Hotel in Cat Ba has a fantastic panoramic view of the harbour and just round the corner from a fab little beach. However it also had the worst breakfast so far. As normal there was a buffet with the choice of Western or Eastern. We always go East - noodles or soup are admittedly a strange breakfast but miles better than a Vietnamese attempt at a fry up. This time even the vietnamese was dire as the buffet was all cold noodles which are gross. We ate some and af...

It's raining again. Well not true as it's the first time it's rained. Not bad for rainy season. We've put the weather to good use. David has been quizzing the receptionist Emily on how to get to Cat Ba Island and Yvonne focused on reducing the jet lag (went back to bed for a snooze). Had a walk in old town. Strolled around Hoan Kiem lake and the streets of old town today. Well I say strolled, around old town its dodge the mopeds but thats part of the adventure....

Uncle Ho Closed We were told by the hotel that Uncle Ho Chi Minh was away in Moscow having his preserving fluids topped up but we went anyway to see the gardens and found every where shut for a long lunch. Found a rusting B52 bomber and some missiles instead and took refuge from the heat in the best bar so far called Bar Betta. It is 3pm local time Yvonne is looking at culture in the fine arts museum, I am looking at roasted peanuts and two for one pints in Bar...

"We are not in Kansas any more Toto" Landed in Hanoi about 12:30 and after a chaotic visa on arrival process got a taxi to the hotel. First rule on the roads in Vietnam is you must never stop, never!! Second rule mopeds can drive on any side of the road. The third is when you do come to traffic lights which are red you MUST proceed with some caution and that's just about it. This rule is optional; see rule two. Also golf carts are a perfectly acceptable mode of...