Hanoi Photos

HCMCity

Had a great day in HCM City. Stayed at The Rex and it was quite stately. Actually had bed turned down with chocolates. How quaint! The bed was still like a rock I might add but the floor space was larger. Think that is the only difference between 3 star and 5 star. Anyway it was really nice to be pampered before we came home.

Allan booked the hotel car (black mercedes) to go the airport as we heard it was such an ordeal - unluckily for us smooth sailing and the anticipated 2 hr trip was only 35 minutes (you would just know it).

The Cu Chi Tunnels were excellent and the highlight of HCM City for us. Really one city is much the same as another at the end of the day.

Managed to get all out stuff through customs with no problems and have arrived home fit and well and rested.

The girls were really good and have respected our home. That is code which means no visible signs of abuse while we were away and the place was clean and presentable. Always good to come home too.

As I said could have done with a few more days I think - but oh well pretty good for the time we had.

Checked through photos and deleted the really ugly ones of Allan (mine were perfect), and will put some up. Couldn't do it in Vietnamese while we were away as we did not take the crash course on the plane to be bi-lingual.

We had a great time - you should all go ----

Love Sue & Allan

Ho Chi Min City

Arrived here yesterday. We immediately liked it - very hectic with lots of traffic jams, cars and motorbikes everywhere. The place is buzzing with activity.

We did our usual - walked miles and miles and took in the sights. We had drinks on the rooftop of The Rex which was really pretty - but over-rated and expensive. Beer is cheap but the cheap old australian wine worth about $9 a bottle in Australia was $10 per glass. Wine is not readily available and often is french, american or australian. Usually a pretty cruddy type too.

We decided not to give them too much of our dong and went out on the streets for dinner which was a good option.

Today we went to the Cu Chi Tunnel which we booked through reception here. Allan and I were the only one's with a driver and a tour guide. So we were fairly spoilt. We had a massive mercedes people mover all to ourselves. This was a half day trip and included going to a lacquer factory which employs/looks after disabled vietnamese. Their work was amazing. Some was pretty over the top, but the workmanship was incredible. They turn out maybe one complete plate per month per person. Allan bought a picture made from egg shell inlayed - just to be supportive (but it is nice).

We have just scoffed down our last lunch before heading to the airport. It is approximately 7km away but will take about 2 hours in the traffic. Could have done with more time here in hindsight - many people said HCMC was a rat race, which indeed it is, but it is interesting though.

Anyway that's about it until we are back in reality. I am looking forward to my bed, and seeing the kids, but that is about all really. Could keep going on and on ---

Sue

Phu Quoc

Hi everyone

Well we have had quite an experience on our remote island. Indeed remote it is!

The locals are just operating as if tourism has never been here. The place is so sleepy. The beach is just beautiful. Out accommodation is on the outskirts of the township and we need to taxi in for everything, but at least the beach in the front is very clean and unpolluted. The same can't be said for the fishing village. The water is just disgusting. Cleaning up the waterways should be top of the list for this country.

We have, however, found the best seafood restaurant in vietnam. The Zen is just devine, beautiful gardens and the freshest food. We love it so much and have been back twice. Apparently (the cabbie said) it is the most expensive place on the island to eat. We have dined for approx $30 each night and that includes wonderful seafood and about three beers each. We went to another place last night where the locals go - only one menu available in english - we had to share. This was similar and definitely interesting experience.

Yesterday we took a boat trip for the day and did snorkelling at a few spots up the island. It was great. The water is so warm and the air temperature as well. No need for towels and clothing after. Really relaxing. A few people from many different parts of the world there too, althought they were not that friendly really.

This place forces you to do very little. We probably should be leaving tommorrow as there is not that much to do unless you want to tour the fish sauce factory!

As it is we leave on the 13th for Ho Chi Minh and I have booked The Rex Hotel. Which is pretty posh for our last night. We have slept on some shocking mattresses the whole way - hope The Rex has thicker ones (absolutely praying really). My back is stuffed!

This has been such an adventure, the language barrier is so extreme. I think I will talk everyone's head off when I get back. Poor Allan's ears are worn out!

Anyway - more later ---
Love Sue

Hoi An Day 2

Well I am back in the land of the living - bit tentative and no appetite. Have just been on soft drink, lipton iced tea etc until tonight. Had a chicken burger with chips and I think I am back on track.

Organised some clothes with the tailor this morning - went back for fitting this evening - some are good a couple of dresses not what I thought - but they are so inexpensive it doesn't really matter.

Allan organised a motorbike today and we went down to the local beach - development is marching thru the coastal areas and I guess it won't be long before the beach is only for the wealthy.

Discovered the Ancient Town - which is really lovely. There are no cars or motorbikes allowed and they had really nice art, clothing souvenirs etc and a thousand restaurants.

Sorry girls the leather is crap here - jackets would look pretty dodgy - more like vinyl really. This is a silk/satin place. We have been looking but not the right area for leather.

Booked our flight to Phu Quoc Island today - we are bypassing Nha Trang as we couldn't get a flight there for a few days. I couldn't stand spending 12 hrs on the bus (vietnamese time), so we decided to go to this island as we have heard it is quite untouched by commercialism. Wish us luck! Allan spent ages getting accommodation - booked flights but then discovered accommodation was a bit scarce - never mind - all sorted. God only knows what it will be like. Stay tuned!

