I sent an email to the Mixay Paradise Guesthouse in Vientiane to book a room for Christmas and they didn't reply. So I phoned them this week. I spoke to Jane, the owner, and I was spelling out my name when she interrupted: 'it's you! I recognise your voice! Room 204!' Yes I said, and can I have a car to meet me at the airport? Leaving on the 21st.