Dear Diary, Well what can I say about Hanoi? Probably can sum it up in just the one word - mayhem!! It is both the most frightening & wonderful place. Went for a stroll around the old quater & absolutely loved the experience of trying to cross roads with hundreds of mopeds racing towards you in both directions. Went to a local market which was really vibrant & colourful - baskets of all the spices, vegatables you could imagine & some stranger i...

Dear diary (I've lost trackof how many days I'm intomy travelling & what the actual day is - just surviving by date only!!), Arrived in Vietnam (Hanoi) last night (25th) & was more than pleasantly surprised to find that my rucksack was there waiting for me in Lost & Found! Hostel is really nice & owner very helpful & friendly. Threw my stuff in my dorm & took the plunge & went to talk to a few people! Sharing dorm with 5 others (Cana...

Dear Diary, Well what a couple of days I've had! For those that were in the know, you will be aware that I should actually been in Vietnam by now, but you know me don't do anything easy!! At the time of writing this I am still in Bangkok (fly to Vietnam this afternoon). There was a problem with my visa to Vietnam which meant I had to spend 2 days in Thailand. That in itself wasn't so much of a problem, although I was not happy at the time. The best bit is that ...

Day 4 (Friday 19th) - Dear Diary, Best day weather wise so far, so took full advantage & on beach for 8 hours! Met some (older) couple, well the woman came up to me & noticed my 'birthmark' & offered to rub sun cream into my back, you know how it is!! Anyway got talking & would you adam & eve it, one of their sons only lives in Rayleigh (although they live in middle east)!!! Day 5 (Saturday 20th) - Dear Diary, Well if yesterday was the ...

Day 3 - Dear Diary, Didn't make the same mistake as yesterday & go for a run, stayed in bed instead & visualised the run..!! Not much to report today as just snoozed on beach (didn't lay on front, so back was protected, so no need to worry mum!!). Not really met anyone here yet, all loved up couples, families & Germans!! Lucky there are plenty of sun loungers to go round! Local wedding reception held at hotel which was very nice. Moment of the da...