Nilufer:

Sorry (mums and dads) for the lack of blogging over the last week, we didn't write because, honestly, we didn't have much to report! We took it really easy in Hanoi, no rushing about. In fact, we did the thing that backpackers aren't supposed to do... we had a western day where we went to an amazing, air-conditioned, super fancy cinema multiplex and finally watched Avatar 3-D, we ate popcorn, drank coke and for a split second missed home! It was an awesome movie, all those who are even more behind on the times than we are should check out this film. I'm going to let Tom talk about our cultural day trip to Halong Bay which was very beautiful, if a little spoilt by millions of tourists and the mist, but the grotto, complete with fairy breast (yep you read that correctly- that wasn't a typo!), was a real highlight. We're in Bangkok now, just hanging out here a couple of days before we set off for Bali... wooo hooo

Lots of besos xxxx

p.s. Tom's shaved his beard off, despite my protesting! He has a white frame around his face, which proves we're no longer pasty! heheh

Tom:

I don't feel bad about watching Avatar. 'Twas a fun movie and we couldn't resist the draw of a westernised tradition for one moment of cultural weakness. However, we made up for it by having our very own Top Gear moment at Halong Bay, without the race from Saigon of course, and without rafting any crazy bikes anywhere stupid. With over 1000 little islets this was cool, although the weather in Northern Vietnam sucks almost as much as British tourists who can think of nothing better to talk about than how Man City are fairing in the Premiership. I still recommend it though, because if you can organize it yourself, the scenery and the caves are beautiful. Oh, and I wasn't sick on the boat - the first time that's happended since 1992. Anyway today we flew between Hanoi and Bangkok and are now ready for something new. Indonesia, although still technically South East Asia, promises a few treats of its own so we're getting itchy feet here on the mainland! Speak soon. TY

p.s. And I quote: "I don't like your face". Nilufer Bulut post-shave (5th March, 2010).