Another Sunday

Just another sunday past. Borrowed my aunt's car and went to teach tuition at Clementi, kinda lazy to take the train and change bus. Haven't drove for the past 2 months, but the feeling infront of the steering wheel is still the same, just that the clutch control isn't that good. Ended the tuition session around 1300, and just nice got Fang to accompany me for lunch. Had a quick lunch before she went back to work.

Very tired today. The eyes still suffering from the long hours of wearing contact lens yesterday. Together with insufficient rest, I look rather sleepy the whole of today. Wanted to go home and rest after lunch, but bernard jio me to go and play basketball. Have not went down to play basketball for the past 1/2 yr, felt rather bad, so decided to show face and play a while. Some times, still have to spare some time to meet up and spend time with friends to maintain the friendship.

Went to East point to pick Fang up, and send her back to her hall. Guess she needs to bring back quite a lot of stuff and since I'm free, decided to give her the lift back. Plus its late too, its the little bit of help I can offer. I enjoy her company too, it just makes the distance seem shorter. My mum was telling me not to be too nice to other girls, just in case there's misunderstanding. I don't agree though. Don't see anything wrong with helping frens when in need. As long as I know what I'm doing, don't think there will be any problem.

Got back not long ago.. now I'm seriously in need to rest well before I begin training for the relay duathlon tomorrow. Legs are still aching from the past few days of training. Hopefully by tomorrow will be better.

Inspirational

Its being a really busy day yesterday till now. Just got home after braving through the downpour. Woke up from a afternoon nap, replenishing the insufficient sleep that i've accumulated for the past 3 days.

Yesterday morning started off with soccer at the CAGE, an indoor soccer playing area, where we spent 2 hrs playing there. High casualty rates, with a total of 5 injuries from a gross total of 15 players. 1 in 3 got injured.. hmm.. It was really fun to play there, but the price for the pitch isn't cheap.

Went to help Karen with her bdae preparation, cutting out some letters for decorations. Looking at the results of what we've done up for the past few hours, makes it satisfying. Stayed until 6.30pm before I rushed home to get ready for night cycling from East coast to NTU.

Helped out as a mobile marshaller for their sports camp. Kinda funny as only me and kenneth are the only 2 from NUS, the rest of them were from NTU, SMU, SP.. The orginasation of the event was a bit messy honestly, and it was delayed for 2 hrs. Oh man... Begun the ride at 2am instead of 12 midnight and ended at NTU at 5.15am. Riding at a ridiculously slow speed, sometimes too slow for comfort. 11km/h on a bicycle, its slower than my 2.4km pace.. WTH... have to accomodate to the weak cyclist, some of them its only their 3rd time cycling... O_o A danger to the traffic. really fear for them. even more so dangerous for me as i'm a mobile marshaller, cycling on the outer lane beside them...

Thereafter around 6am, left NTU and went back to east coast park around 7 am, Waiting for 8.30am for the OSIM tri. Today is the mini's sprints and kids challenge. Lend my bike to ervin for him to take part in the Sprint session. waited for him till 9.15am before he arrived. and he's event starts at 10.40am.. so its a long long wait. Hang around there watching the competition, the kids challenge, the sprints, it reminded me of why I was training prior to all these. Looking at the faces of those completing it, it reminds me of the feeling of completing the race no matter how I fare in it, the most important thing being that I finish it. Its just so inspiring to see the kids 7 yrs old challenging their first tri and here I am, 21yrs old, still yet to do something that I've being talking about for quite some time. Its time to get down to training hard and achieve what I've set myself to complete. Watched Ervin challenging the race, doing the 3 legs of the competition, coming back at quite a good timing. Adrenaline rush in my blood, keeping check of the timing that he's clocking and trying hard to notice when he'll be passing by me. In the end, he finish with a 2.5km run instead of the full course 5km run due to heavy downpour. they were forced to cut short the distance.

Rushed back from there in the heavy downpour, fresh from the inspiration race that I've just watched, I chiong back with whatever energy I've left in my shagged out body. Chiongiong down in my bike on the road with water splashing all over, heavy rain hitting hard on my face and eyes staring at me. Luckily I wore the shades, effectively blocked out all the rain drops and I could have a relatively clear vision all the way back home.

First time I wore the contacts for nearly 36 hours without resting. A bit too much for my right eye to take. By the time I took out the contacts, my right eye was red shot. A bit scary actually. next time should try not to wear it for so long. its torturing to my poor small eyes.

