It was an interesting drive from Dalat to Nha Trang, back on the coast. We passed through fields of coffee, ripe artichokes and dragon fruit (which grow on cacti). The road then descended 5000' in a series of sharp switchbacks and impressive potholes that challenged all drivers.

Nha Trang is a city of around 400,000, which exists on tourism and fishing. The city has some interesting cultural features encompassing several religions, such as the large Buddha statue shown here. The large Catholic cathedral in the centre of the city is a legacy of the French colonial era. A large Cham structure from the 7th century now entwines both Hinduism and Buddism in hollow brick towers blackened by centuries of incense and containing splendidly costumed female dieties.

Last night we wandered down a small alley near our hotel and joined some local people eating in the street. After some wordless negotiations, we ended up with one of the best meals we have had here. Five young people then sat down beside us and began playing the guitar and singing. They eventually invited us to join them and we had a wonderful evening talking to them and learning about their lives. They insisted on buying us local delicacies such as quail's eggs and Vietnamese candy to try.

Today we went by boat to one of the 19 islands off Nha Trang visiting an aquarium, a fishing village and relaxing and swimming on a picture perfect beach.