hi everyone

CARN THE SAINTS!!!!!!!!!

Well I have managed to get started, photos and all, though the layout is not quite right - too much space between paragraphs. Ellen has already signed on (and created her own blog!!). Once I have everyone's e-mail addresses I can set things up so that only approved e-mail addresses can contribute - so forward your addresses to me.

I thought I'd put some more photos up - these two show Mum and Liv experiencing 5-star culture shock on our 13 hour overnight trip on the Reunification Express between Hanoi and Hue.

Welcome to the Wodonga, Benalla and Ivanhoe Thomas Families to our very own blogspot

Hi there, I'm learning as I go and expecting some serious help from the more computer savvy members of our family- that means all those 16 years and under!

I thought a blog could be a good way to stay in touch, to share photos and news in a a fun way.

So I'll start by uploading some photos from Vietnam and Cambodia. Mum, Liv and I had a great time and real adventure and I think managed, in our short 21 days to get a really good sense of life and culture in Vietnam and to understand the real poverty of the Cambodian people. While the Vietnamese people are poor there is real energy and confidence in Vietnam as well of course as plenty of food and access to education.

Did you know that Vietnam has an adult literacy rate of around 85%.

Liv and I also learnt a lot about the 'American War' - nothing like beating the US to build national pride and confidence.

The Cu Chi tunnels outside of Saigon where amazing, the Viet Cong managed to tunnel up into an American compound while the soldiers slept! This area was relentlessly bombed by the US and according to the history of the world a told by every traveller's best friend Lonely Planet, Cu Chi was declared a 'free srtike zone' by the US enabling the Air Force to drop unused bombs and Napalm on the area before returning to their bases.

A gruesome but fascinating history.

Of course an absolute highlight was our 24 hour cruise through Halong Bay, the beauty of this bay is almost indescribable, it felt prehistoric in one sense, - to wake up amidst thousands of Limestone Peaks with a mist/pollution hanging in the air was incredible. Carmel McCormack described it like being on the set of Monkey (which may make sense to Matt and Andrew).

Anway check out the photos!