This section from Yang Reh to Krong No is the twentieth instalment of my bicycle ride from Yunnan to Cambodia – if all goes according to plan. Titled “Slap the Belgian!”, it is simultaneously published on Crazyguyonabike.com, where you’ll find a map with the itinerary and many other bicycle diaries by me and others. I hope you’ll enjoy.

 When we wake up there’s a knock on our door. Whether we speak English. Our brains are still snoozing so we have to ponder that question for a while. We realise it must be those other foreigners that are staying at the hotel. I’m excited at the prospect of meeting some other travellers. When we open the door, our poor brains have a little more to ponder.

In front of me is a man with skin burned to a crisp, a hat made of his own hair and all kinds of jewellery scattered over his beard and colourful clothes. Another no less colourful figure appears behind him. They’re Katya and Mirek and they’re on bikes on their way to Dalat. Hooray.

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