Hue to Hoi An

You must put up with me today (Allan) Sue is in bed not well (hot & Cold). Our last day in Hue include a hair cut and ear clean for $8 (Sue found it amusing for SOME reason) and sue having a massage for an hour while I got her shoes cleaned after she stepped in something very nasty and walked it through the hotel.

They booked us a bus trip (2hrs) to Hoi An as a private car and driver would cost US$60 dollars and the bus was $5.... No brainer really when china beach and Denang were only 25km north of Hoi An, we can go back on a motor bike.

5hrs later we arrived in the dark at some random hotel on the outskirts of Hoi An... taxi? No cars cannot go over the bridge to the village where our hotel was..So the last part of the journey was on the back of a moped with our packs on our backs.

Hoi An is beautiful at night and we found a great place for dinner

luckily we gained a day in Hue as there was not that much to see and Sue can relax today as some one on the Train /Plane/Bus/Muong village has given her a wog.

We have a motor bike booked for tomorrow so we can get further out of town

Till later

Allan & Sue

2nd day in Sapa

Had a really great time in Sa Pa - the weather was unseasonably kind. We expected snow or at least fairly cold weather but this did not happen. We were sweltering. Took the tour to Bac Ha markets - again packed in like sardines (but what do you expect for around $12). This took a couple of hours there. The market was mainly food, livestock, dogs, pigs - the usual. The food is unbelievably clean considering the primitive resources they have. I still am struggling with the food - not like out of my recipe books. The food so far has been really bland - not a lot of herbs, not seen chillies or lime etc in any restaurant yet. Told Allan I am going to ask for some of this to plonk on myself - he just raised his eyebrows which I assume means he didn't think I should alter their ways to suit mine - so unfair!

Huge french influence everywhere so the bread is good.

The Hu Mong women have about 11 children - usually only five will live to adulthood - quite a harsh lifestyle. We went to a flower hu mong village - wow that was an eyeopener. I had corn wine - which would really knock you around if you had a few.

We caught the overnight sleeper back to Hanoi and arrived in around 5.30am. Zoomed out to the airport and have arrived in Hue.

Hue is a lot quieter - a bit boring really. Seen the Forbidden Imperial Palace which was heavily bombed and is being reconstructed. Wandered the streets - but honestly I am tired and may not be in the best frame to pick the positives. Most people have said the same though - too many pagodas and temples - not much else. The cyclos drive you absolutely mad wanting to drive you everywhere. We prefer to walk. The cyclos have a poor reputation as being pretty lazy and sitting around drinking and smoking most of the time. Hard to give them money when others do it so tough!

Have decided to move on to Hoi An tomorrow - may get a driver so we can stop off where we want - bit over being in the minivans. Apparently the coast line is great via China Beach and is only about 130km drive.

Allan and I have started speaking to each other in clipped English - must break this habit.

Anyway will let you know how we get on - take care all

Halong Bay and Sa Pa

Hi everyone
We have had a fairly busy couple of days. Enjoyed last day in Hanoi more than the first - found some areas which had more of a french feel and looked a bit more loved - but not much. The city of Hanoi itself is frantic, confusing and very confronting. although I guess it is a place of stark contrast - poverty, the place just looks like it is falling down!

Anyway headed to Halong Bay on a bus tour. Minivan full of NZ family of girls, two parents, and others joined when we boarded the junk. This was a great way to see in the new year. The weather was misty - but this did not hinder the amazing scenery. Although summer would be devine as the waterways are amazing. The vietnamese do things fairly child like. We had to sit and eat at certain times, stay at the same tables etc. which was quite a laugh. On the second day they had us back and eating lunch at 10.30am to get us back in time. We all just complied - all in all it was really relaxing and good to wind down after smelly Hanoi.

We arrived back in Hanoi - dropped at the train station for overnight trip to Sa Pa. Not one sign in english to be seen - we managed but was glad when train took off with us on it. We shared a sleeper cabin with two other chinese lads. They thought they might be on the phone, ipods etc. but I gave them the daggers and they settled down. The train left at 9.15pm and arrived in Lao Cai about 5.30am the following morning. I slept great - Allan not so much. Best night I had since I have been here on a noisy train for goodness sake!

Packed into a minivan (15 people with luggage) for 1 1/2 hrs - crammed in - but just had to laugh. My seat was a dicky seat and the back was broken but anyway we got here.

Sa Pa is lovely and we have had the best day. We found lovely accommodation with panoramic views (and a shower). We walked down to Cat Cat hill tribe - brought a few wall hangings from the markets to support community. Looked through markets etc. Couldn't walk up the hill - hailed a motorbike lift back to eat lunch and down a few beers while overlooking the valley. So beautiful.

Allan had a massage (without the happy ending) whilst I had a well needed shower. Looking a bit feral. We are now updating this as I have had just one Mai Tai cocktail and intend to bar hop a little bit.

Tonight is Hu muong single night - the festival of love (speed dating). Can't wait to check them out. Should be fairly interesting. The place is fully booked out - apparently they come from the hills everywhere.

Tommorrow we are heading to Bac Ha to a market which is hu muong and other areas major livestock, fruit etc market. This is the major one. We will then head back to Hanoi to fly to Hue. Hue is apparently not too exciting so may not stay - depends when we get there.

Anyway, back to my cocktail hour

Sue (Allan is sitting here too - helping with my spelling)
Love you all