Good evening from Hanoi!

As I lie in bed it is the first time ever I have nearly forgotten to write in my blog! It's been such a busy day I just didn't have time to write anything down!

When I woke up this morning I had a lovely comment on my blog from a Mr Ben Dover. A man who appears to have a very unfortunate name to go with his attitude and outlook on life. I urge Mr Dover, who ever it may be, to spend their time doing something they enjoy just as much as I enjoy doing what I have written in my blog. Your comment was appreciated but simply wasn't necessary. Thanks.

After a great breakfast we joined the hostel walking tour. Everything is really well organised in Vietnam Backpacker Hostels (VBM) as they are a really big company. They offer lots and allow you to have a great time!

The walking tour took us to some of the key places in the old town but after a while Martin, Celia and I decided to leave the tour and visit the Hoa Lo Prison. This was to be my first visit to a place connected to the many wars in Vietnam and I was intrigued to learn more about this countries horrendous and sad history.

The prison, formally the most secure prison in Indo-China, wasn't as I expected. It was in the middle of the city and looked like a big house. Once inside though is definitely wasn't a big house. Room after room was lined with benches with leg shackles still attached to them. Statues and images were a dark reminder of horror the black painted walls had witnessed!

The most horrific part of the prison was the room with the guillotine in it! A 30 foot high pole with a blade raised to the top above a bench and a basket! It was weird to be looking at something so brutal!

After reading all of the information on my visit to the prison I cannot get my head around how in the 1930's the Vietnamese suffered so badly at the hands of the French but then in the 70's they 'looked after' and eventually returned the many US soldiers captured. I found it remarkable that Senetor John McCain (nominee for the US Presidency in 2008) was actually arrested and served time in the prison after his US plane was shot down!

I'm actually looking forward to learning a lot more about the Vietnam War as I continue my journey.

For lunch we wanted to go western to avoid upset stomachs before 3 days on an island. We had a great lunch overlooking the West Lake of Hanoi. After lunch we hitched a ride back to the hostel in the back of a tuc tuc truck! We held on for dear life but it was lots of fun!!

We then had a rest before Celia and I left Martin, who wasn't feeling great, and went to watch the famous Hanoi puppet show! This was one of those things that you go to because you should but that you won't go to again! I actually really enjoyed watching people play the musical instruments from this part of the world and bits of the puppet show were funny.

It was then time to pack a small bag ready to take to the Castaway Island tomorrow, have some dinner and then get some sleep. Martin and I enjoyed a nice pizza downstairs in the hostel before deciding to take it easy. I enjoyed uploading some pictures to Facebook and catching up with my girl :) She is off to Bordeaux tomorrow to meet up with her Mum for a week with the rest of her family! I'm so exited for her and I know she will have a fantastic time! Part of me wishes I could be meeting them all for the first time too! :)

Tomorrow we head to Castaway Island at Halong Bay, leaving at 7am. It promises to be a great few days with lots of fun in a beautiful place! People that have been and come back say it is incredible and that it was a great few days.

I will be without wifi for the 3 days/2 nights so I will be in touch soon!

Night all X