Read about the Secret War and about the phenomenal number of bombs the US driopped on this country during the 9yrs, the country has only been able to detonate 0.25% of them despite trying. They are still killing on a regular basis and land cannot be farmed because of contamination. At the moment the programme is funded by the Japanese and that comes to an end next year. Their own gov cannot afford more, the US contribute a certain amount. The area we are in at the moment is still very badly affected, and although the local people try to be careful accidents happen and lives are lost or severely damaged. I had no idea of the extent this country was affected - it is the country that has most the most bombs aimed at it ever.

I forgot yesterday to mention the magnificant pionsetia trees in full bloom everywhere and they are interspersed with a beautiful yellow type daisy, so the hedgerows look stunning. The seed of the yellow one is used as a fertiliser.

This morning has been a sobering and interesting one, after the UXO Field Station where we saw many examples of the bombs dropped we went onto a silk farm where local ladies are taught a variety of skills. Very interesting but I enjoyed the Cambodian one more. This afternoon we are flying to Vientiane, the capital city for a couple of days. Hopefully as we go south the evenings and mornings will be a little warmer, as I have found them cold. After about 9am it becomes hot and the drops by 6pm. The loals are well dressed for winter and find it very cold. Fortunately, the last two nights I have had a snuggly duvet to keep me warm.

The dogs in Laos are on the whole well fed and look very healthy other than when they need a good scratch! Some people keep them as pets the way we do, but the dogs still have the freedom to roam, and surprisingly do not seem to be killed. When driving there are often cows, pigs, poultry etc wandering and drivers always seem able to stop or avoid them.

The market here is an eye opener -small birds skinned ready for the table as are rats, squirrels, frogs and anything else that breathes. Some peole have stopped me taking photos. Hopefully I will be able to find wifi and upload pics in V. We haven't stayed anywhere with internet - it always has to be a cafe and they are not too frequent, but I'm sure they soon will be.

Heard all about the wedding - no break from it here either!

Time for the airport nearly, am feeling a trifle nervous, but this one is only a short one. Take care, love to all. J x