30 June 2008

Fabulous Forty's Furlough In Words

I realise that the photos this time around maybe a little dizzying but it kind of reflects my whole trip to Vietnam. The two weeks spent with Sue and Dorian (UK) and Robert (Holland) was jam-packed and fun-filled. The main reason for our vacation was to celebrate the fact that Sue, Robert and myself all turn 40 this year! We arrived in Hanoi and spent quite a lot of time walking the streets and resting at Bia Hoi (the place to find cheap beer and good company!). We had 3 days and 2 nights at Halong Bay, did lots of cruising, visited an awesome cave, got in some kayaking and swimming. Our next destination was Sapa, far north Vietnam (only a few hours from the China border!). This area is still fairly untouched by modern conveniences, we visited the colourful markets to check out the local handicrafts and livestock for sale. We also did a trek to a some villages that belong to the hill tribes, the black H'mong and the red H'mong (easy to tell apart, as each has a head dress to match the colour of their tribe). The people were warm and friendly all over Vietnam but especially so in and around Sapa. Our guide Chau (seen drinking with us, blue shirt) was a local girl who had learned English from tourists, and she was amazing! The rural setting was lovely, lots of rice paddies with the residents working the land the old fashion way with ox and plough. After another brief stop in Hanoi we boarded a train for Hoi An, via Danang. We didn't stop in Danang but had just enough time to check out China Beach (yes it actually exists!) where I had my picture took. Hoi An was brilliant, lots of UNESCO world heritage sites and also a great beach where we toasted our celebration at sunset with a good old bottle of Aussie wine! The next day saw us hire motorbikes to take us 30 km up the road to My Son. This place is incredible, it's another world heritage site back from the 4th century and all that remains of the Champa civilisation. The ride out to the site was the best way to see the countryside, saw lots more rice paddies, old houses and water lilies. Sadly all good things come to an end and so it was that we spent our last day in Ho Chi Minh City, checked out the local tourists traps and ended our time together with one last meal then cocktails at the roof top bar of the Rex hotel. Thanks to Sue, Dorrie, Robert and all the locals for making it such a fab trip! Will update soon on my normal comings and goings here in Shenzhen, ciao till then!!