Well, we're in Vietnam, in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).We arrived late, but found a place to stay pretty quickly.We knew it would be a little more expensive here for accommodation, but hoped to find something cheap still.The first place we tried had a room for $18.Now this is only about 12.00GBP, but we have been used to paying less recently, so I said did they have anything cheaper, before finding out what was included.The owner said he could give me some discount so we could have it for $16 a night.Then we found that the room had AC, TV, fridge and breakfast and internet were included free!So we got a pretty good deal really.

We went out for dinner and drinks on the first night with Tammini, who we had met on the bus, and found that food and drink was quite reasonable.The currency in Dong here, but you can US dollars too.However they use there own currency more, unlike Cambodia.This is all well and good, but there are 19,000 Dong to 1 Dollar!So about 28,000 Dong to the pound.This can get very confusing, particularly at cash machines, as I found out when I withdrew $20 instead of $200, then had to go back again and pay the charges again!

Yesterday we went to Ben Thanh Market, which was great, but the sellers hassle you way too much, so all we bought was shampoo!We then walked to the Reunification Palace.This was excellent and only 15,000 Dong each to get in!(I'll let you work that out).It is unlike other palaces that we have been to, as it is in 70's décor and furniture, and has more corporate and business rooms, as well as a heliport on the roof!This is where the tank burst through the gates on 30th April 1975 to reunite the north and south of Vietnam and overthrow the south Vietnamese President.Next we went to the War Remnants Museum which again was great, but quite graphic about the injuries and deaths caused by the US troops.They also had an exhibition about torture, which was a little disturbing.Again this was only 15,000 Dong to enter.Graham has taken loads of pictures of these places, and will upload asap.

Today we went to the Cu Chi Tunnels.We took a bus trip, which took us to see Handicrafts by Handicapped on the way, and then to the tunnels.It's great to learn more about the history of this country and to be able to see the tunnels etc as they were.Graham managed to fit down one of the original tunnels and was the only one to volunteer to go through.There were bats down there and spiders too!We all then went in the bigger 'western' made tunnels, but only 4 of us went the whole 100 metres!There were also other exhibitions here about the traps they set up etc which was great to see.

So, we are leaving Saigon, but to return in a few days, as we like it so much.It's off to the Mekong Delta tomorrow morning after dinner and some drinks now!

Maggie x