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Published: August 8th 2007
Big Rocks
At Ninh Bin the limestone is pretty impressiveAt Ninh Bin the limestone is pretty impressiveIf there is ever a place to enjoy clothes shopping then HoiAn is the place. We arrived here a few days ago after a hectic spell of travelling from Hanoi, firstly to Ninh Bin for 2 days, then overnight by bus to Hue for 2 days and then a train to Danang for 3 days. The last part of the journey was on the back of a motorbike for 30km, which unfortunately led to both of glowing slightly from overexposure to the sun.
All in all itwas pretty exhausting. The overnight bus was very crowded and the driver did not have his customers comfort at the head of his list of priorities. As a result no sleep was had and we spent the next few days trying to catch up. Luckily there is not much to see in the Central region: a bit like travelling through England and stopping off at Coventry to the sights! However the beach at Danang was delightful and HoiAn is a true gem.
At Ninh Bin we took a lazy cruise along a slow river in the middle of a paddy field, and at Hue we visited
the ancient citadel that was bombed by
A bad day at the office?
These guys have it badthe Americans in 1968 as the VC were holed up in there after the Tet offensive. Hue is the closest city to the old demilitarised zone and was where some of the fiercest fighting took place.
Anyway, back to the shopping. HoiAn is populated by tailors. Lots of tailors. All ready willing and able to whip you up anything you like in about 24 hours. I swear Jack Bauer himself could do no better. Silk, cotton, suits, shirts, dresses, skirts, shoes. If you want it they will make it. 2 fitted suits and 5 fitted silk shirts came to a grand total of 80 pounds. Throw in a couple of pairs of shoes and I dont have to shop for the next 5 years!
On an even better note PNE have rediscovered a bit of form after a wobble, so the play offs look to be a good bet (come on, I cant talk about shopping all this entry. There has to be a bit of footie somewhere. The last couple of hotels have had premiership and champions league action, so
Vietnamese Armada
The toursist Junk boats of Halong Bay I feel like I have returned to a bit of normality)
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Wilf
non-member comment
B**tard!!
I assume I just chuck something in this comments section? Bit crap when it comes to technology and all. Not fair you sat their drinking beer while we are all working. Bet you feel right at home in Vietnam...for the first time in your life you will be a MEDIUM suit size (they are v. small over there!!) As for the football, don't talk about it as we are fast heading to league one. Playing you next and really need to beat you or we are doomed!! Enjoy the rest of Vietnam and keep in touch. Wilf