So today we set off at 8.30am by private bus to Hue. This was meant to be a 4 hour journey, but there was no traffic anywhere so it only took 2.5 hours! Yay! We passed through Da Nang and it was strange seeing it so empty and quiet!
We drove through some beautiful mountains. We stopped at a pass at the top to take some pictures. This used to be the border for North and South Vietnam, and there was an old American army base up there. Now there are just lots of annoying ladies who grab you and try and get you to buy things. I can only say "no thank you" in a polite tone so many times before I get angry from their pestering...! We continued down the other side of the mountain after this, there were lots of hairpin bends and it reminded me of the scary bus ride in Turkey, mum!
We arrived at the hotel about 11.30am and Laura and I went for a walk. Most things are closed here due to it being New Year's Day, but we enjoyed a nice walk along the Perfume River. Then we met some of the others for lunch. It took me an hour and ten minutes to get some eggplant with mushrooms, absolutely terrible service!! We played Jenga while we waited though. But I got my lunch at 1.55pm and our motorbike tour started at 2pm...they had to wait - oops.
Nine of us (me, Jo, Lou, Emily, Emma, Leah, Sarah, Becky and Rhi) took a three hour motorbike tour of the countryside. I was a bit hesitant at first, but we had helmets and for the most part were driving in the countryside which was quiet. And we had an experienced driver each who we hung onto for dear life haha. There were a few "OY CHOY OY!!!" ("Oh my god") moments, such as going down a steep hill, ending up in peak hour traffic on the way back and having piglets and cows run right out in front of us!! But for the most part I felt completely safe and it was heaps of fun! My driver, Cung, was really friendly and pointed out things along the way. We all thought it was just a motorbike tour, but we made quite a few stops as well. First we stopped in a small village where a local 80 year old woman demonstrated how to use all the farming tools Vietnamese people use. We also walked over a beautiful bridge here. We then stopped in a foresty area for a scenic view, and then at a small shop to have a demonstration of how incense is made. Next we stopped at an abandoned arena that used to be where tigers and elephants would fight for entertainment, yuck. And our final stop was at a beautiful pagoda. Heaps of Chinese tourists wanted their photo with us here, and Quinny explained it's because the only time they see westerners is on tv so when they see us in real life they want photos. The inside of the pagoda was beautiful though, and a young monk was playing chimes inside.
Tonight we went out for dinner, and now some of them have gone to a bar. But I got three hours sleep last night, so Laura and I are having a pretty chill night. I bought Laughing Cow cheese and Rittersport chocolate from the minimart, think I'll just munch on some of those, read then sleep.
By the way, healthwise we all seem to be doing really well at the moment (touch wood). My tummy has been fine, Emma and Nathan got some antibiotics and their sickness has cleared up, as has Nina's. Let's hope it stays that way!!!!
There may possibly be no blog tomorrow as at 2.30pm we begin our 18 hour journey to Halong Bay via sleeper train to Hanoi and then 4 hour bus to Halong Bay. If there is wifi on the train I will post, but I don't know if there will be. Check back in case!!! Otherwise I'll post on 2/2.
Love to all
Claire and Laura
Xoxox
