Really hard to get any sleep last night. The motorbikes were going all night, music was blasting out from a bar on the corner until 4am. It was just hellishly noisy. The windows in the hotel did not really fit so it felt like we were just sleeping on the street. The breakfast was good and the receptionist managed to transfer us to another room which looks to be a lot quieter; she didn't seem too surprised when we asked to move so it must happen a lot! Did some chores and have booked ourselves on a tour to the Chu Chi tunnels tomorrow. Set off walking to see the sights of Saigon, initially passing through a local market. Bex went mad for all the sparkly stuff after being deprived for a couple of weeks (well ... read more

Up early again to get the 8.42am train from Hue to Danang. Train station was very orderly and easy to find your way around, with the train ticket detailing the coach, berth and seat numbers on it and the coach number clearly marked on the platform. Very easy to find your place! Train was very clean and comfortable - we had a whole sleeping compartment between us with a locking door. What luxury! Settled down for the 2.5 hrs journey which took us down the coast, right next to sparkling bays. Was a really stunning view - would definitely recommend anyone to travel this part of the country by train. Beckie managed to read a bit of her book while Paul typed up some of the travel journal on his phone. We've got a bit behind ... read more

Breakfast in the hotel is a buffet but was a good, but slightly odd selection - nice to have fresh fruit again though!. Got a cyclo over to Ho Chi Mins Mausoleum; the driver asked us if we were on honeymoon?. Not sure how Beckie managed to plant these people along the way so far in advance!. Could not get in to see Uncle Ho but went to the one pillar pagoda, the Presidential palace and then Ho's museum (he seemed to have loads of psuedonyms and it took a while for us to realise that it was all about the same person - doh!) . Aparently he lived in an electricians house at the palace for a while; maybe someone should have a chat with Tony Blair - see if he is willing to do ... read more

Macchapuchre base camp to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) After a good nights sleep we set off for ABC. It only took about 1 1/2hrs so we were there for about 10am. We had great views of the Annapurna mountain range and also Macchapuchre. It did not last too long though as the clouds followed us up the valley and it was really misty by 10:45. We spent the rest of the day in the tea house, just eating, drinking tea and coffee and playing cards. It felt like a real anti-climax being up there for so long and we were really restless - just wanting to start on the way down! Dinner was Pizza and chips (carbo loading for the descent!). We took loads of photos that we will probably not recognise when we get back. ... read more

Today finally heralded the start of our trekking proper - well after a 2hr drive to Birethanti!. It was good to get going with the walking after just doing tourist things for the last couple of weeks. The weather was dry and fairly warm, which was a welcome change from Kathmandu as the rain brings the leeches out - with the aussies tales of Kangaroo leeches and Drop Bears it was all we needed! Had our first interaction with the Maoists when we had to pay a "tourist toll" to use the park (politics in action!!). Beckie did not believe they were Maoists and the trek leader is a bit of a clown so she asked to see their guns - and nearly fell over when he lifted his shirt and showed her a pistol. (Apparently ... read more