Dalat

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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, tears all round here when we learnt of Sir Ed's death. His passing seems a little surreal to us being offshore but you can be assured we are having some thoughtful moments! We are sure NZ will do him proud in his state funeral and our thoughts will most certainly be of New Zealand.

TC seems to have shrugged off her tummy upset (it is always a good sign when she's happily munching her way through a Vietnamese dish). LV still a little shakey but on the up and up and gathering positive energy for our Saigon arrival! We are still trying to get a Saigon connection (either plane or car) and it's likely we'll be in the country's largest city by 15 January. Looking to do a couple of days on the Mekong Delta... :-)

Once again, thanks for your messages - Julia, Trace and Joan. Go the tomato weather and tomato carers! Take care.

Love Us2
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Comments

[Trace]

Hi
Hi Girls, really enjoy reading all about your fab trip! Looking forward to hearing about Saigon. The news about Sir Ed is indeed very sad, a great man who lead a rich and full life. NZ govt are considering introducing a public holiday as a way of getting all New Zealanders to reflect on his life. Anyway hope it doesn't leave you feeling too blue :) How were the crustaceans? And is that a Vespa I see in front of the Cyclo drivers? The Cycylo drivers look so tired, how could anyone bear to wake them and ask for a ride?! Best go - I think I have caught ADHD off Suze....:) Take care Tx

[Jo]

Yes - so sad about Sir Ed - a truly mighty pohutukawa fallen. I liked Tremaine's cartoon in the ODT on Saturday: as Sir Ed, wearing his warm jacket and a backpack and carrying an ice axe, heads towards the Pearly Gates, two angels are bowing their heads and saying: "For Everest in Peace." Glad to hear you are improving in health. Really enjoying your blogs. Love, Jo

[Sig]

Happy New Year!
Howdie LV and TC - first day back at work today and just catching up with your exciting travel blog adventures - enjoying reading and seeing what you are experiencing along the way. Managed to whittle your 130 emails down to 60! Lovely message from Rana all the way from Jordon - no other dramas. Love to Vivian and Alan - continue to enjoy the Vietnamese way to the max, as you seem to be doing. Love Sig ;-)