Gap Yah

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After leaving Saigon I headed for Dalat, a hill town built up for the French to escape the heat of the South and I must say I was pretty relieved to get there. It was lovely, about 20-25C most of the time and much tidier and prettier than most places round here on account of the fact that it's a big centre for honeymooners and Vietnamese tourists. THis also meant there were hardly any halkers around, again refreshing. There were practically no bars (I spent a fairly dismal evening with some really cool people, wandering around aimlessly looking for somewhere to go) but this was fine as I went very wholesome- doing a trek up a mountain and going canyoning. Both were amazing, I was glad to finally wear the boots that have been weighing me down for a month. Canyoning consisted of going down a canyon (unsurprisingly), stopping to abseil, jump in, swim, climb and slide down the rapids and it was all dead safe, very legit.
The trek was interesting as my guide was from a local tribe meaning he identified himself as being Lat, rather than Vietnamese. He learnt his English from the bible (his tribe are mostly Catholics) and the Beatles, whose music he heard from the American soldiers in the 60s. When the conversation ran a bit dry we trekked up the hills giving renditions of 'She loves you' 'Yellow Submarine' and every other Beatles song I knew!
It was also interesting to get a view that opposed the government and was less hostile towards the French and the Americans, which is a rarity over here. I've been to a few war sites and museums and whilst interesting and generally well laid out etc. they are very, very (very) one sided, which jars a bit. One guide showed us with particular glee these horrific traps for Americans, which made me a bit uncomfortable. As awful as the Americans were here, having been in Cambodia and seeing the effects of the Khmer Rouge, it is hardly the case that the communists were all sweetness and light.
Having been very outdoorsy in Dalat I'm being the total opposite in Nha Trang and am being a living stereotype of a middle class English backpacker- having met virtually no gap year students thus far, I'm now in a dorm where everyone is one! It's pretty wild and I think the girls who wanted to sleep found it a bit traumatic. For all else concerned it's fatastic fun, very decadent and though my liver has its limits of tolerance, I am willing to test them in the name of partying. It's hilarious- half way around the world and people know each others' schools. Apparently there are a group of "dreadful" Etonians around but I've missed them so far- no loss by all accounts.
Having a great time and will be back on my worthy high horse in a few days and probably be very good and visit a temple or two, but for now I'm having a fun and frivolous hiatus.
Hope all are well etc. etc.

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Comments

[Nicole Smyth]

Gus it all sounds so exciting!!! Glad your having a blast, works just not the same without you! I think the boys are struggling with delivery, they never remember to bring gloves ;) Have fun, stay safe lots of love xxxx

[Sally Day]

Hi Gus, Ellie gave me the link to your blog, which has been enthralling! Great adventures, great descriptions: looking forward to the next episode Lots of lovexx

[annie]

blog
brilliant blog fergus, I need to read it again to take it all in. Of course you felt uncomfortable with how the Americans were treated, but shit have they done some things to nations and still doing it. And it shows how countries ultimately live for themselves, frightening considering we are meant to be global, having said that, look at the wonderful culture you are being exposed to. where next and for how much longer?? Still miss you, Annie x

[annie]

You couldnt draw out of the hat, 'its been a hard days night' xx (beatles) I am mad about them' Night x