Still rather tired even after the 7 hrs of rest in the afternoon. and there's still tuition early in the morning tomorrow. Yawnz... perhaps its time to go back to get some rest.

Fitness dropping.. how ?!?

Just came back from running. Decided to test out the 4km run, a distance that I've not done for a really long time. This test run coming after roughly 1.5mths of no training really worries me. It is Sloooowww... Used the new training watch that my cousin gave me and managed to get a split timing. First 2km was 9min 45s , Second 2km was 10min 35s . Total : 20min 20s. Arh... How to take part in a relay duathlon like that ? die lar...

Short distance like 4km, requires a lot of speed training and I've not done so for such a long time. Coming back from a bag packing trip, just 1 week ago, without training for a month and constant feeding on local delicacies, I've given myself a little belly load to carry around. The initial part when I started to run, I don't feel at ease, unlike my usual self where I would feel carefree and light to run. I felt uneasy just now, but had to force myself to carry on. Its been a long long time since I last felt so breathless running.

Came back to the neighbourhood and did some statics. Was utterly amazed that I could still manage 10 Chin-ups. Lolz... The last chin-up I did was the day when I ord on 7th Nov. 06, when my men ask me how many I could do.( managed 17 before I ord, peak at 24 while still in training. ) Hmm... come to think of it, it has dropped to half.. Not that bad considering I can still get gold with 10.. haha..

Fitness has dipped significantly since I had not consistently train. Signed up for AHM and SCSM. it'll be a real torture if I don't train up now. Somehow I've lost motivation to run that often. Remember that someone once told me that you will enjoy doing something that you can excel in, as it gives you that extra bit of motivation when you know you are doing well in it. It will keep you training and training, knowing that you are above average and it makes you feel good. I don't have that Ohm ! with me now, just training to maintain a certain level of fitness. Guess its time for me to find a training partner to bring me back to the level I was at before.

I've so much free time now, but the weather isn't cooperating. The sky is usually gloomy these days and it just makes it so comfortable to stay at home and Zzz...

Looking at the calendar, I've only got 1 week before the sch term starts. Not the longest period of time that I would have hoped for, but at least its coming close. The only Orientation left to attend, or rather I can attend is the Science orientation week, ( SOW ). I've signed up for it 2 months ago, but apparently, it has not been registered. Hmm... wondering if I should call up to see if I'm in it, or just heck care it, not going for it at all. Not in the mood to go for any orientation camps actually. Just some time ago a friend was telling me that must go for orientation, to know more people, if not I may have to attend lectures alone or have lunch alone. Unless I'm not afraid of being alone doing those stuffs. Guess I should be able to handle it. Will wait for Desmond to be back before checking if he's going for SOW. Attending that would effectively kill 5 days of waiting time. hmm....

Slack day

Woke up late today around 10am. Started to pack my room. Bit by bit, I'm doing up a little of my room everyday. Rearranged and threw away tons of things from my study desk. Was looking through the things, found many childhood memories items, e.g. my diary ( written when I was 6. ), Stickers, phone cards, pencil case, etc. But I've decided to throw it away. Its taking up space and there's going to be an ever increasing amount of things that I've got memory with ... Time to move on..

In the afternoon, accompanied Karen to the polyclinic to get referral letter. Got there and waited for roughly 1.5h and the referral is like 2 months away. by the time, her hairline fracture should have healed by then.. So what the hell. Singapore medical system has some serious problem... my referral to the National Heart centre was 3 months after being suspected of murmur.. and this time round, 2 months after the fracture. If there was any serious injuries, I would have died waiting for susidies. It is favoured towards the rich as they can afford private and immediate treatment to the specialists. The poor just suffers.

After that, went to sakae to have a small meal. Just had the sudden cravings for sashimi. In the end, had a meal filled with salmon and maguro sashimi. Whee.. delicious..

Thereafter went to teach tuition. Got to know my korean student got 87 for his science common test, top his class. yeah... Just glad that he's doing well now..

More tidying up to do tomorrow.. Will resume cleaning and begin reading up on the notes that I've gotten from jiahui and karen... Time to study...

Finished 5th in Race 5

Finished 5th in the Race 5, Organised by NUS ODAC. A total of 25teams took part, mixture of Uni students, working adults, Poly Students, JC students. It was an exciting and memorable race for me. As it practically took me to the whole of Singapore within 45 hours. It is similar to the Amazing race, just that this don't have much budget. Clues were given at each checkpoint/elimination point and we are to figure out where it means and how to get there with the limited amount of money we were given.

