Jeremy’s Little Corner Of The Web…

The past few days we splurged a bit in Hoi An and got clothes, shoes and bags made. It's a very surreal experience! We found one tailor on recommendations, Yaly Couture, who treated us well and made some excellent clothes!

Last night, we had one of the more surreal experiences of the trip! We were back at the store for another fitting, and were invited by the boss to come to their Christmas party! We were treated to free beer, food and even got up to sing (badly) some Christmas songs.

It was funnily enough, lots of fun! We met the cutest kid there, too:

Today, we flew into Saigon, where we'll be for the next 2 or 3 days. After that, who knows!

The last couple of days in Luang Prabang were amazing.

I loved the architecture, the temperature was just right and there was amazing food everywhere!

We ate most nights at the Hmong night market (just around the corner from where we were staying - Seng Phet Guesthouse, highly recommended), where we encountered "boring" dishes like noodles, chilli fish, pork & chicken buns and spring rolls. There were also more interesting dishes, like pig's brain, buffalo and chicken heads, which Rich was game enough to try:

For a pittance, we always managed to have a feast:

I was in heaven! Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and we had to say bye to our new-found friends (2 Aussies and a random Swede). Although we only spent 8 days together, it feels like we've known each other a lifetime! I'm going to miss you Richard, Mara and Mathias!

We flew to Hanoi yesterday. Laos is desolate in comparison to the throngs of scooters, cars and people in the streets of Hanoi.

Being able to eat Pho on the side of the street (for less than US$1) has been great, though:

I'm looking forward to exploring more of Hanoi and the rest of Vietnam over the next week!

We arrived in Luang Prabang today, and treated ourselves to some Indian food at "Nazim's" on the shores of the Mekong River:

Malai kofta, garlic naan and masala chai, oh my! Not as good as the real thing, but getting there.

Today was another lazy day in Laos. Hopped on a short bus from Vientiane to Vang Vieng, where we were greeted by views like this:

Simply divine.

We also continued our culinary tour of Laotian food (in comfort, of course):

… and also came across some more "interesting" local delicacies:

Not my thing, but funny regardless.

In a slight turn of events, we headed to Vientiane instead of Chiang Mai last night. Vientiane is quite nice! Very laid-back and enjoyable. We've met a bunch of Aussies, Brits, a Swede and a Swiss girl as well.

In the meantime, Will has gotten in touch with his alcoholism:

He's also shaved his head:

I'm loving the French influences in Laos. Chocolate croissant and a (good) coffee! Heeeaven.

Tomorrow, we're off to Vang Vien!