I've just arrived in Laos, thank the Lord. As I've probably bored you with before China was a bit dissapointing but Laos is everything it's not. After 15 hours on a bus made for people much smaller than me I awoke to find it empty in a car park. Brief panic ensued then for some reason I was switched to another mini bus for a very dodgy, rough, cramped 4 hours. Finally I arrived at the town near the border and a couple of more buses, a bike cart and a pick-up later I arrived. I love it, it's sedate, beautiful and unspoilt. The weather is great as is the beer. Planning to go kayaking for a while tomorrow. The next three weeks should be relaxing which after Russia and China is very welcome and really what I left home for.