Vang Vieng to Koh Chang and everything in between

Okay, so I have to say that when I said I was going to keep everyone updated via my blog over my travels I really had planned on it. It's just lying on the beach seemed to be slightly more enticing than frustratingly slow internet connections.

I have been writing everything down though, but since I do not plan on sharing my private diary with everyone (as exciting as it is) I'll give you the quick run down on what I've been up to.

I spent a week with Michelle in Laos, we did the tubing in Vang Vieng and lounged at various eateries that each showed different seasons of Friends, Family Guy and Simpsons. We went to Vientianne and spent the day pretending we were rich at a fancy hotel, while lying poolside and sitting in their air conditioned gym watching Todd Sweney and eating expensive cakes from their bakery that we really couldn't afford. From there we parted ways, Michelle back to the beach and me to Vietnam.



I took the 24 hour bus ride from Vientianne to Hanoi and we're not talking luxury bus here - it's more akin to foreigners go to the back - why? Your guess is as good as mine. Luckily while stuffed in the back seats with piles of luggage and rice bags, stools and a plethora of other items that I'm not entirely sure belonged on a bus, I met three British girls who I ended up traveling with through all of Vietnam and Cambodia.

We did an open bus tour that had 5 different stops through Vietnam. Halong Bay - Hue - Hoi An - Nha Thrang - Ho Chi Minh, in 2 weeks flat. It was a whirlwind of Vietnam and I fell in love with it. Especially Hoi An where any shopaholic would be in heaven. I had to stop myself from getting an entirely new wardrobe made, but am the proud owner of a lovely black satin dress and some other odds and ends - so I've decided to have a fancy dinner party so the dress can make it's debut and I can say "Oh this old thing, I got it custom made when I was in Vietnam" - yes I am going to be that girl.

Nha Thrang is a beach town and it rained for the entirety of the time we were there but was a great excuse to meander from coffee shop to coffee shop and we did manage to get to the mud bath and spa to rejuvenate after a lot of walking in the rain.

Saigon was amazing and we spent a good 4 days getting around to all the sights and to a waterpark that rivals my favourite - Ontario Place (yeah I don't know why it is either - childhood memories I think). We went to the war museum which was really interesting to see but so upsetting at the same time. The history of Vietnam seems so recent which makes the realities and effects of war seem much closer to home.

From Saigon we headed to Cambodia. Cambodia was beautiful and tragic at the same time. Like Vietnam it has a very recent history and although the people were incredibly kind I didn't feel as safe as I had throughout the rest of my trip. Phnom Penh was a wonderful city to visit and the S-21 museum and Killing Fields while hard to see, were fascinating. From there we headed to Siem Reap which is a temple hopper's dream. Angkor Thom was my favourite because it was slightly less touristy and seemed to have a bit more flavour than Angkor Wat, but you know that's my personal opinion based on no rhyme or reason other than the fact that it seemed more ruiny-ish.

From Cambodia I headed to Koh Chang to meet up with Michelle again. We had grand plans of island hopping and taking a diving course, but the lure of lazing about on the beach was just too tempting. So for 12 days I divided my time between eating, sunning and swimming. Met some more amazing people and a couple of days ago bade good-bye to the beach and headed back to Bangkok.

Tonight I fly back to Korea. Not to sound cliched (even though I totally will) but the trip has been amazing and 2 months has flown by. There have been times where I've cursed being the dirtiest person in the world (5 pairs of underwear, didn't do washing in over 2 weeks - you do the math) or when I've been cramped on a sweaty bus and just wanted a cold shower. When I've just wanted my own bed after a cockroach has woken me up in the middle of the night after violating my leg. But with that said I've learned important lessons (always put the mosquito netting down) and I like to think that I come back a little bit humbler and hopefully after a long shower, a lot cleaner.

Next stop, CANADA. Very excited to see Uncle Steve and check out Vancouver. I'll try and keep you updated on how many trees I hug, but I make no promises. Can't wait to see everyone!! xxx