We have become really good friends with the group of people on our trek... Jess, Kelsey, Sandy and Dale, so they came on the cooking course with us. (At the night bazaar we all bought t-shirts to wear, so we are now named Team Ipood - see the photos) The cooking course was amazing. We learnt to cook spring rolls, pad thai, curry paste and curry, noddle soup, amongst others. Then got a recipe book to take home after, so expect some pro cooking when we get home!!

The journey to the Laos border was ok. Our driver was a nutter so we made good time, arriving to our hostel for the night at around 1am. So we got a fairly decent sleep in and a hearty breakfast of eggs and toast before our 2 day slow boat down the Mekong.

The first day day on the boat was so much fun. Team Ipood managed to shotgun the floor area at the front of the boat so got some cusions and settled down with beers, 2 bottles of vodka, cards and some spectacular scenery. The backdrop for both days was sensational. Laos, as we have discovered is such a beautiful country.

We had to stop over night in a small town called Pakbeng as the slow boats cant travel at night. It was a mad dash to find a hostel before the masses they filled up. We found a pleasant place, just up the hill, so had a late dinner and went to bed.

The second day was more chilled as we sat and soaked up the scenery, basking in the hot Laos sunshine.

We instantly fell in love with Louang Probang. It has a really nice feel and is set alongside the Mekong surrounded by thick jungle. We grabbed a cheap bed in a hostel called Spicylaos with the 4 other people we met on our trek and headed out for a taste of Laos food and beer. We had a tasty Laos stlye bbq where you cook your own food and veg at the table, some of the best food we have had yet. A few beers later we headed for the bowling alley:-) as it is the only place that is allowed to stay open after 11:30 due to the curfew, very odd - but fun!

The next day, heavy headed, we set out to explore some of the city so hired some bikes and took our own random tour around. We climbed the towns main temple - That Makmo, some 400 steps up and got some amazing views of the town and surrounding area. A double thumbs up on all accounts.

Next stop... tubing!!

Missing you all x