( My team, Starting from left , Sheena, Yishan , Me and Hong Sheng )



The race started on Fri 6pm, at Velocity. From there, we race off to Lebrador Park, where we were suppose to find where was the " secret tunnels". then off to relfections at Bukit Chandu, and finally to West Coast park where we rested for the night. We ended the day as 6th.Tents were being pitched and that's were we rest till the next morning 7am.

Next morning, set off at 8am. Straight away, we charge down to JBP, Jurong Bird Park, where we were given insects to eat as a task. Having eaten some other type of insects, I threw the 3 insects into my mouth without second thoughts. The Initial bite was rather disgusting, but the thought that I am in a race, I can't vomit it, I swallowed every single bit of it. Rinsing my mouth with water shortly after. A few other places that we went to includes, Singapore Discovery Centre--> Ford Memorable Centre --> Junction of Sungei Gedong --> Seletar youth Flying club --> Punggol jetty --> Punggol park --> Geylang Serai --> Changi Beach . that's the place that we went to on Day 2. Practially covered half of singapore. Mostly relying on Hitch-hiking and begging of the Taxi drivers to let us board their cab for free or at a cheaper rate. e.g. $2 or $4 for a $10 or $15 ride.

Along the way, there were 2 eliminations point and by the end of the day, there were only 19 teams left. My team ended the day at 6th position, maintained the previous days position. Though the highs was 4th and lows was 11th. Nonetheless, we got lucky towards the back and successfully hitch-hike a few cars and jump back forward.

The last day was a mad rush from Changi --> Katong park --> 360 degrees Ski --> Upper boon keng --> Upper thomson road --> Velocity. We went to the wrong place initially for the 360 degress cable ski. We thought it was the Fountain of wealth instead. Luckily, we somehow managed to think of east coast's 360 degress cable ski and we went back there. Thereafter we went to Upper boon keng and did a high element challenge. Being the normal me, I went first to help ease some pressure of my team mates and give them time to mentally prepare themselves. Still ok, everyone in the team cleared it without much delay. Just that the 2 girls were a little hesistant at points of time. Soon, after visiting the Settlers at Upper thomson Road, We got the clue card and it reads " END where you begin " Whee... That's the final pit stop. and we mad rush there, chionging for cab without bargaining. lolx. Ended at 11.45am, 5th position, 20 mins behind the fourth team and 45 mins behind the first team.

Quite a good result for us I would say. With the 2 girls main contribution as helping to hitch-hike , and me and hong sheng chionging and carrying the load for them. Honestly, the 2 girls didn't contribute anything other that offering a high chance to hitch-hike, cos Singaporean drivers seem more interested to help ladies. Refusing to stop infront of me, asking " ladies, met with any problem ? need help ? " Wat the hell. I'm in the same group, standing infront of them.. Boohoo..

It made me realise that there are still nice singaporeans around who are willing to give a helping hand. The nicest guy sent us from Boonlay to Sungei Buloh area, which is totally off the way. and the best car that we took was a BMW 730 series. Whee.. Shiok. Most of the other rides were in the lorry. Somehow they are more willing to accomodate and help 4 stinky ppl . haha.. I will give this type of people that need help when I have a car too. What goes around comes back around.

A memorable and interesting day. First time taking part in such a race that takes me around everywhere in 41 hrs. Normally its only a days race, but this is different. Good experience. The prizes for the top 3 teams were good. Missed out on that by 2 position. Nvm. Got a $20 swatch voucher and the meals eaten, I've already earned back my reg fees. ( $30 ) lolx. I'll definitely be back next yr with hong sheng and we'll be eyeing for the top prize next yr. Whee.. hehe...

A busy day

Went to NUS this morning to take the QET. Was looking at the A level grades for our batch, and I’m easily among the last 20% of the cohort in VJ. Looking at the no. of people taking it, I don’t feel that bad for once. Not that that’s something to be happy about, cos my Eng is unarguably weak, as least I know I don’t stand so far behind the rest of the population.

The feeling of walking into the exam hall seems so unfamiliar. A long lost feeling which was last felt only in Nov 04, when taking the A level. A 2.5 yrs break. Though could say that there were some forms of tests here and there when I was going through the cadet course, the feeling is just different.

