Udomxai

Finally making it to Undomxai. Mike checked us into a Chinese hotel very close to the bus station. I proceeded to drain all the water from myself and my bag. We decide what was called for was an early dinner and a good night sleep. The following day was going to consist of about 12 hours travel on a bus, over the boader.
We found ourselves a substaintial meal of Laos specialties, then headed back to the hotel. On our return we were invited to sit at a table with Chinese Nationals, to join them in devouring some dumplings. Full to the hilt i didn't think I was going to be able to partake in such a kind gesture. No is never an answer and I was filled to the brim with delicious dumplings. They proceded to talk to me, through Mike, and were amazed that I was going to travel through China, not being able to speak the language. I assured them that my trusty Two-way Mandarin book would see me through and not to fear. Honestly, I was wondering the same thing myself! Eventually I extracted myself from the table and offers of potent rice wine and went and tried to have a shower. When I went to turn on the water there was nothing! I felt really bad. Like I had been dragged through a hedge backwards and all I wanted was a hot shower and bed. I saw the light on of a room, that shared our shower, and went to ask them what the deal was and was there a trick to turn the water on? This is where I met Ed. A Canadian guy who was, lucky for him, travelling in the same direction. When we discovered that there was actually no water and a shower may be as ellusive as hens teeth, we started to talk about the day ahead of us. I informed Ed that I had at my disposal a Fluent speaking Westerner and I was going to use him as best I could. I also had another travel companion for the trip over the boarder. United we shall go. The more the merrier, so to speak.