NHA TRANG: symbolic with R&R, used extensively by troops during Vietnam war for escape from the nightmares. It is a resort town- with a great long white beach on the sea front-clear water and very good beach service - manicure,pedicure, great food either at the restaurant or supplied by the little conical hatted women- who supply the most sublime seafood cooked over a fire in front of you. Winkles the size of shoes, succulent crabs, and other sea stuff there isn't an English name for. Dipped in salt and pepper and fresh lime my taste buds jumped up and down on a trampoline! It is v hot in mornings but by afternoon a cool breeze pops up- much appreciated. There was a kite surfer out there whizzing along-wish I was fit enough to do that. Am off diving tomorrow - very excited- will let you know the species I see- Am staying in a lovely guest house called PERFUME GRASS- where the owner plays excellent guitar and the staff could not be nicer. Have got a bike ride organised with the Easy Riders -a fun chapter of guys who ride old Russian or German bikes- novel hey?- Min or Mun or Moon is my drivers name - cute as cats and funny- so he is going to show me the Pagodas-Big white Buddha,Chams and mud pools on the weekend. There is so much to do -it will be hard to stay only a month in Nam.... Am off on boat trip on Friday for the day- picnic- islands and swimming-- am desperately trying to get brownish . CRAZY KIMS is the bar to hang out at- great cocktails and bar food . Kimmy is her name,of Vietnamese Canadian origin- who campaigns for children who have been abused by perverts Her worth campaign HANDS OFF THE KIDS- has become well supported here and world wide.Every morning they have English lessons for kids between 6-15 - so am hoping to get a slot. It is well subscribed by travellers who want to help- she is a star and against a hellish situation of Paedophilia- Part of the processes from food and drink are donated to this cause. Have just finished a book titled SEX SLAVES- by Louise Brown- a 2 day read- which will blow your mind - not in a good way - but a wide awareness way. Just read it and I reckon it will put everything in absolute persective. Suddenly chubby thighs,crows feet, blobby tummies and other such insecurities will seem miniscule compared to the grim stuff these girlies have to deal with. The great thing with travelling as well as the obvious thrill is that there are always interesting books being sold right in your face. Sure I love the romantic trash aswell- but there are so many good books that open those shiny things in the front of our heads. Well need to go and shower -rid my bod of sea salt and sand and then head out for a beer and dins- Take care and you know I love the lot of ya