Hi - We arrived safely in Hanoi, and its as crazy as Bangkok only less pollution! there are 5 million residents and 3 million of them own a motorbike - crazy just doesn't describe it - crossing the road is somewhat of an art! as is avoiding every street vendor/seller/mortorbike taxi, which there are millions  -anyhows - we took a 3 day boat trip out to Ha Long Bay which was cool - we swam did some kayaking, a bit of unplanned rock climbing on Monkey Island, yes Monkey Island, which was full of monkeys and they were vicious, they attacked two tourists whilst we were there - one of which was in our group - dont worry we stayed clear of them! awe also saw some amazing limestone caves a good time was had and the islands are beautiful. We are back in Hanoi now and are booked on the overnight bus 12 hours (i think) to Hue, we are going to take it easy down the coast stopping off places on route to Saigon. We will upload our photos when we next log on - just wanted to get this entry in before we hit the road. Nicky - Jakes insescent talking obviously comes from his mother, thanks for Jays birthday wish although as we have picked up this now its not a belated one, its his first one!.  If you can  send me a photo of Ben in his play, would love to see him. Yvonne great to hear from you, thought you had forgotten me...as if, i had some laughing cow for breakfast this morning, and as i ate it i thought fondly of you!  Glad the ski trip is coming up! you will no doubt have a wild time.