Barbara in a favourite spot, the window seat on the Mekong at Sala Phae floating hotel. 

The hotel had not worn well.  It was looking a little shabby and for sure is not a well run as it used to be.   Garbage was left lying around on the river bank, and the walkways to the bungalows and the restaurant were in disrepair.   They no longer turned on the generator to make shakes for us in the afternoon.   Other smaller cheaper bars and guesthouses would do this so we often went elsewhere.  

 I could hardly wait to meet the two adorable little cousins Niey Niey and Gie who came to our bungalow two years ago to fish in the Mekong, stark naked.

At five years of age they still have their winning smiles and impeccable manners,  They greeted us with a wei and a low bow as previously but they no longer came to fish or to bathe clad only in pearls.  

  Gie and Niey Niey