Sanjay's blog

 … unfortunately due to my haste to get into Tibet in my last update I rushed from Shangri -La to Chengdu without elaborating much about the towns in between. The main reason for this though was because I could not find much of interest to see or do in Daocheng, Litang or Kangding. They were just stopover towns on my journey to Chengdu. However I must emphasize that the meandering and mountainous path through these towns was more of the reason for venturing along this route. Robert Persig said something to the effect of , ‘… the destination is indefinite.

 ... Vietnam was astonishing and the ladies unforgettable. I would've liked to have stayed a week longer as planned but China, and especially the bereaucratically entangled Tibet, beckoned. Getting across the Lao Cai - Hekou border was easier than anticipated, except for the heat and my excessive perspiring and body odour. Though the latter two issues may have advanced my passage through. As expected, all my bags and parcels were opened and inspected. The only query was with regards to the packets of Imana super soya mince I was lugging around.

 Ni Hao

 .. got to the Laos border with no local currency at all. It's always wise to have just a little for contingencies. I was fortunate I didn't need any. Some of the other backpackers on the bus had a problem with the imigration authorities though. They had hoped to withdraw U.S $ at an ATM but didn't get to. As fate would have it we all had to pay the immigration authorities two dollars each to get a stamp out. Some of us considered crossing without getting a stamp out but than the immigration personel on the other side wouldn't allow you in and you may be in even bigger trouble.

 ... I crossed the Thailand and Laos border by ferry from Chang Khong to Hauy Xai late in the afternoon. I converted some forex and had a celebratory lunch at Nazim’s. Yes! There is Indian food in Laos. That did me a world of good in getting my digestive system and overall health back on track. Later, twice that afternoon I was even offered food for my Spirit. Weed, Opium and any other novelty drug to take you higher. Laos certainly was different from Thailand. Much can be said, but it is more of an experience. The video and photographs do it little justice ...

 G-day All

Hope the weather you are experiencing is better than the warmth I've got to put up with ...

 G'day All

Apologies for the delay. I've been having a good time ... since my last e-mail I've seen and experienced a lot. Please excuse me for putting these events in point form. Time and awaiting adventures hinder me from appropriately describing all that has happened ...

 G'day All!

Hope everyone is doing better than I am. It ain't easy walking the streets, spending time by the beach, meeting other backpackers, sampling new dishes and just experiencing different cultures. I do miss my desktop terribly ...