Another great day - so far.

First I got a bike and just headed right - after going to the ATM. I found a pig and goat field beside what looks like a monastery that is being converted to a hotel. I had it to myself until the builders shooed me away.

I then needed coffee and found a lovely little restaurant with two very scared looking girls who had just hired a scooter and were not enjoying the experience. They had been told they had to fill it up at the petrol station - on the main road. The idea terrified them - I sent them to my home stay. Lys husband sorted them out. I saw them later still practicing on the quiet side roads, but looking much happier.

I then just followed my nose and found a wetland full of birds - one the brightest blue. Again I had it to myself - mind you the path was very bumpy.

It is raining so I am at my lovely home stay waiting until it stops so I can dash to the hotel where the coach will pick me up. Three reason they are lovely beside the ones already mentioned they let me use their shower after todays bike ride, they have given me water and pineapple for the journey and the beds are just right. Oh yes they only charged me for half a tank full of petrol, even though I had asked them to fill it. (I think it was because the girls paid for a full tank)

My entire cost for a room that could have held 3, breakfast (2 nights) bikes for 2 days, express laundry (including shoes) and a scooter with half a tank of petrol for 1 day - 30 pounds. I love Vietnam.

Not sure how but I am back in Hanoi in yet another hotel. I was waiting for my coach - in the rain - along with loads of other, all of whom slowly disappeared and a woman said has no one called for me - I said no. I showed her my receipt and she rang to check for me - she said they would ring back. 10 mins later she rang again, I haven’t a clue what was said but the next thing I knew I was in the front seat of a luxury mini-bus with a load of people from Hong Kong and their tour guide was sitting on the floor.