Blogs from Thua Thien - Huế, North Central Coast, Vietnam, Asia - page 78

I stumbled off the Hell Train into the rain. I stupidly did not accept the cyclo drivers offers and started walking with all of my (very heavy) crap until I was soaked and angry. I hated Hue. Luckily that didn't last too long. I found a cyclo driver and he carted big old me and all my stuff to the backpacker's alley. I gave him a big tip because I feel pretty bad when someone half the size of me pedals me around in a cyclo. Hue is deserted compared to Hanoi. I'm convinced I was one of two people staying at that hotel. Cyclo drivers seem to outnumber tourists and accept ridiculously small amounts of money for rides. A lot of restaurants are closed- apparently this is because of Tet. I really like Hue. Its ... read more

On the Trail of the Imperial Dynasties of Vietnam My introduction to Vietnam's past really began in Hanoi as I visited all the great museums they have there. They were so well done and interesting. Also, not all of the statues and memorials are of Ho Chi Minh but also of past rulers of the great dynasties of Vietnam. Biking South on Highway One takes you close to all of the great citadels, Imperial Courts and tombs of Vietnam's past rulers. Unfortunately, a lot of these great works were destroyed during the Vietnam/American War. You get one side of the story from the Vietnamese government. Like: "This was destroyed by an American bomb." They never tell you that it was being used by their army for an observation post etc. However, Hoi An, Dalat are examples ... read more

Rode in to Vinh Vietnam. After several 100 KM days I was real sore. I saw a sign on our Hotel Billboard: "Thai Massage." After checking it out it only cost four dollars. I told Ngat I was going to splurge and get a "Therapeutic Massage." She said: "Don't waste you money, I can give you one for nothing." I told her, no I wanted a professional job. Somehow, I had a feeling this place would be good. I had Ngat check the place out and get me an appointment. I told her to make sure the girls were not interested in "Boom Boom." I have been to places where it was a little rub and a lot of asking for "Boom Boom." Anyway, enough on that subject. Ngat came back with my appointment time which ... read more

The beauty of Vietnam is real and in so many ways it is enhanced by the people. In someways, they live as they did one thousand years ago. In other ways they are as high tech as the most modern as people of the so called advanced countries. One thing for sure, the country is changing fast. But, the old ways are still there. For some reason this blog will not let me edit all the photos. You can see sometimes its a long road ahead. ... read more

As I ride along the rode I am greeted with a constant "Hello, Hello." You answer back and you get the same"Hello, Hello." Vietnam has some of the most beautiful children in the world but Hello, Hello gets real taxing after a while. A lot of the kids can say more, Like: How are you? Where are you from. How old are you. They don't understand the answer generally so they just keep asking over and over the same questions. Kids are everywhere in Vietnam and its hard to get away from them. A lot of the kids want me to go home with them to "see their house." I generally refuse but once this little girl and her girl friend invited me a I said: "Is it far from the road?" O know, it is ... read more