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Published: July 24th 2013
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After getting myself sorted in the room in Hanoi it was time to set off for the bus pick up. I left my bag at the hotel and hopefully it will be there intact when I return!
I set off with a vague idea of where I was going, back to the Old Quarter through the maze of streets, shops and people. I could of caught a taxi but it was much more fun walking I just love this city! I arrived at the travel agent at 5.30 in plenty of time for the 6.30 pickup. I went to a bar across the road where St Kilda and Port were playing . Also had happy hour 2 Vodka and lemonade for $2.00, now where else can you value like that?
I returned to the travel agent and sat and sat. Finally at 7.30 the small bus arrived and we proceed to squeeze in as many people as we could. Lucky I had a window which I hung out of watching the night life of Hanoi. Are you getting the idea I'm in love with this place?? Well I am, I don't usually like the cities
but this one seems different and I am enjoying every minute!
We made it to the bus stop and got on the sleeping bus. I have never been on a bus like this before. Three rows of double bunks across the bus and a back seat with five beds! Well of course I headed for the back seat and I was joined by two girls from Switzerland. I have met so many young people traveling, it's been great listening to their experiences. It worked well as we looked after each others stuff when we got off at the bus stops and there was only the three of us so we could stretch out.
I don't know how many times I have been told to go to the loo before you start traveling but of course I forgot in the excitement of leaving. So about 10 minutes into the trip I decide I will never go to sleep unless I go. So I wander down the front and tell the driver. I can tell he is not impressed, he tells me to sit on the step and wait. He keeps driving and driving until I
think he has forgotten me, suddenly he pulls over on the edge of a freeway opens the door and says you go here!! You guessed it no toilet just the edge of the rice paddy field- lucky it was dark is all I can say! I think I have finally learnt my lesson!!!
Must admit the bus ride was pretty terrifying as they drive like crazy men, buses over taking buses on corners and the horns blaring all through the night so not much sleep was had but it was still another part of this adventure that I wouldn't change.
We arrived at about 6.30am in Sapa and the next part of the journey was about to begin.
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Phil
non-member comment
What a journey
Sandra I think you will have to give up 5 star conferences to become a travel writer. Your braver than me! Love the pics Phil