Hue

---

Arriving back from halong bay we took yet another over night train to Hue, the Reunifcation express this time, our third overnight train in five days so I guess we are getting used to them by now. For company on this journey we had an elderly chinese couple. Of course they didnt speak any english and for sure we cant speak a word of chinese but I guess sign language is universal. We offered them a beer much to their amusement, although they didnt want any they appreciated the offer. A few minutes later they give us some chinese food which seemed to be a vegitable paste with nuts inside wrapped in banana leaf. It seemed rude not to at least try!!. Shortly after they were insisting we take some of their chocolate bars. Ah well we lived to tell the tale anyway. We arrived in Hue 14 hours later at 8.30 am and went to our hotel. Unbelievably, Thomas who we had met earlier in Sapa was checking out at the same time and was off to Hoi an for a few days. We arranged to meet later in the week in Hoi An. We visited the citadel and had a stroll around the impressive grounds. It was very hot and humid so we decided to take a boat along the perfume river and see some of the daily life here. On Friday we left for Hoi An further south. We went by car this time as this allowed us to go over the Hai Van Pass route rather than through the tunnel. We stopped at Lang Co beach in the morning which was completely deserted but for one old fisherman and us. From there it was on to China beach for a while. Definately a good way to spend Friday morning. Further on we stopped at marble mountain to view the many impressive caves and pagodas here. So over one week in and so far we are having a blast... long may it continue. Talk to you all soon.

---