This week I returned to the office after an intriguing, exotic, relaxing and eventful six weeks in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Taking a long break from work and the looming Northern winter was simply delightful. Laos was definitely the favourite, the people are similar to the Thais but being a landlocked country the complete absence of sun and sea package tourists means Laos remains a sleepy backwater of Asian tourism. It also retains the air of adventure for those who spent more than the standard one week crossing to Vietnam. A river trip along the Mekong or standing alone in the enigmatic plains of jars are a few of the fine experiences Laos has to offer the more adventurous traveler. For anyone with a interest in world politics it’s also a fascinating and often depressing insight into the complex, destructive and often simply perverse power games of the cold war era.

The Angkor temples of Cambodia brought us back down to earth with a bump. Sunset at Ankor Wat was not quite the experience most people were expecting, at times it seemed you could see more people than the actual temple! But as there are many more temples in the huge complex you could always escape the crowds but never it seemed the postcard selling kids. Given the gruesome recent history of the country you have to admire the resilience of the population to rebuild a country shattered by years of war and still haunted by landmines.

Returning for a meeting by the Dutch seaside in November was a bit of a shock after five days by the sea in Thailand but luckily I don't really have to adapt because I'm heading east again but this time for work. So look out for some anecdotes of working in the field rather than the cosy office with maybe a little local flavour thrown in.