Vietnam

DMZ

Yesterday I went on the bus to the DMZ and saw the former demarcartion line and some US firebases. We went to the Vinh moc tunnels. I was surprised at how big they were - you could almost stand in them and they housed 400 folks in them. There was a maternity/meeting room/storage rooms and kitchens...amazing place. Back on bus for another long drive to place 20ks from Lao border where we saw another firebase and the beginnings of the Ho Chi Minh trail thru Laos. Back here for about 5ish and we were knackered. Grabbed some dinner then watched the news for a while. Decided to shoot some pool until 11ish. I am staying with a Irish guy I met on bus...he is also leaving in the morning.

Today we did the Meals on wheels motorbike tour of the tombs in Hue. The dynasty built loads here in the mid 1800's...so we drove around them. There was 8 of us in convey and we went to some places that cars cannot go and drove thru pine forests...surprisingly, it was quite a buzz! We also saw a old french bunker system and monastry with some serious looking monks. Walked round one temple complex which was really grand. Back here to escape the harsh sun, about 37c bus not that humid! Seems to be loads of folks on the bus in the morning, which is always good. I will just sleep/shower and relax for the rest of today.

Its funny here as the locals were bandanas covering their faces and shoulder length (1920's style) gloves, so that they avoid the sun. Its desirable to look pale and some folks even bleach their skin to look more like us...its strange as we are all the reverse!

In Hoi An at the min, and its proving to be a fun, nice place. Arrived yesterday afternoon after taking the 5hr bus down the coast. We went over the highest pass in Vietnam (where there were some old French bunkers) and then passed thru Danang. Hoi An is a European looking town with a nice old town, nice restaurants, relaxed feel and famous for its tailor made clothes.

Yesterday afternoon after Andrew and I sought out a nice place to stay (balcony, bath and TV) for $3 each, we went for lunch to avoid the afternoon rain! It came down and we watched the kids swim in the gutters and the hawkers try to sell us brollys and sunglasses! Headed to the tailor that I had been recommended for a quick scout around. Ended up getting 2 smart shirts (double cuffs, purple and blue checks) and one casual shirt made. Also got a pair of grey smartish trousars - they throw in a navy blue tie for me as well. Guess how much???

$30!!   Pretty cheap! Just checked out and they look good, although I have had a little altering needed. I will send them home, airmail with camera films and receipts on Friday. But first, I will decide wheather to buy a pair of smart black shoes for $25... TO post home costs about $16!

Last nite went out with some folks I met on the bus here and some others I met in Halong Bay - turned out to be around 8 of us...nice!

Today after a good lie in, we went to the beach. I dipped in the sea, which was v hot and salty but so nice, as I have missed it for a while! Lay on the beach and tanned for about 40 mins, then the rain came down. It poured, like never b4...the heaviest I have seen in ages. It rained for 2hrs then it calmed down slightly, so we all decided to head home on our bikes. AS soon as we started, the heavens opened and I got drenched!    Back to rm for nice hot shower and Vietnamese Tea! Collected my clothes now, then we are meeting the others in 35mins for some dinner and drinkies (back on the wagon!).

I think the next few days will be spent chilling here and trying to go to the beach, although I think we go nip across to use our mates pool 2morrow. May leave here on Sunday for Nha Trang, but the beaches here are superb...undeveloped and crystal clear water!

Arrived in Nha Trang after a hellish 12 hr bus ride where no one could sleep as the bus went on the bumpiest of roads and the seats were tres uncomfortable! So after arrivin, Andrew and I slpet for 5 hrs! Then headed to the beach (which was a long walk from hotel) for a swim! Lovely! Met the others later for drinks as it was Yvonne's bday (the Irish girl I met in halong Bay). Also met the US and English couple there...so we sat and drank and chatted till folks started to leave at 1ish. Andrew, Yvonne and I stayed till 2.30ish and were rather chikered at this stage. Headed home for 3ish.

In the morning (well it was 12pm when we awoke!) we decided to check out of hotel as it was so far away, sowe moved nearer the main beach and sailing club. Sat on beach and chilled for a while! met the others ltr for drinks (all soft!) and dinner!

Yesterday, the 12th, we went on Mama Hahn's boat trip - the real Mama Hahn is still in prison for drugs, so these tours are cheap copies!   Anyway we sailed to various islands where we swam and snorkled in the crystal clear waters. All the while the host was making us drink beers. After a great lunch, a home made band came on and played some music and some folks got up and danced...rather funny, too many beers for them! Then they had a floating bar - picce of PVC in the water with rubber rings around it and the guy making people drink red wine...very funny!   Went to see an aquariam in the shape of a boat but made out of rock...very weird and hopefully my pics come out well! The English couple and Yvonne all went on the boat trip as Andrew left for Dalat in the morning. Seeing him in Saigon in a few days.

Today, I am resting on the beach/internet then meeting Hels/Adam (English folks) for lunch. Our bus is at 8pm - I head to Saigon but they are stopping off at another beach half way. I think Yvonne has just emailed me that she has reserved a room for me in Saigon...she is off back to Dublin on Friday! Should be meeting these guys back in Saigon or Phen Penh.

Nha Trang is a fairly nice place - a bit too commercial with too many hotels and Vietnamese on holiday, but that is alright...last beach till Thailand! But I have met some nice folks down the coast, which has made it rather fun and interesting!

Into Saigon in the morning for a few days b4 I head across the border to Cambodia. Should be there for about 7-8 days (not much there!) then I will head into Laos. It might not be poss, which means I will have to go thru Thailand to Vientiene or skip it...see when I am there!
But still looking at an early Oct Departure...