is amazing - I thought it was bad enough in parts of Europe but this really takes the cake. A health and safety person would never sleep again after seeing the way its done here. It will be nice have a few days back there so I can have a look around.

Well I'm having trouble keeping my eyes open so I better sort my photos and head for bed. Allan arrives tomorrow afternoon so it will be nice to see him and he sould know all the places to go to.
Oh, I saw the snow in Northumberland on the TV at Bangkok airport. It looked fantastic - enjoy it while/if you can.