Have just got back from a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Amazing how people survived the American onslaught. Had a meal in the local market last night. I passed on the fried frog with noodles AND THE BOILED PIGS STOMACH AND ROASTED TROTTERS but I watched Noody (our guide) create her own meal on the table in front of her on a paraffin wax burner while someone else cooked beef on a tile. Very atmospheric. Have just called into the fresh beer joint next to the hotel. ...

WE HAVE HAD 3 GLORIOUS DAYS IN HOI AN. THERE HAVE BEEN A COUPLE OF FIRSTS, DAVID HAS A MAN BAG (I NEVER THOUGHT I'D SEE THIS DAY!) ALTHOUGH NOW HE'S USING IT HE CAN'T FIND ANYTHING IT ITS MANY COMPARTMENTS AND HE HAS ALSO DECIDED IT WILL BE KNOWN AS HIS CAMERA BAG, WATCH THIS SPACE I'LL TRY AND GET A PHOTO. THE OTHER FIRST WAS A BICYCLE RIDE AROUND THE COUNTRYSIDE, WE VISITED PADDI FIELDS, FARMS AND WATCHED THE FISHERMAN FISH WITH THE HELP OF A WATER BUFFALO. THE...

Headed for Hoi An today via the Hai Van pass. Very twisty and busy with a lot of suicide driving. Views were spoiled by mist but had an interesting stop overlooking DaNang. Machine gun posts etc. Once in Hoi An Ruth was in shopping mode having dresses and tops made as well as picking up some golf tops. I am having a pair of shoes made - pick up tomorrow! Hoi An is a WORLD heritage town and very beautiful with lots to see. And did I mention shops...... Here for th...

I THINK I WAS ONE OF A HANDFUL WHO ACTUALLY ENJOYED THE SLEEPER FROM HANOI TO HUE. THIS PLACE IS QUIETER THAN HANOI (I CAN'T THINK OF MANY PLACES THAT WOULD BE NOISIER). WE WENT GO THE CITADEL TODAY AND A TRANQUIL GARDEN WHERE THE BUDDHIST MONKS LIVE. THIS AFTERNOON WE OPTED OUT OF THE TOUR PREFERRING A BATH, LUNCH (WESTERN!) AND A FANTASTIC MASSAGE, SO WE'RE READY FOR THIS EVENING WHICH FINISHES WITH A DANCE (WESTERN STYLE) SO I'M JUST ABOUT READY TO BOOGIE! TOM...

WE ARE FINALLY CRUISING THROUGH/IN/AROUND HA LONG BAY. IT WAS TOUCH AND GO AS TO WHETHER WE WIULD SAIL AS IT WAS REPORTEDLY TOO WINDY AND THE BOAT MAY HAVE CAPSIZED, HOWEVER IT IS CALM AND WE MADE IT. THE VIEWS ARE PHENOMENAL. WE HAVE JUST FINISHED LUNCH AND IN ABOUT 30 MINS WE'LL BE STOPPING FOR A CAVE TRIP. DAVID IS TRYING TO DO THE WHOLE TOP GEAR THING IN 30 MINS. I AM DISCOVERING THAT SILK CAN BE BOTH WARMING AS WELL AS COOLING. IT'S STILL A BIT CHILLY BUT TH...