Vietnam Part 1

Hello from Nha Trang, Vietnam. We last left you after arriving in Saigon and we've been busy beavers since then!

After a couple of lazy days in Saigon we decided to book a couple of local 1 day tours. The first tour was out to the Mekong Delta to experience Life on the river. The Day included a row boat ride along some braches of the Mekong river. It was kinda 'Apocolypse Now', but without the bombs and guns and stuff. We also made friends with a snake and got to sample endless local foods and drinks. The highlight for the rest of the group was surely when I was dragged to the front of the boat to sing an excellent rendition (if I do say so myself) of 'Row Row row your boat'. Regretably, there were no talents scouts amongst the travellers on board!

Our second tour was to the Chu Chi War Tunnels; where Vietnamese soldiers and civilians hid from the USA forces during the Vietnam war. Seeing the tunnels for real was so eye-opening. We got the chance to actually crawl through some sections of the tunnel system. After an intense crawling session, I emerged red faced and totally knackered; only to be told that these ones were specially altered for the 'larger' foreign tourists and the real tunnels would be about half the size! I can only imagine how insane it must have been to actually use the tunnels during war time (and not just for 5 minutes).

After the tunnels we decided to try out a local 'Water Park'. This was great, childish fun. Lucy wimped out of the Super Giant slide; and after I came tumbling down it cluthing my butt I think she was glad to have passed. Just as we left the water park we got caught up in an insane tropical storm. When I say storm, I really mean 'Storm'. Lets just say we had to 'wade' our way back to our hotel!

Next day we took a Bus to a small town called Dalat, which was gobsmacking. The best way I can describe it is that its kinda like someone took a fully built Swiss town and dumped it in Vietnam. Aside from the people, the whole place smacks of Europe- including a mini version of the Eiffel tower. Because its set in the mountains, the weather is much cooler than most of Vietnam. This seems to have sparked a thriving Woolen hat and cardigan market. A bit dramatic me thinks, considering we were wondering around in T-Shirts! We spotted a few people literally shivering; they should try winter in Brum and then try moaning about the cold.

Left Dalat on a long Bus ride to Nha Trang, a beach town in central Vietnam. Predictably, we spent the first day lazing on the beach and generally being experts at doing sod all. The only real action was an impromptue appearance by a Pop Video crewe. We were 60% sure we recognised the cheesy, singer guy from a Karaoke video on bus! Eager to perfect our lazing skills, we spent the second day at a Mud Bath and Hot springs Center!! Aside from giving me baby fresh bum cheeks, the Mud bath and Mineral water soaks were great fun and truly relaxing. I suggested to lucy that we try it out at home, but she is uncertain whether the Mud in Erdington will have the same effects!!

Today (31st May) we have been on a Island hopping tour. Swam and snorkelled in the sea, chilled at the beach and visited an aquarium. Saw the biggest (and ugliest) fish we have ever seen (to the clever clogs: apart from Sharks which we know are fish too). Afterwards, we took a ride on the cable cars, which i've been bugging Lucy about for 2 days. At the other end was a second rate theme park which included a cruel (but funny) Monkey circus! Lucy has started a campaign to free the monkeys - 2 members so far....

And thats the lot so far in vietnam. We have just booked 4 day highland trekking tour - which will include Elephant rides (YAY!).

Before I sign off I just want to do a couple of 'shout outs'.
First of All, Happy Birthday to my mommy who grows 1 day prettier on 1st June.
Also, congrats to My sister and Paul, who celebrate there engagment party of the 2nd June.
Finally, Commiserations to any Baggies fans after your sad loss in the play-offs (Inside im laughing)!

Ok, thanks for reading my absolute drivel again! Bye for now
Dan & Lucy

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