Vietnam

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Ben' s happy!!

After a relatively simple border crossing which including a bizarre $1 bribe to the immigration official we travelled into Vietnam.  Immediately it was busier and more densely populated than Laos.  We arrived in Hue along the east coast mid afternoon and explored the city.  Scooters rule and you take your life in your hands trying to cross the road.  Basically take a deep breath and leg it!  All the traffic didn't stop a few of us hiring bikes though and cycling to the nearest beach 15k away.  It's a great ride through villages and lagoons to arrive at a scenic beach, which we had all to ourselves.  Ben was very excited and reverted back to his childhood, which for him wasn't long ago, and spent most of the day careering wildly between swimming in the sea, building sandcastles and making the sand squeak!! Actually so did I and my childhood was long ago. A great few hours were passed relaxing in the warm water before cycling back.  This was followed by a lively evening in the DMZ bar celebrating the safe return of our leader Pete with everyone in party mood.  Many cocktails and beers were consumed and lots of dodgy dancing followed.  Somehow Ben lost his shoes! Next day I managed to persuade a few poor souls to accompany me again to the beach, although James looked terrified as we weaved in and out of the traffic  and Simon apparently could only cycle slowly because he kept losing his hat!!  Not convinced about that one.  Hue overall is a very nice place, busy and vibrant, bit too noisy at peak times when the scooters all use their horns to excess but never the less interesting.  A short trip along the coast has bought us to Hoi An.  Arriving at a hotel, where they have put a welcome banner up, provided free cocktails and a swimming pool can't be bad.  A quick dash into town to get a few clothes made up by the local tailors provided plenty of amusement.  Maggs was not amused however to be charged more for her clothes than mine due to size issues, made me giggle though.  The good news is bikes are cheap to hire so whilst most people are taking the cultural option today I shall go exploring on my bike.  I'm sure I can find a beach.