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Hi guys - lack of updates: have been travelling through rural southern villages where electricity, water and telephones are a luxury, let alone internet. For now, feast on this:

"Sawadee". "Sawadee". We responded to the huge friendly smile characteristic of this region. It turns out that he is Laotian, and an epitomy of everything that is rumoured about Laotian people. Warm, friendly, highly-loveable and so laid back he'd almost fall over. Traversing and experiencing such beautiful people, one is a far cry from the familiarity of fear and unrest of the West, that it is difficult to believe the world is in certain parts, in turmoil. Ironically, the Democratic Republic of Laos is considered to be one of those countries. And for sure, it has its share of political instability, under-development and economic struggles, but, a certain flame of happiness dances in the eyes of the locals with whom I have interacted - a flame whose light is often missed in the West.

In Laos. In Love.

Asha Patel
2006-08-23 10:48:48

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and refuel. Checked into a decent hostel, and in low season, there wasn't a tourist in sight. With no internet or telephone, we resolved to food. What else?! Sat by the riverside, watching the sun set, children splashing, fishermen working...

...Awoke at 6am. Since my ankle injury in March I hadn't been running. I thirsted to do so. A nice air-conditioned gym would've been nice but I guess the humidity of dry season and a dirt road. At 7am, the sun hadn't yet shone in full ardour but the humidity was no more conducive to running than a reduced oxygen room. It was nonetheless a beautiful sunrise over the Mekhong as I ran along the riverfront as locals looked on inquisitively as I puffed and panted in the heat. Having ran what I imagined to be a reasonable time, I looked ashamedly at my watch showing the entire ten minutes of my efforts. Well, at least I tried. Went back to the room, where Umisha lay undisturbed in her sleep. Lucky thing. I lay down myself and managed to doze before realising we had to collect Rach and Eve from the river. A banana shake and a plateful of belly bloating fruit had us sit by the Mekhong until our friends arrived. On an island this sedate, the task was not a difficult one. The first sign of life had to've been them! Took a walk, watching children play, locals snooze, chickens, cats and dogs run around. This place is unbelieveably chilled. Whilst there may have been escpae from noise, the heat was unrelenting. It didn't help that I spent the night writhing like a fish in my mosquito net...

...We attempted another short stroll in the morning (didn't make it for the 4am morning market), every single bodily movement paramount to an over-exertion. As opposed to another lazy day we decided renting motorbikes was the way to go. the woman didn't appear too confident to lend us her newest bikes as she worriedly urged us to coinsider taking bicycles instead. Nope. Motors it ...