Seem to seek out the oddest Internet ''Cafe's'' while over here, our current residence (a corridor, one metre wide, tiled, possible somebody's hallway?!) being no exception. No cockroach sitings to report just yet. Or indeed no sound of a trapped cat (query being strangulated) to distract us away from the task in hand, (as Dom and I were delighted to endure, in a shady, Hotmail seeking encounter down a dark alley in Hue...) 

Rocked up in Hanoi this morning after another bumpy night on the Reunification Express. Taking two prescription drugs knocked me out for the night, so fell gently asleep to the sound of the Stone Roses. Nige, on the other hand, was overwhelmed by the sugar in his beer, had to climb from his bunk for three mid-slumber wees and reported only twenty minutes of sleepy time. Lisa had a similarly disconcerting experience, worrying she may have caught Conjunctivitus (no pus to report as yet). Dom slept (a given,)though much to the distress of us all, was unable to find his white, shiney, satin sleeping shorts this morning (from now on, he will be wearing the blue Speedos.)

Tired, tired, tired. Made it to the hotel just before six but no rooms free... So. Watched some locals (literally droves, of all ages) doing Tai Chi to 'Hot Stuff' (as made famous by The Full Monty) and Ace of Base (a truly surreal moment) before seeking out the obligatory breakfast of bread and jam (much more expensive in the capital city.) Dragged ourselves through walking tour, and now feel we can tick off the city's cultural delights (the corpse of Ho Chi Minh (yellow), his Stilt House (lavish,) One Pillar Pagoda (wonky), Temple of Literature (not a book in sight)...)

Water Puppet performance this evening (in first class seats no less...) No idea what to expect, though imagine it should be wet. Dinner before then, though slight dodgy tummy that seems to afflict us all means it may be a plain food night (again...) Or may just eat Mars Bar regardless and dash the consequences.

'Vani So-Cola' can be purchased in Hanoi. Relief. Could have been a cold turkey moment!

Halong Bay tomorrow-going to be epic-especially if we make it out in Kayaks...

Love as always. Starting to miss you all, but will be home before long...

Kisses xxxx