It seems a long time since we added an entry to this blog - but then it's tricky to write a travel blog entry when there's been no travel. That's not to say there hasn't been thought devoted to travelling - South Africa to see Di, 50th birthday celebrations in Bunyol and Rome, Eastern Europe - they're all on the possible agenda. But Rarotonga, in just under a week is booked and paid for and we can't wait! This time next week we'll be there. The clocks here go forward tonight, signalling the end of summer. Today I bought snorkelling gear! [View Full Entry]

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We really splashed out on our HCMC hotel and were treated to an astonishing breakfast. I had beef pho (soup), and we found out later than Alan had a three course breakfast; Pawpaw and bacon, beef ragoût and chocolate cake! We were picked up at 7.30 and were introduced to Jen from Scotland :-) We found the Cu Chi tunnels fascinating. Our tour started with some old film footage during the American War, then there was a talk with a model of some of the tunnels' attributes. The Vietcong were ingenious people. The 200 km tunnel network included hospitals, wells, planning [View Full Entry]

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This is a retrospective entry, as we are back in NZ now, but we need to finish what we started to have a complete record. We had Vivien and Alan to put up with on our Mekong Delta trip - as well as 'Spain' (Marcos from Madrid and Virginia - formerly from Argentina, but now living in Madrid). After an initial drive, we boarded a junk with very comfy bamboo lounging chairs. A coconut candy manufacturer was our first stop. The industrial revolution has still not quite reached this place, as we watched the various mixtures being heated over fires fuelled [View Full Entry]

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Hi All, We have made it to the capital where everything seems to be fast. We have spent much of today just sitting in a little (Vespa) cafe by a busy intersection. We have had front row seats, so we have great views of the peculiarities that pass by - especially on motorbikes or bikes. Our record is now five human beings on a scooter - two adults, three children. It is not unusual to see someone carrying eight crates of soft drink bottles, or a full sized (though not wide-mouthed, Jo) fridge (sideways), or two 21" TVs, or... you name [View Full Entry]

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Hi all - We are just back at the hotel after a rather boring day - riding elephants, being calmed in a Buddhist temple (including beautiful gardens), roller coasting down to a lovely waterfall and visiting a minority village and school run by a lovely volunteer teacher who loves her job. Today's adventures were courtesy of Easy Rider - we were pillion passengers on motorbikes out into a spotless countryside sorrounded by forrested mountains and clean lakes under blue sky :-) What a delight to be in fresh air away from tourists!!!! And to top it off, a magnificent lunch with [View Full Entry]

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Hi all - We are now in Dalat after a three-hour trip on the "new road" between Nha Trang and this alpine city. The "new road" through the mountains took eight years to construct and cost a number of lives (construction workers swept away by mud slides). We were treated to some spectacular views, climbing to a height of about 1500m above sea level. Didn't sight any bears, leopards, snakes, tigers or monkeys but had cameras ready just in case! Walked alongside the flower markets yesterday - much of the flowers "same, same" between NZ and Vietnam. As you predicted, Trace, [View Full Entry]

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Hi All, Rather than catching a jolting train or a non-sleeping bus for 12 hours, we managed to get a flight from Hoi An to Nha Trang. Luxury... This is a 'beach bum' city of 315 200. We thought it might be a bit tacky but are pleasantly surprised. We were also worried that our US$12 hotel might be a bit rough, but it is just perfect - clean, bright, fresh air and close to cafes and the beach. Health Report: TC's cold is gone. LV's bug is behaving pretty much (fingers crossed for no more relapses). Trace - must have [View Full Entry]

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Hi All, We are currently in Hoi An - three nights, which is a bit of a luxury. Our hotel is called Hoi An Nhi Nhi - some of you may be able to tell why I chose it. In fact it is a gorgeous hotel - very Asian design; lots of symmetry, lovely pot plants, with rooms overlooking a central swimming pool with blue sky above. And yes, we have really seen the sky here. The haze we had so far experienced has receeded. On Vivien and Alan's recommendation, we dined last night at a little local place called Bale [View Full Entry]

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Much has happened since our last post. The overnight train (luxury class apparently) back from Sapa to Hanoi was as bad as the first. I guess at least we were mentally prepared this time, but we weren't ready for the 4.30 a.m. arrival back to the dark shuttered streets of Hanoi. There was the odd light where people were sitting, eating a very early breakfast. We caught a taxi into the Old Quarter and were fortunate to find a friendly cafe open. At about 7 we were able to get into our old Vietfun Hotel where they let us leave our [View Full Entry]

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We have spent two days with our guide, Ngoc and a Frenchman named Jeff-and-You, and Ramona from Prague. It has been lots of fun. The scenery today was beautiful, with terraced rice paddies and mountains and rudimentary houses. The minority village women follow us, helping us through the sticky mud trails and then saying, "You buy from me?" Very insistent. We stayed overnight in a Tay Village. Our dinner was fabulous and they gave us 'Happy Water' (rice wine) and required us to have frequent toasts to the New Year. Tonight we will catch an overnight train back to Hanoi, then [View Full Entry]

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