Laos

Out of the Asian countries we've travelled in so far it was apparent that this was the poorest. Being one of the 20 poorest countries in the World Laos has had a lot of aid poured into it and even though you notice water pumps in some villages, most locals still have to walk to their nearest river or mountain stream to wash and use fiewood to cook their food. Despite the countries condition, Laos has been a pleasure to visit. If you want a place to kick back with a beer over looking the river and rugged green moutainsides then Nong Khiaw is the place for you. Walk through the village to be greeted by children running out onto the streets waving and shouting "sabaidee" (hello)! Enjoy watching the local men fish at dusk and relax in the hammock on your riverside hammock as you let time go by.

The tasty delights of Luang Prabang were much enjoyed by us as we sampled doughnuts, pot stickers and banana leaf wrapped eggplant. At 5.30am every morning hundreds of monks from surrounding monestries gather silently in town for the daily almsgiving where locals offer food to make merrit and show humbleness. We watched this tradition one morning, a spectacle in such a small town. This UNESCO World Heritage town is a good place to watch sunset from over the Mekong river and to marvel at the French era architecture, adding a touch of glamour.

Donning a large rubber tube we were set for our days tubing in Vang Vieng down the Nam Song river. After 4hours of playing volleyball with people from about 5 different nations and making the most of the cheap Lao beer at the riverside bars we drifted off down stream back to town, a good way to spend an afternoon.

You have to remember that this country along with its people are very relaxed, everything is done accourding to Lao time, so when your bus is due to leave and it is then that the driver decides to check the oil and change the battery you just have to sit back and smile. There's no urgency here.

Before we came to Laos we didn't know what to expect, but this lovely landlocked country has surprised us in every aspect, a country not to be overlooked!