Bangkok - The End

Last day of my trip today :-( looking forward to the cold dark winter in England: but hey New York for Christmas with Cathy. Failed to get to the forensic science museum in Bangkok where they have the t - shirt exhibit of a man stabbed to death by a dildo.  Did manage to get to the fertility shrine though which took some finding.

Bangkok - reprise

Back in the Big Mango again for two days.  Flew from Ubon this morning with Air Asia.  Managed to avoid the protests and the tear gas it seems to have calmed down a bit, maybe due to the Kings birthday tomorrow. Staying in Thonburi at Focal Local,  it's a good location away from the tourist areas.  Going to find the night market again tonight and tomorrow some surprise destinations.

Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand

Back in Thailand today.  Took a three hour bus via the Chongmek border crossing to Ubon. T3 Guesthouse is superb and excellent value for money.  Pottered around and had Hot Tod (oyster omelette) for lunch.  Spent the afternoon drinking beer in the laundrette and drinking coffee with starfish.  Going to the  night market tonight if I can find it.

Pakse, Bolaven Plateau

Today I hired a car and driver and visited the Bolaven Plateau. The area is famous for its coffee and tea plantations as well as some outstanding waterfalls. I had a light lunch of papaya salad washed down with a Beer Lao. Tomorrow I'm off across the border to Thailand,  but I am going to make sure I have another of those duck noodle soups before the  bus leaves.

Don Khone and Pakse

Left Don Khone this morning at 11:00 to get the boat and bus to Pakse.  Actually felt quite sad to leave.  The pure unadulterated relaxation of the place got to me in the end.  Uneventful trip to Pakse - bus one hour late,  par for the course.  Have booked a day trip to the Bolaven Plateau tomorrow.  Staying at the Alisa in Pakse - a whole 15USD! On the rooftop terrace of the Pakse Hotel again.  This time Mai Thai in hand.

Don Khone - Day 4

Did very little today. Said goodbye to Hannah,  Lewis,  Gina and Charlotte who were on there way to the north,  it was nice meeting them. Had lunch at the open air restaurant just by the guesthouse. Read my book,  listened to some music.  Cycled to the little waterfall and now just wondering what to have for dinner - it's a hard life

Don Khone - Day 3

More cycling today.  Went back to the falls this morning with a group of people I met at the guesthouse last night. Then over the French Bridge to Don Det for a look around.  Back at guesthouse for lunch and perhaps another bike ride this afternoon.  Lazy days.