This is the first time I felt so unprepared for any test taken. I’ve seen the sample before. But that was 3 months ago, told myself that I’ll prepare for it, so that I can pass the QET, but that only sustain for 2 weeks. So everything was long gone in my mind. I went into the exam hall with ONLY 1 blue pen. No other stationeries or any other things. Then did I realise I didn’t even bring the NRIC to prove my ID. Went to take my wallet which was left by the side of the MPSH, and by the time I was walking back to my seat, everyone was seated. I was the only soul walking down the rows. A funny feeling, with everybody staring at me. And to think they are going to be my future faculty mates… I was inevitably looking around, hoping to see more familiar faces and hopefully some pretty faces. Sadly, I couldn’t find any… Could only console myself by saying that those who I know and prettier score B4 and better. (Crossing my fingers).

Took this test without much stress, though it’ll make a difference between taking 1 extra module or the whole of sem 1. But I know that it won’t matter to my overall grades, so didn’t really bother about it. Moreover, heard many ppl commenting that its random marking. So don’t think it really matter that much no matter how well I do in it.

Was looking at some of my friends who have gone to the orientation camps, their cheerful faces when coming to see some friends they have just recently. Normally, I would be interested to know how did their camps go and was there any interesting things that happened, and in most cases, would join their group to know more people. But no. I didn’t ask anything. Perhaps that’s because I wasn’t interested in it anymore. Was once excited to enter university with all the prospective of a more vibrant and lively lifestyle. I seem to have lost that flame. Once the dilemma regarding whether to stay in hall came about, I knew that I’m already having second thoughts. It was the beginning, and when it was confirmed that I didn’t get it, I just went with the flow, not appealing for it, choosing to lead a quiet and simple Uni life instead.

The thoughts of it seem so familiar. Just like what I’ve been doing when I was in sec 1-3. Going to school everyday, attending what is required and go home after that. Choosing to do my own things at my own time without people knowing. Some friends have recently commented this “ zhiyuan, what happened to you? Where’s that ever cheerful, happy go lucky you ? “ I could only reply them with a smile. Whatever the case is in Uni, I only have one aim, that’s to get my degree.

Went to National heart centre in the afternoon, after a 3 months wait. Only to be cleared by the cardiologist that I’ve no heart mur mur and I’m discharged with no re-appt required. Only did a ECG, which detects irregular heartbeat and tried listening to my heart for any irregularities. Didn’t ever attempt to use do a stress test or a ECHO test, for which most of my problem arises upon strenuous activities. Nevertheless, he’s still the professional, have to trust his diagnosis, but will still take note of my own condition, as no one knows better how I feel other than myself.

Went to Clementi Mac around 3.30pm, to wait for tuition that’s at 7.30pm. First time I full understand the benefits of having a laptop with WLAN services. I was playing bridge with my JC partner for 2 hrs, effectively killing the long waiting hours.

Random Thoughts

Some random thoughts that I have in my mind today....

Down with Fever since I came back, so afraid that it would be Dengue, especially so when the place that I've been to, Siem Reap, has one of the highest death rate for dengue fever. The day that I reached Siem Reap, a 9yrs old girl just passed away at the hospital, just 2 streets down from my guesthouse. Luckily, after taking 2 panadol, the severe headache and fever seems to have subsided. Hopefully, that's about all, don't want the fever to resurface. Usually takes a day or 2 to recover from fever, with sufficient rest.

Tried to rest when possible, leaving the tidying up of the room to a later time. But refusing to stay at home the whole day, I still went out in the afternoon for a few hours. Just to take a breather. Still, there were other admin stuff to do and complete, regarding NUS stuffs.

Supposed to do up the photos for the trip and do a small clip for it, but I don't have the time to do it at the moment. Or rather, not in the mood, especially when I'm feeling so uncomfortable. Still browsing through the photos, A total 2000++ photos to select from. Its a major headache itself. Will have to do a lot of filtering. Anyway, no rush.. will take my time to do it... Though as time goes by, the interest to make the clip will decrease, so its still best to do it up fast.

Just registered for the SCSM ( Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon ). As a past participant, I've got a 20% discount, but its still quite a price to pay for at $44. AHM at $20, and was looking at a " Run For Hope " ( aka, terry fox run , the old name ) $30. The registration fees for the runs just keep increasing. Its really nuts. Running is becoming more expensive. Used to have much cheaper rates at around $10 + $20, now, the reg fee for most runs start from $20 onwards. Haiz..

