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Published: February 5th 2008
After a soggy Halong Bay we were scheduled to head straight for the train station, with a 2 hour turn around time we stocked up with baguettes and snacks for the journey. We had just enough time to eat.... a meal that consisted of boiled pork ribs...not great!! And then battled with the traffic in Hanoi on a busy friday night, loaded with our heavy packs, to make it to the station in time for the train (taking a taxi would have taken longer as the traffic is so busy!). It was a case of keep going and don't let anything stop you. The crazy swarm of headlights and bicycles trickled around us with the background cacophony of hooting.
We were exhausted by the time we reached the train, and nearly had our tickets scammed from us!! But we are already hardened travellers, too savvy for such things! We struggled with trying to find our cabin however. The train journey was overnight and would take us 18 hours leaving at 8pm. We were in a 'hard sleeper' 6 berth cabin, which is exactly as it sounds. And also in the cheap seats at the top of the cabin, which is
small for the Vietnamese, and even more comfortable for me and Stu. Due to Tet all the better tickets were sold out!. But it was ok. If we positioned ourselves correctly we could lie out flat, in our sleeping bags. Stu found some crushed snacks under his pillow, so I don't think cleanliness was a priority...It was also a lot warmer at the top of the cabin, with our headroom of about 1-2 feet.
We shared our cabin with 5 Vietnamese children, ages ranging about 5 yrs to 14. They were put on the train by their hyperactive mother along with a suitcase and an old fashioned computer hard drive (of course).
They were very sweet and practised their english on us. Stuart shared popcorn with them! ( or maybe stole it from them!) . However, they didn't sleep, instead they giggled and played music most of the night. Thank goodness for earplugs. They got off the train in the early hours, after this we had the cabin to ourselves for the rest of the journey. During the journey, and at stops we were offered all sorts of snacks and delights, unfortunately, none of them palatable, even with a
spirit of bravery. Breakfast was a more achievable pot noodle type affair.
The last 3 hours of the trip took us through stunning mountain scenery with glimpses of the beach.....and to Stu's delight, there is actually surf in Vietnam!
All in all we loved the train experience, and it was made all the better by immersing ourselves in the local way to travel. We are both well and thank you for all the fab comments and messages so far. Stu has added some photos to the previous blogs, so take a look back. The computers are a little slow here so we will add them while we can.
Take carexxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Barney Hillsdon
non-member comment
The Rugby
Stu/Emma Thanks for your Travel Blogs so far, I have very much enjoyed reading them! I was hoping to be writing you a smug/gloating letter about how I had been to Twickenham on Saturday to watch the English destroy the Welsh. However as you now probably know we lost at Twickers for the first time in 20 years! It didnt help that I was surrounded by a large group of Boyos with their tops off singing "Land of or Fathers"! Needless to say I beat a hasty retreat at the end of the game!! Your latest Blog detailing your train journey reminded me off my daily commute on the Northern Line!!!! Take care Barney