We arrived in Hue after a luxury overnight train ride, we had soft sleepers this time, which meant we had actual mattresses, only four people per compartment and a western toilet. It was rather hot in Hue, so our first day we spent wandering round the city and trying to find somewhere for Pete to buy some t-shirts as he had run out of clean ones. After a successful shopping trip and chillout at the hotel, it was time for us to attend our Royal Banquet.

The restaurant is several buildings set around an oriental garden, when you arrive you are given royal robes and hats to put on, Pete and I missed out on being King and Queen, but were quite glad we did, because when we sat down they had a seperate table from us. While eating we had our own musicians play traditional songs, on traditional instruments. The food was amazing and there was plenty of it, so it was a brilliant night.

10th April

Up early this morning, as we met the rest of the group downstairs at 8.30. Today we went on our motorbike tour of Hue countryside. With 16 of us in convey it was bound to be fun. First we chose our driver, they were all wearing matching blue intrepid shirts so you knew they were trusted drivers. After getting our helmets fitted off we flew, darting through the city traffic and then diving down single track roads, running alongside the river and lush green fields. We passed beautifully coloured houses, turquoise, terrocotta, yellow and sky blue, although most were single storey, simple houses, the colours were so cheerful. Kids waved as we went passed and held out their hands for high fives, which we were more than happy to give.

Our first stop on the trip was at a local market, where we went into the agricultural museum and either a drunk or slightly mad 76 year old lady showed us how all the equipment worked, it was very interesting, if slightly bizarre. We also visited a shop where they made incense and the iconic conical hats, a tomb of an Emperor, a view of the perfume river and the mountains which back onto Laos, before stopping at a Nunnery for lunch. The food was vegetarian, but really tasty, they even had prawn crackers. Next was an old elephant and tiger fighting arena, followed by a dragon boat ride along the perfume river to a Pagoda. It was such a fun day and at one point on the open roads my driver got up some speed, unfortunately the speedo wasn't working, but I believe it must have been at least 30 mph if not 35!!!

It was a scorching hot day, so lots of sun cream was applied, I guess we will have to wait and see until tomorrow if we got burnt or not. Today has definitely been another highlight of the trip so far. Tomorrow we leave Hue and head to Hoi an, perhaps Pete might get a dashing suit made like Clarkson or Hamster when they came to Vietnam, who knows.

Thanks for all the messages, it is great to hear from everyone so please keep them coming.