6th October
Getting woken up at 8am for our Easy rider tour to Dalat was interesting as the previous night we had been out for my birthday. Lets just say by 2pm I couldn't remember getting up that morning....definitely still drunk! We were picked up by Bambo and his 'brother from another mother' to be taken to our next destination. With our bags strapped to the back of the motorbike we were away! By 12 my hangover had well and truly kicked in, but the fresh air and beautiful scenery was helping. As we climbed the 1500m up the mountain it started to get chilly and guess what....it started raining again! The drivers provided us with fetching water proof outfits (see photos!). We arrived in Dalat very cold, very wet and pretty miserable! Our hostel was the worst yet, dirty room, stained sheets and a bathroom that looked like there hadn't been anyone in it for at least 20 years!
7th October
Today the weather was much better which lifted our spirits. We explored Dalat on the bikes, visiting pagodas and temples that were truly breathtaking. The waterfall had a roller coaster to get you there which was a bit different! Next the gents took us to a place called 'the crazy house'. A hous built by a past presidents daughter who was clearly off her rocker. The house itself was amazing, something out of a Disney film. The Easy rider guys dropped us off so we could catch our bus to our next destination. Dalat has been great, however we are not used to this cold weather.....it's like being back in Nunny!!
6 hours later we arrive in Mui Ne. Today is the first time that we haven't booked a hostel in advance and I think Morgane is having palpitations! 6pm at night and the hostel that all our friends are in is fully booked.....great! We wander down the street with Rowan to another hostel and managed to get a cheap dorm room. We joined the guys for a curry and a beer, Mui Ne has a nice feel to it, looking forward to a beach day tomorrow.
8th October
Checked out of our dorm today and managed to get into Mui Ne backpackers. With its own pool and private beach we were happy with our choice. This is a beautiful place but the beaches are ruined with litter. Ash and Tom arrived today on their bikes with tails of their journey through the mountains. Ash nearly falling off a cliff as he couldn't see through the clouds was a scary thought! We celebrated with a few drinks and card games which of course turned into drinking games. A night in Pogo was in order where we ordered our 100,000 dong (3 quid) all you can drink rum and coke, after a few too many of those it was certainly time to go home.
9th October
Nursing hangovers (becoming a regular thing) we headed out on a day trip with the boys to the sand dunes. Before heading to the dunes, the American style jeep took us to an ostrich farm where we could ride ostriches....as you do! Once again Morgane got the naughty bird (much to my amusement!) who as soon as she sat on it bolted, where as me and my bird tottered around without a care in the world! The next stop was yet more waterfalls. We trekked through a river, which was fun for about 10 minutes as we were falling down holes left right and centre. When we reached the waterfalls we were greeted by a sight you don't see everyday....the shooting of a naked calendar by some Vietnamese guys! It was a change from watching the crashing water lets just say that. We arrived at the sand dunes and were stunned by the views. Stretches of beautiful sand where you could hire a slide to race down the hills. Due to the cloudy weather we were unable to watch the sun set which we were slightly gutted about, but headed home for a few beers to reflect on the day.