We are now back down by the ocean after leaving Dalat yesterday morning. Dalat was at an elevation of about 1500m so was a little bit cooler and on our drive down the mountain, there was lots of fog and drizzle. However, it was beautiful scenery and reminded me of Uganda. We stopped and looked at a waterfall by the side of the road but I didn't stay out too long, bit too chilly. The road was a little treacherous, in some places the side of the road had slipped down the mountain. Our driver is great though. We've finally figured out the road rules, honk your horns at the motorbikes to tell them to stay to the right and take over whenever you like except if there are big trucks or buses on the other side of the road. Even if there are motorbikes or cars coming your way it is OK to overtake because they will just move over to the edge of the road and keep driving. It's best not to look sometimes.

We arrived in Nha Trang and after lunch (where I had a Sweet and Sour Chicken dish served in a pineapple) stopped at this beautiful temple Po Nagar Cham Towers which were built around the 7th century. It is on top of this little hill and just beautiful. It also looks over the harbour which looks so colourful with the red and blue boats. The brick work of the temple has survived all these years. I've also realised that the Vietnamese love their Bonsai, it's everywhere. We moved onto our hotel and although it was on the beachfront, we didn't even have a window in our room. We also discovered that Nha Trang is a tourist haven for Russians. Who would have thought. They outnumber the english speaking tourists in spades.

9 of our group headed to the Mud Bath and Mineral Springs. What a relaxing way to spend 2 hours although I could have spent all day there. We started off in our own private mud pool which they fill with fresh mud when you arrive. We had a great time splashing each other and making sure we were suitably covered before having a hot shower to try and wash it off, none too successfully in some parts. We then had a private hot tub for a little while before moving into the swimming pool which is about 40 degrees. Perfection. There was a cooler pool at 26 degrees for when you needed to cool down. I literally jumped in, cooled down and headed back to the hot pool. I can swim in a cold pool anytime. All too soon it was time to leave and head back to get ready for dinner. Had a lovely group dinner by the ocean while we listened to a local band play. I don't think I would pay to hear them.

This morning I woke up early again so this time instead of staying in bed and listening to all the noise out in the hallway I headed down to the beach and went for a lovely morning walk. Pity I can't start all mornings like that.

Today we had our boat trip out to the bay. Our boat took us over to one of the islands where a local guide walked us through the town pointing out things and chatting. Unfortunately I was so involved in watching the kids or the locals at work and taking photos that I didn't hear alot of what he said. Everyone was so friendly. We saw people making fishing nets, at the local markets and just hanging out at home. When we reached the other side of the island we had to jump in a traditional bamboo boat paddled by a local to get to our big boat. Toni, Ruzina and I got in the first boat. Our boat was the only one with 3 in it. The others were all 2 or even one for some of the bigger blokes. Toni and I laughed that it was like a compliment that they thought we were 'smaller'!!

Our boat was docked next to a fish farm where they were farming squid, mackeral and lobsters. We then headed to a bay where we got to go swimming. It wasn't the best weather, pretty grey and overcast and choppy but the water was lovely. Stayed in for ages before we had to get out for lunch. Also on the boat was a lady who did manicures, pedicures, threading and massage. What an afternoon. After lunch, Toni and I decided to go for another swim and do 5 laps around the boat. It was hard work, pretty choppy and kept getting mouthfuls of salt water but we managed.

Afterwards, on our way back to the mainland I had a manicure done and a back massage, for the grand price of about $10. Was a better massage than the one I had in Dalat by miles.

After a warmish shower, somehow we had lost hot water in our room, Toni, Paul and I went for a walk around town looking for our Kris Kringle gift. Our limit is 100,000 Dong (about $5). Wandered through the markets and we were all sucessful so we headed to a bar and had a drink while playing cards.

Then headed out for dinner, ended up at the Sailing Club on the waterfront. I stuck to my goal and had Vietnamese Pancakes while the other two had Indian and a Lamb burger. Multicultural meal all around. I also had a jar (literally) of Sangria although it wasn't sweet enough for me.

We finished off the night by playing some pool before I headed home. This getting up early crap is taking it out of me. Off to another town tomorrow.