Just got into Vang Vieng this afternoon after spending yesterday in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. Walked to the internet cafe in an absolute downpour! Such a reprieve from the hot, sticky weather we've had. Unfortunately, before reaching Vientiane, I had one last agonizing 6 hour train journey, followed by an 8 hour bus journey the next day. SO MUCH travelling in two days but the views were pretty incredible. (just to catch you up, pics 1 & 2 are of Halong Bay in Vietnam). It was a relief to finally arrive in Vientiane. Not much to it, but managed to see the main sights. Went to Xieng Khuan via jumbo (the tuk-tuks of Laos, pic. 4), a buddha park outside Vientiane. The Buddha Park, built in the 1950's is filled with yes, buddhas, but is based on one man's interpretation of buddhism and hinduism as a combined religion. Pic. 3 is apparently a representation of heaven and hell. Quite interesting. In this sculpture, you can walk completely around the inside and climb to the top as well as down into the middle of the sculpture where there are all sorts of creepy figures and skulls. After the Buddha Park, we took our 50min journey back to the city to see Pha That Luang (pic. 5), the most important monument in Laos, symbolizing buddhist religion and Laos sovereignty. I have read that the spire is meant to appear as an elongated lotus bud, a depiction of a lotus from seed to bloom - a metaphor of man's growth from ignorance to enlightenment. It's so interesting to read about all the history behind the monuments and sculptures that you see on a day to day basis. Hope you're not bored.

Again, have not been feeling well and the hotel breakfasts have been less than appealing. Deep fried eggs, yolks so hard they feel and taste like rubber, three pieces of white bread (oh, the nutrients) and some random meat sausage. I've had a nagging hunger for the last two days. Trying to sustain myself somewhat with cashews, ritz crackers and laughing cow cheese. Yum. As I said, we have now arrived in Vang Vieng, a small town of 25,000. Tomorrow, we tube down the river, swing from vines and check out caves. Looking forward to it. Have also spotted some restaurants with muesli, yogurt and fruit shakes. You have now idea how happy this makes me at this very moment!

That's all for now. Think I'm almost down to two weeks left of vacation. Back to life, back to reality.