Goodbye to Vietnam

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Saigon telecoms!!

jungle beach

After a couple of great days in Hoi An involving lots of cycling and chilling on the beach we travelled along the coast to the small resort of Jungle Beach.  Set on the most easterly part of Vietnam with a backdrop of jungle and mountains this has been a great place to spend a couple of lazy days.  A private beach added to the enjoyment with most of us swimming at night amongst the phospheresence.  I think that's how you spell it!!  The water creates sparkles with any movement and it is magical to see.  Most of our time was taken up being fascinated by this.  A few slow runs along the beach and some water aerobics were as energetic as it got although I did manage a few games of table tennis.  Not always successfully but Simon was impressed by my killer serve.  Reluctantly we all got on the coach the next day and eventually arrived in Saigon.  The coach driver seemed intent on either undertaking or overtaking every other vehicle on the road.  A feat he managed very well with the liberal use of his horn.  Best to keep your eyes shut.  Saigon is a crazy place.  It seems all the adult population ride scooters and crossing the road is an experience in itself.   It's good for the old heart rate.  A group of us visited the War museum which was extremely thought provoking and poignant.  We came out in a relatively sombre mood.  It's hard to relate the Vietnam of today with the events of only a few years ago and the TV pictures I remember as a child.  The country and it's people are so friendly and
welcome westerners.  The country seems to me to be rapidly moving forward and tourism is massively increasing.  Again another country I shall be sad to leave although I will almost certainly come back.  The beaches are great, the locals are great if sometimes a bit persistant.  In short like Laos it's a great country and I'm glad to have spent time here. Next up Cambodia!!