I'm currently sitting at one of my hotel's two computers, waiting for my turn to take a shower. We had to check out by noon, so we checked out at 8am this morning before we went on a half day boat tour. Like most good hotels and guesthouses, they watch your bags for you. We came back sweaty and tired and are each paying $1 to take a shower in one of the rooms here on the first floor. I'm up soon, so I can't blog for long or post pictures. We hop on the overnight bus to Hanoi in about an hour.
We're in Hue (huay), a nice city with a wide river dividing it. There is an old walled city, but most of it was destroyed by the French in 1947. Way to go, France. However, America also traded a few bombs with the VC here, so the French aren't the only ones to blame. There is a major restoration effort going on, so it will probably be a lot more impressive a few years from now.
I bought a red t-shirt with a yellow star in the middle--the Vietnamese flag--but I worry I'll get labeled a Communist sympathizer and possibly blacklisted in the entertainment industry. It was only $1.75, and she gave me an XL which is actually too small, so I think I'll throw it away. I'm going to hunt for an army green shirt with a red star...same idea but less Commy-looking I think.
Unfortunately, we won't have much time in Hanoi, maybe a day. Halong Bay, a few hours east of Hanoi, is supposed to be amazing, with striking rock formations rising out of beautiful turquoise water. We'll probably arrive in Hanoi the morning of the 8th, stay there one day, and then head to Halong Bay for the 9th and 10th, returning to Hanoi the evening of the 10th. I fly to Bangkok the afternoon of the 11th, and then fly home at 7am the next day, July 12th. We have felt fairly rushed in Vietnam, and didn't get to really delve in I feel. We've gotten a taste of several cities, but we could have easily used another week.
For instance, we just met a few Scottish girls who are taking a 5 day motorbike tour a little further south. It sounds really fun and much more "off the beaten path" of the tourist buses we're taking.
I also wish we had time to see the De-Militarized Zone (DMZ). That's where the bloodiest battles of the war took place, and there are still many dangerous live rounds and white phosphorous bombs around. There are some abandoned military bases, too. Oh well, guess we'll have to swing back down through Vietnam after our vacation to China in the next few years, right Dad?
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5 comments:
Anyone who disagrees with the Lonely Planet is totally wrong, and fat and stupid.
Hi Kev! Good to hear from you! Hey, getting on edge with a travel partner is STANDARD. I have had similar experiences with Bob and Dennis...it just happens...we had different styles that grew a bit tiresome(!). AFter a week or two at home we were good again. But some frank talk helped, and on one occasion Bob said "you buy it, your carrying it..." Remember those two heavy wool blankets from souther Chile? I got NO help, not matter what. But time is short, only a few days and you will be home...try to enjoy the last few days, maybe take turns with the hotel choices, etc. HAVE FUN and BE SAFE and we will look forward to talking on the 12th or 13th!!! OXOX Dad
gads, sorry for the lousy typing job on the last blog! It is 5oo early in the day and I am in a hurry to write a speech for the Park opening this morning! OXOX
dad
Hey!
Hang in there. Totally agree with dad that it's inevitable that your travel partners drive you nuts after such a long period of time. I've had trips where, when you arrive home at the airport, you barely say "bye. good trip." to the other person before parting ways! It's a lot of strain to spend 24/7 with the same person, having to make 100 decisions per day about which you naturally won't agree, and dealing with semi-stressful situations. But I think it's fine for you to put your foot down re: being the sherpa; after all, he's carrying on after you leave, so he needs to carry all that crap later anyway! Better to clear the air a little since you have a week left.
Safe travels! XOXO BB
I've been reading Aaron's Blog "Wowee Zowee Am I Really in Asia??" and he's saying sh*t about you.
Just kidding.
But I do wish he had a viral blog, that'd be interesting.
As annoying as it is, it does make sense between the long trips, sweaty days, walking, walking and walking and being with another dude more than anyone should ever be with another dude that the two of you are a little annoyed. Probably would be weird if you weren't.
Chin up! Get your t-shirt and smile.
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