Very hot in vietnam!

After quite the mission of a bus ride, think I lost a few brain cells in that one, we arrived in Saigon, and checked in with madam cuc. Saigon itself (known more formely as ho chi minh) is a crazy place, i really am suprised more people dont die on the rooad in a day to day basis, it was a truly frightnening experience. And if the motorbikes dont get you than I can only imagine the type of damage all those thousands of wires in the street can do! I did enjoy the market though, as I always do, the crafts and accessories, I could look all day! The war remnants museum was a bit of a let down, though I entertained myself by trying to figure out the presidential lineage leading up to and after the vietnam war. The photos were also extremely impressive and I think it was probably worth my $1!

Pleased to get out of the death trap that is Saigon, our overnight train arrived, very promptly, in nha trang at 6am! We checked into our hostel-may oui, and after a little nap were awoken by KAY! So excited to see each other our day at the beach flew by, swimming and eating, and the weather was amazing, although VERY HOT! Our time in nha trang pretty much followed the same pattern. The beach itself is very pretty, although the town I think is still working on it!

Our next stop up the coast was Hue, pronounced who-ey? Hue was maybe the hottest place since australia. I had all the intention of walking round the historical citidel but when sweat is coming out of your eylids one glimse of the massive stone wall is quite enough before refreshment is required! We were sad to see kay leave but she will reenter the adventures in less than two weeks! Our second day in Hue we chartered a dragon boad to take a trip up the river, a perfect way to watch the world go by and get some sun. We stopped at a pagoda and temple, very chinese in architecture, but I was most fascinated by the floating markets and houses. The river is like its own town. The lady on our boat hopped off onto another and 5 minutes later she was back to cook us lunch!

From Hue to Hanoi is a long overnight train, leaving at 3pm, on which we slept the entire way! literally. Arriving in hanoi at about 4.30am. After another nap and breakfast it was time to explore Hanoi, which is so packed with life and character. Its not quite the death trap of saigon, but still pretty hairy when crossing the road! I could eat and shop here every day and never get bored. The french influence means the cuising has been quite delightful also and you can never get enough of people in coned hats asking if you want banana or pineapple! The fastest and most fun way to get around is by motorbike! For next to nothing you can find yourself whizzing around the streets with the wind in your face (much needed) and within moments you are at your destination! Great fun!! kind of makes me want a motorbike (just kidding mum!) If a motorbike is not for you, you can also be pedaled around on a cyclo, a little seat with a big bicycle behind where a man sweats away taking you to where you want to go! After some relaxation time (which seems like an oxymoron in such a vibrant city) we are soon off to Shanghai, in a round about way..china is not easy to get to...watch this space!