25 May-we leave Laos

Forgo shitty hotel breakfast and opt for exquisite Hainanese chicken rice(2 servings each)-then flight out of Vientiane to Bangkok

24 May-hangin' out in Vientiane

Take bus to see Arc de Triomphe-views of city-cut my finger when flick knife opens accidentally in pocket, profuse bleeding from finger-off to Buddha Park, a large collection of Buddhas and Hindu stuff-Hainanese chicken rice shop has closed for lunch(v disappointing), substitute with chicken noodle soup-ramble around downtown Vientiane in the pm-not much to see. Group farewell dinner-Frank & Robyn hand out prizes to all members of our party-then off to winebar-surprisingly pleasant atmosphere and wines-home about 1130.

23 May-Drive to Vientiane

Say farewell to Vang Vien and drive in uncomfortable bus to Vientiane-lunch at cafe and then city tour of assorted temples-take part in some sort of blessing ceremony from venerable monk culminating in tying of good luck cotton around wrist-great dinner but passed on the fried frog skins.

22 May-Frank and Robyn go aquatic in Vang Vien

Morning stroll to local caves-(dont worry Jenolan-no competition)-trditional Laos tuna baguette for lunch-then kayaking down the river surrounded by drunk & drugged bogans and loud disco music-very cpable on kayak and managed to stay upright all afternoon-Robyn is very impressed!

21 May

Early morning visit to Plain of Jars site 1-then long drive to Vang Vien-stunning mountain scenery and lousy lunch. Dinner at Vang Vien with Di & John

20 May

Drive to cave site of war tragedy-lunch in Phonsavan-t-in the pm to Plain of Jars sites 2 & 3-2000 years old-how did they get there? Who put them there? What were they used for? Nobody knows-dinner at Maly Hotel with group.

19 May

Long day of travelling from Luang Prabang to Phonsavan-zillions of villages with pigs,cows,chickens and water buffalo-dinner at fine Indian restaurant in Phonsavan.

18 May

Visit National Museum where old king lived before being murdered by the communists-then to waterfall and swim-stunning!Evening cooking class-sticky rice, fish in banana leaf etc etc

17 May

Walk around Luang Prabang to view lottsa Buddhist temples-lunch with our new friends John & Di-walk to top of hill for panoramic view o LP-join group for a game of boules and views over the Mekong-great dinner with John and Di.

16 May

We have booked in for a mahout course-how difficult can it be? TUK TUK to river then boat to elephant camp-clamber aboard Dumbo and stroll through the jungle hacking off leeches with a machete-down to the river to wash the elephants and ride them in the river-turns out they are slippery little suckers and Frank is dumped twice dumped into the "pristine" Mekong-no doubt contracting a wide variety of tropical diseases and parasites with long Latin names.In the evening we meet Frank the French tourguide(FTFT) plus the group of retirees and psychopaths who will be our travelling companions for the next 10 DAYS! A brief briefing then a jolly communal dinner.