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So i am now in Bangkok but i have a lot to catch up on so i will dive straight into it.
Halong Bay was the next place i went to. The train was not my favourite so by the time i got to Halong Bay i was wrecked. However, that afternoon we had a boat ride out into the awesomely beautiful islands of Halong. Here we went into a cave which had been spoilt by the authorities making it to tourist friendly. It was beautiful but could have been better. We then had food back on the boat, and as i remember the seafood lovers (namely Matt, Mark, Seb and Hanif) were very happy with the food before heading to a floating house to hire kayaks to go round some of the islands. If you have seen the Top Gear Vietnam Special i am talking about the area at the end when they make boats. The kayaking was so much fun, even though it took me and Danceski a while to get used to it because we had never done it before. We then slowly headed back to land before setting off for dinner in the night. Dinner was interesting because Matt and Seb decided to have sea mantis and i have never seen one of these things before, let alone witness someone eating one.
Onto Hanoi. We arrived in the afternoon and had some lunch. This was one of the biggest moments of my life so far. We went out for an Indian curry and after watching our Indian tour leader, Hanif, eat the curry with his hands, Matt decided to do the same shortly followed by me. This is no joke, it was one of the best dining experiences of my life. Eating curry with your hands is so good that once your try it you will nevergo back, it will always be with you. I have had a similar experience with chopsticks, which to eat rice and noodles with is amazing. Anyway, after that little tangent there, the group split up. Myself, Matt, Mark and Kerstin headed to the temple of litereature and Seb, Eloise and Danceski headed off somewhere else, not sure where. Anyway we went, it was ok, it rained and we headed back to the hotel. Dinner followed as usual before going to the water puppet show. This show surprised me, i thought it could have been the most boring thing i have ever seen but, maybe because i had had a couple of beers, i found it quite funny at times, even though i couldnt understand a word being said.
That night we met up with Vicky and Sophie, who left the tour earlier, and after a couple of beers on the street headed to a couple of bars. Soon we were all dancing and having a great time before eventually having to leave because the place was closing before going to the Irish Bar. At the Irish Bar i just spoke to the Irish guy who run the place while the others sat in the corner. It was a good night capped off by one person, no names mentioned, throwing their guts up hahaha.
Next day everyone got up early to see the sights but i decided to have a lie in and spent most of the day in the hotel. The main thing everyone wanted to see anyway was the mausoleum which i didnt want to go to so i wasnt too bothered. Anyway after dinner that night we headed back to the hotel to play some cards as this was the 4 Australians last night. We met 2 girls from the tour a day behind as well. Anyway, after saying our godbyes it was off to bed for me.
AND THEN THERE WERE FOUR!
So it is now down to the Welsh, Norwegian, Russian and Indian heading off to Laos. This was a very long day of travel, which i tried to sleep through but was very difficult on the windy roads. It was a good view in the mountains but i felt a bit sick from the roads. Anyway that night we got to Lak Xao, which is a little border town in Laos. Not much to do here, just walked around the local market which was selling everything from pork to rats and bugs. Then went for food, played pool, watched a film and went to bed. Vientiane was next, the capital of Laos. Here we went to the Buddha Park, which was a little outside town. This is one of my favourite places I have ever been to. All the atatues were amazing and the one monument you can climb around was awesome. I will post the pictures and videos as these will be the best ways to describe this place. That night again just had dinner, then me and Matt went back to town for a beer and some live music.
Ahhh Vang Vieng. This place, wow. I loooove this town. Can't wait to go back. Perfect lifestyle for me. So relaxed in the day, unless you go tubing, and so crazy in the night. The 1st day we got there we bumped into Thomas and Johanna who came for beers then dinner with us. Then we all went out, Hanif included, for buckets at Sakura, followed by Q Bar, followed by me and Hanif making over to the last bar and getting in at about 4, well Hanif left just before me. Messy times. Next day went tubing but got a little screwed over being dropped off at the wrong place but as many people were hungover we just went down the river. The swings were fun but i will be returning to go to the river again.
To Luang Probang, where the 1st night was quiet, we just walked round the night market before heading home, leaving Danceski behind with Vicky and Sophie who he met again. The second day was cool though. The famous five were back together for one last day. We went to the waterfalls which were so stunning. After walking to the top and back down again, which was very steep and not easy, we went into the two swimming areas, jumping in from the sides, the tree and the rope swing. Sooo much fun i cant tell you. We then climbed to the temple overlooking the town befre going out for dinner with the group a day behind us. The street food here was amazing. Then to an internet cafe before the market and finally Utopia Bar. Then home again, back through the fair we went through earlier.
The next 2 days we didnt do much, just travelled along the Mekong, stopping at Pakbeng in Laos, followed by Chiang Kong in Thailand the next day. Two lazy days, some really good views but not much to do. Chiang Kong wasnt too bad because they had a food festival on with some bands and stuff which was ok.
Chiang Mai the next afternoon to have a quick look around before getting on the night train to Bangkok. The train was quite funny because we had a party in the restaurant cart with some French families. So we arrive in Bangkok on Christmas Eve, had our last lunch with Hanif before heading to Khao San Road. Here we had a look around before i went to get my back waxed. That hurts. I take my hat off to all women who do it regularly, you lot are all crazy to go through that stuff regularly to feel like youre looking good. We then settles at a bar to wait for Danceski, had a chat with Shane the Irish guy, before going to Hippie de Bar for food, followed by the Roof where we met the Swedish guys from the waxing followed by going to The Club. That Chang messes you up, we ended up going back to the hotel and throwing cookies around lol.
So Christmas Day. Moved into Khao San Road. Had a chill out, spoilt myself with subway and pizza before again heading to the Roof. Met some people, again went to The Club, before heading home. Boxing Day we had another chill out, bought a guitar, before meeting a guy called Jeremy, had food where a guy did some close up illusions for us, before going to a bar to watch football. Then other crazy stuff before heading back. Actually did some sight seeing the next day, going to the Giant Buddha Statue and the Grand Palace, which was cool, before going for food at the same place again. Here we met a guy called Corey from Canada who works in S. Korea atm. Afterwards we went to the Roof again but this time came back early.
So here i am now, still in Bangkok waiting for my bus to take me to Koh Phangan tonight. Ive only left the hostel to get food today but im sure we will go for another look around later. Well thats it for now, i will be writing again when i feel the time is right. I hope everyone had a good Christmas and i wish you all a very Happy New Year.
See you all soon
xxx
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