Good morning from Vietnam!

Left Bangkok yesterday and made my way to Saigon to start a tour through Vietnam and Cambodia. Got taxi to the airport which was driven by a man of 162. He was very sweet and warned me away from tuk tuks and walking alone at night but kept leaning behind to show me pictures of the King as he drove down busy streets. Seemed very bitter about the Chinese comunity of Thailand, kept pointing out every Chinese building or car and telling me how there were too many of them. He seemed to enjoy the chance to practice his English and probably wasn't interested in my witty repartoire of "yes" and "okay."

The new airport is immense. About three times the size of Heathrow with every shop you could imagine. Definitely marketed towards the wealthy, there was a variety of designers available like Armarni, but felt it would be treacherous to go inside wearing my butch hiking boots. Also found a Whittards so felt at home. It is a shame that Asia has become so Westernised in places, but I had a great cup of Earl Gray so all was forgiven. Lovely short journey to Saigon, tainted slightly by the woman sat behind me who phlegmed all the way there.

Arrived in the evening and had a transfer to my hotel. Saigon was mainly lit up my fairy lights and gave it a warm, city glow but I have never seen traffic like it. It seems everyone here own a motorcycle. Seriously, in the two days I've been here I've seen at least ten thousand. And their rules of the road are very simple - they don't exist. Every lane can be used for traffic coming in both directions, and as many vehicles can go in a lane, even straddle two if they prefer. You only have to stop at a red traffic light if you fancy it, and if you prefer, you can mount the kerb and drive along the pavement. It's insane, I've never seen so much traffic in my life and you can just hear horns blaring every second of the day. No one stops at pedestrian crossings either so you just have to walk across and dodge the onslaughter of traffic, so I kept trying to follow locals along like their shadow.

After a long sleep, I went to the Emperor of the Jade Pagoda, The War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace today. The War Remnants Museum has a collection of photographs and exhibitions from the Vietnam war and was a really harrowing visit. There were just so many pictures of mothers and children lying dead at the roadside or pictures of napalm or Agent Orange victims. I just really can't understand how people can do this to one another. I know the idea that governments are able to solve their problems at a conference table is a naive and wishful dream, but I cannot comprehend how people can force such pain and suffering on others. A lot of negative or ignorant quotes from the US government regarding the situation in Vietnam were displayed around the wall and I think it was quite clear that the Vietnamese will never forgive America for this period in their history.

Had a lovely little man called Nua take me to the Reunification Palace. He had the energy of a teenager but absolutely no teeth whatsoever. The Palace was very beautiful, a great display of Vietnamese architecture and design. Some of the paintimgs and muruals were unbelievable, it was a suitably opulent palace. Although one with a cinema and gambling room, so they're keeping in touch with recent times.

Back at the hotel now and absolutely exhausted from six hours walking in the sun. Got our first group meeting soon and then we'll grab some dinner before getting up early and making our way to Phnom Penh. Feels like I've been away far longer than four days, god knows how long it'll feel when I get back.

Anyway, have to go take a much-needed shower. Love to all.

xxxxxxx