To think back about the trip, I didn't miss home that much, perhaps I'm used to living away from home while in army, usually staying in, (up to 1.5 mths at one time. ) but looking at Jie yu calling his gf, make me think back about the times that I had when I had a gf. Honestly, cannot say that I've forgotten about it, cos its not easy, but looking at the things that he's doing now, makes me reflect back on the things that I've done before for my ex. Some things just seems so silly. Though I still can't understand what have I done to deserve this type of outcome. More or less, I've overcome the loneliness feeling, by filling my time with running, cycling, gaming, etc. Still, would be better if there's someone that can calm and control my heart. Till its found, I shall carry on doing the things that I like, and live life to the fullest.

Back in Sin

After 17 days of travelling... I'm finally back home. Couldn't get assess to internet have way thru the trip, thus could only update now. 12 days in Laos, 5 days is Cambodia. The experience has been absolutely fantastic.


The trip was filled with several overland transport, a total of 9 bus trips, averaging 5-6 hrs per trip, shortest being 3hrs, and longest being a night ride 10 hrs. Long hours of travelling is really draining. Often leaving us tired upon reaching the destination. There's still 2 Days of boat ride, practically sitting on the boat, trying hard to appreciate the ' Charming ride ' that the Foot print described. 2 days of having the similar scenary, ( like the lost world , all trees around ) ,makes it hard not to say its ENOUGH.


Mainly staying in budget guesthouses, ranging from USD$1.50 - USD$6 a night. we experienced a major difference in the standard. The best being the USD$5 at Dong Khong Island, Big, Spacious, Airconditioned and quiet. The worst being the USD$1.5 at Dong Dat Island, dirty bed sheet, cramped, no light after 10pm, and accompanied by Chickens, Cows, Rubbish, just outside of our window.


The living standards of Laos was much better than I had expected, less the 4000 islands, the rest were reasonable. Daily expenses would be around USD$25-30 for a OK type of lifestlye there, including accomodations.


There are 2 places that I enjoyed in Laos, they are Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng.

Luang Prabang, a nice small city, with nice infrastructures. The city is under the UNWHCO, self explaining its unique and worth to protect as a World heritage conservation site.


Vang Vieng, A small town, ( Approx 1/3 size of Luang Prabang ) is well known for its Eco tourism. Its where i did a 1 day of kayaking down the Nan Kong river and a 1 hr of trekking into one of the Caves. a Unique experience to explore the caves that's usually flooded when there's high rain fall.








Overall the trip to Laos has brought me to learn and understand more about the way laotians live and the living standards that they are facing. Lucky that I chose to visit this country while I'm still young, cos the travelling is really a killer. Don't think any oldies would want to go through such conditions.


Stay in Cambodia was a short stink of 5 days, spending 2 days in Phnom Penh and 3 days in Siem Reap. Both was interesting in its own aspect.


Phnom Penh, being its capital, is rather developed compared to the rest. However, walking down the streets and alleys, you gets stares from people sitting and standing around. Not a good feeling. And Tuk-Tuk Touting is a serious problem. Sometimes following for 5 mins, refusing to go away, trying to make us board their Tuk Tuks. Living in its hottest stretch of land, its " clarke quay " alike. it was quite a good deal for USD$6 a night. but definitely, good location always come with good prices for everything.


The most memorable part of Phnom Penh is the Genocide Museum and the Genocide mass graves. Its a dark history of the Khmer people, where they lived in fear for a total of 6 yrs, and the Genocide that took place, that wiped out 2 millions Cambodians out of a population of 7 millions,within a matter of 2 yrs, from 1975-1976. Visited the Solemn Mass grave and paid respects to those that died innocently under the inhuman rulers.








Next, Siem Reap was supposed to be the highlight for the trip, because that's where Ang Kor Wat is . One of the Must see listed in the world, for its fantastic architecture and civilizations. It was nice and really amazing how the Wat ( temple ) was built. Ang Kor Wat was the Greatest Wat that the AngKor empire has built over a span of 500 + yrs, from AD. 790 - 1327. The whole Ang Kor covers a huge area, with each ruler building their own Wat at different locations. However, most of the Wats, look a bit similar to each other to a certain extent. It gets kinda bored towards the back. Honestly, a bit disappointing. Was expecting a much grander civilizations, ( as the pictures has always projected it to be ).

All in all, both countries have their own unique sets of cultures, but one common thing is that both countries has a exceptional high concentration of Wat, monuments and statues. Overloading us with it made it a bit boring towards the back.

Just a short overview regarding the trip. Kinda tired now... Will update more details again....

Day 05...

