Hello,

HANOI-

My flight to Vietnam was pretty touble free. They boarded early and I was there on time and excited to meet Jackie. One thing I have found bizarre whilst travelling is that a lot of people think I am Australian, even some English and Ozzie's assumed I was. Apparently I have a twang in my accent that makes me sound a bit ozzie, I think it's a bit weird as when I hear Ozzies speak I can hear a clear difference but oh well, keeps me entertained and on my toes.

I arrived in Hanoi, customs was a breeze and when I got ouside everyone was in their big winter coats all wrapped up. I must say I felt slightly out of place in my vest top and leggings but wasn't feeling the cold yet. I like to think of it as the Cambodian sunshine was still keeping me warm, trapped in my skin. When I arrived I could see Jackie through the window of the hostel and was so happy to see her. She has had her cut and dyed a nice deep browny red colour, it looks lovely. As it was pretty late we spent the night having a cup of tea and having a cacth up. I am back drinking the Lipton tea like in China but you get used to it, I also have a secret stash of PG tips in my bag (a christmas present from Josh). The room was nice but freezing, it had air con but no heating so the room felt quite cold and damp. I slept with quite a few layers on that night in preparation for tomorrow where Jackie had told me she had been really cold. Apparently it's because of the humidity it feels colder, like a damp flannel hitting you in the face. The following morning I prepared for this my wearing every winter item I had- which wasn't a lot but I ended up with leggings, trousers. t-shirt, thin hoodie, cardigan and my water proof jacket on in at attempt to keep warm. It turns out that it was actually a little bit warmer that day and I really didn't need all those layers on after all lol, oh well.

That day we spent doing some serious walking all over Hanoi, over to the French Quarter, saw the History Pogoda, and generally wandering up and down the streets of Hanoi to see what it was like. There are a lot of bikes and cars on the roads, when you want to cross the road it might just be best to close your eyes and walk. It's a bit crazy, there are so many little hole in the wall cafes where all the locals eat. It was quite hard finding a normal cafe that did drinks and a roll or something. I don't really like rice and noodles for lunch and dinner but it was proving quite tricky here. We walked around for ages and the ones we did find where so expensive, we by accidently had wandered into the posh area with all the designer shops. We gave up and got some chips at KFC and then walked back to our hostel. We must have been walking around a good 5/6 hours but it was a great way to see the city. When we got back we were told to go the bakery as they are brilliant so off we went to get ourselves a cake and some bread for our night bus to Hue. We decided to not stay long in Hanoi due to the weather and that there wasn't a lot to do here and there were many more places we wanted to see down south. My day in Hanoi was fun and a lot of walking but I wasn't amazed by it, its very different to other cities I have been to in Asia and I liked that but I was keen to see as much of Vietnam as I could with Jackie.

That night was the first time Jackie had got a night bus but it was ok because it was a proper sleeper bus with those mini beds you get. We were at back of the bus and it felt a little like a rollercoaster at points when we hit bumps in the road we were literally flying out of our beds but it was fun and we both got some sleep.

HUE

We arrived in Hue to more rain but quickly found a place to stay got lunch and headed out for the day. We mainly spent out time wandering around the Imperial City (Citadel). It was very impressive to imagine what it would be like when it was in it's formal glory. Sadly lots of it have been ruined by the wars but some remain in tact. It was great to have another walking day as we both felt we covered a lot of ground but it was wet which spoilt seeing it in it the rain but oh well you just have to get on with it. We went to a really good Indian that night for dinner but Jackie asked for her curry spicy and that somehow ended up with everything being spicy. It was safe to say my mouth was on fire by the end of it but it was a really good meal and we ended up going for a beer to cool our mouths down. We seemed to be staying in the right spot in Hue as it was full of backpackers and great places to eat. It was a long day but good to see as much as we could before heading off again tomorrow. There isn't too much to see here so there isn't any point in staying. Plus Jackie wants some sun so we need to get a lot further south. The cold wind blows from China making North Vietnam very cold which is bizarre considering its so close to Cambodia and Laos where it is hot.

