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Long time no hear! The last days in Laos were spent chillin' and biking around Don Khon and Don Det (a bigger island). The last day we also went on a boat trip on Mekong to see some dolphines, and we did, but they were a bit far away, l(ike in Cambodia-far-away, they lived exactly on the border). Then we got on our way to Bangkok, and somehow we ended up on the local bus (but of course we payed more than the locals), which was fun for the locals. They pointed, and then laughed and then we heard the word "farang" (foreigner) a lot more than once (and of course they laughed again).
In Bangkok we spent the days taking care of our souls and bodies, first we got a long needed haircut, then foot care, and then a facial, and then we spent some (but not a lot because we were on the night market) money on renewing our clothes (very necessary). So that was the end of the first chapter of our trip. It started out quite difficult, but after getting over the culture shock and start problems things has gone more smoothly. So far we've had a lot of fun, and met some great people and of course learned a lot (especially of our many mistakes).
Chapter 2, Taiwan, started a few days ago. We arrived at the airport on Friday night, where Sara was waiting on us. We went to eat some dumplings and catch up while waiting for Paula and her family, and Ingbjorg and Lone. Paula came with two cars, her sister, brother and father to pick us up. It was very nice to see them again! (it's been too long you know!). We all catched up while waiting on the last two, who never showed. After texting them we discovered that they wouldn't arrive untill the next evening (someone had forgotten about the time difference - "urutt" to quote a certain Ms Lund ). So we went back to Paula's home town where we met her mother, and had a nice and relaxing evening.
The next day was dedicated to the sea. After a delcious breakfast from Paula's mom, we went to the sea side, and then went biking (on a double bike, which wasn't too easy) along the coast, and when we got back we ate sea food. A very nice day. In the evening Paula's relatives came visit and playing some game and Kine, Paula and her dad went to pick up Ingebjorg and Lone (friends of Kine) from the airport. They actually showed up this time! And the whole airport probably heard that some north norwegians were meeting up, 'cus the noise level increased quite a bit to say the least.
Paula has made plans for our stay here, so the next day we headed up north to the town where her father was born, an old town called Juifen. A really nice town, and the small streets were crowded with people, and of course we got to buy some stuff. The day after it was raining so we had to change our plans a little, and went to the old town here in Hsinchu. Later we went to the town centre where we ater sushi (for the first time), and had a more than painfull foot massage. Some of us were almost crining. It was fun!!
Yesterday was an important traditional day for the taiwanese, when they worship their anchestors. We could join Paula and the rest of her family (family - what we norwegians call relatives) on the cemetary and watch the ceremony, and hide from the fire crackers. It was nice, but very cold! Afterwards we went to Paula's grandmother to have lunch, before going to an amusement park. On our way we stopped to pick strawberries, which were very tasty!
Kine got a little sick just after one ride in the amusement park, but the others kept going and Kine was appointed to the role of bags-carrier (which suited her well). Before heading home we went to a show, which was hilarious. We couldn't understand if it was for real or not, and the dancing.. It was dancing..
Now we're going to spend a few days in Taipei before meeting Paula and Verna in the south this weekend. See you soon!
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