Day 05, explored Kwan Si fall and Pak Ou Cave.. Will be heading to Vieng Vang Tomorrow night 7pm , reach teh city around 2am. Some Ulu place. Hopefully can find accomodation in teh middle of the night. will nto have any internet connection, etc. Can only update when i reach Vientiane in a few days time..

Till then.. some photos for the day..

The street vegetarian dinner at USD$0.50. The cheapest meal so far. haha.. And it tastes nice...
Yum yum

The Speed limit in Laos City. Very Chill and relaxing speed. Nobody bothers wearing helmet. Cos its just so laid back and slow pace. kids as old as 10 yrs is seeing riding the motorcycle with pillon.. Upz arh..

At one of the local village. ( Hamong village ) . kids selling things to make a living. Quite pityful.

After the swimming session in the "swimming area", sight seeing, and some fun. At the entrance to Kwan Si Waterfall.

Kwan Si Waterfall. Quite a good view. ( nicer pics to be shown next time. )

The lower part of the water fall.

My Fav tiger. Held captive in the cage. Its out of nowhere actually. along the way up to see the waterfall .

Nice hanging flowers. ( I like flowers.. haha.. )

Hunger forces us to eat the morning glory. At the Foot of Kwan Si Fall. Its quite nice. but need to trek up about 10 mins in. And additional 10 mins up the hill to reach a higher part of the fall. Photos with Jieyu, upload next time.

On the Tuk Tuk. 4 of us paid for the whole Tuk Tuk for the whole day. The driver is a local University Grad actually. No job opportunity.

the Tuk Tuk that they have. There's 2 types. the Car one, that can sit up to 6-8. or the motorcycle one, 2 pax. This one apparently, they've squeezed in 9 ppl. Locals though.

E.g of their menu. their England Is powderful Wor ... ( this is a better one le.. there are much more powderful one... )

Some of the local Wine that they have. With cobra, Scorpion, Centipede, etc. Tried the cobra one.. A little funny. Just a small sip. haha..

Some of the inscription on the wall. Don't know what it means actually. Some parts of the cave is pitch dark till we couldn't see anything , need to use the torch to be able to move around and see.

Pak Ou Cave from far. Only accessible by boat. Its actually like a storeroom place for all the Buddha statues.

On the way to Pak Ou Cave, the hill in the background. 10am

Exploring Luang Prabang on bike

Day 4 at Luang Prabang.

Looks like normal water? NO... its the Special Local Liquor. Lao Lao. its 50% alcohol content.. super strong. haha.. don't even need to be near the glass, can smell the liquor le. couldn't finish the drink without burning the throat.

Out USD $19 meal.. the most we've spent.. About S$7.50 each. but its really nice.. with all the bbq food, Seafood, beef, pork, vegetables, etc.. feel that its really worth the money. A really good meal after eating budget meals for the past 3 days.

On top of Mt. Phou Si. i'm above the sky.

At the "watermelon " wat site.. haha...

At Wat Chieng thong. One of the Attraction for the town.

Just outside the Royal Palace museum...

The market bike that we got as our transport for the whole day.. We refuse to take the USD $5 bike, cos they want our passport as deposit, or USD $60. so we decided to get the USD $1 market bike. haha.. travelled around the whole of luang prabang on the 2 wheels. interesting way to explore the city.

Having breakfast today at one of the roadside stall. everywhere also selling noodle soup, at approx, S$1 per bowl.

The crepes that we had... delicious.. yum yum..

At Luang Prabang

Just some random uploading of the photos taken. No time to key in more details..
Meanwhile enjoy the few simple shots...


E.g. of our guest house. not bad... at USD$4 per night.

On the boat... All the different bag packers. 70% arebag packers.. with a few locals.

Nice scenary of Mekong river. Taken when onboard the boat

more

Second day on the boat

On the Slow Boat.. Its just super long hours.. we played cards and mahjong, speaking to different nationalities bag packers.

Boarding the 'Slow boat ' On it for 6 hrs on day 2 from huai sai to Pak beng , and 9 hrs on day 3, that's today, to reach Luang Prabang from Pak Beng

The huge stack of notes that we changed using USD 400. the denominations that they have are 10,000kip. and 1USD= 9670 kip. . So we theoritically have 400 pieces of 10,000 in the picture.

At Laos, Huai Xai, the land opp. is Thailand, ( Chiang Khong )

After 3+2hrs of bus travelling to reach teh Thailand & Laos border, reached there at 5.45pm. border crossing closes at 6pm. just in time, if not we'll be left stranded there.

Day 01 , 010707 .
Arriving at Chiang Mai bus ternminal ( Arcade )