Introducing my Laos travelling buddy

I met many nice fellow travellers along my journey and one of them is Xiaodong, from Beijing -whom i had met on a bus in Vietnam. We decided to travel together in Laos.

Not only did we share many long, interesting conversations (ok debates) about politics, philosophy, "the meaning of life" and such, he is also extremely useful to have around - he can hoist heavy backpacks onto the roof of minivans, take GPS readings, is an experienced kayaker (and therefore did more than his share of the paddling in Vang Vieng), and also fixed my bike when the bike chain came loose on our cycling trip in Si phan don. He got his hands all dirty and greasy and didn't complain one bit. Bless! :-)