HOI AN

Ok so I loved Hoi An we had a great time there despite the weather. Finding a room was a little bit hectic as it was trying to find a room that Jackie liked and I could afford. We did it though, it took a while but we found somewhere. We arrived by lunch time, got lunch and then spent time checking out the area. This is the place to get clothes made and I definately wanted something made I just had no clue what. Jackie wanted a suit for work so we spent sometime wandering round the markets and shops seeing what there was and how much things were. Its cheap but not as cheap as you would expect. Its so hard to decide what you want, I really wanted to get an eveing dress made but had no idea so didn't get one. The buildings here are beautiful, very French. With big shutters on the windows and peeling paint on some of the older buildings. It is such a pretty place to wander down there little steets or walk by the river. It's very different to Hue and Hanoi, it's more relaxed and people are just wandering around and having a coffee at the cafe's lining the streets. We both immediately liked it and knew we were going to have a lovely time here. Like I said the building were so pretty and very country like it was lovely. We ended up going to a cafe- big mistake. The cakes were amazing and I could see us coming back here for me. They looked stunning with beautfil chocolate swirls or fruit slices on them. Yum Yum Yum I think is the best way to describe it, the cafes are always full as well so you know it's a popular choice. It just has a great vibe sat there eating your cake, having a cuppa and soaking up the atmosphere. There isn't a lot to do here excpet get clothes made and eat- brilliant times lie ahead for us!!.

That night we went to a great local restaurant where we had spring rolls that you rolled your self. Now these were special spring rolls and I have never seen anything like them. You have your thin sheets and almost a pancake shaped thing full of veg plus your usual spring rolls items. It was really fun and we got told how to do it properly by the locals. I am being so good with trying new foods, as most people know I can be a bit of a wuss but am really pleased with myself that I try new things. That night we also found HP1 on TV and sat in bed watching it.It was really funny as I haven't really watched TV at all since I have been away and here I am watching Harry Potter in Vietnam. The next day we were up early to do some shopping it was back to the bakery to grab somethng and off we went. The previous night I had spied somewhere that did really pretty sundresses and decided I wanted one. So I ended up getting a dress and a playsuit being made for me. It's really hard to choose the material and style you want, then they measure you everywhere so it fits properly. It's very fun and very addictive. While Jackie was looking at other things she wanted being made I flicked through one of their magazines and found another style of playsuit I wanted this time I wanted it in a teal green satin. It will look smart if I dress it up, like I said it's addictive. Feeling rather pleased with ourselves we continued to shop and I ended up with two gorgeous scarves. Ot Oh. Then shock horror it was back to the bakery for cake and tea, I told yoy this place would be a nightmare. It was such a fun day though walking and picking out clothes that were being made for you. We had to go back that night to try them on and check the tailoring. I loved mine and it was really exciting to see what they had done and sooooo quickly. As Jackie had got a suit made she also got a satin shirt and a summer dress made. It was really hard not to buy more and they make them sooo quickly. We only ordered it all at about 11-12 and here we were a few hours later trying it all on. It's very clever. We had both had a bit of a craving for wine but there isn't any decent wine and if you find it's expensive. So that night was a quiet one with dinner and HP2 which was on TV. HaHa!!

So on our last day here I awoke to find Jackie gone to try on her final fitting for her suit. She was gone ages and when she arrived back she bought lamps, more scraves etc etc very funny to see her coming through the door with all that. Oh and she got me a roll for being so long! So I had wanted to get one more thing made and when Jackie and I went back to try on a playsuit she had ordered when she saw mine I got another dress made. I can't help it! We then continued to shop where I got 2 pairs of cut off trousers the traveller style. Which is a bit baggy and comfy- you see a lot of backpackers in them. This spending was getting dangerous, I went back a few hours later to pick up all our stuff. It wasn't quite ready but we had told them an earlier time so we had enough time to get back and pack before getting our night bus to Nha Trang. We have had a great few days here, it has been so lovely to relax, shop and eat. I feel like I should tell you what we both got as it was a bit ridiculous. I got 2 dresses, 2 pairs of trousers, 2 scarves, and 2 playsuits. Jackie got a suit with trousers and skirts, 2 satin shirts,1 playsuit, 1 dress, 3 lamps, 6 scarves (some where presents), and 1 pair of trousers. It was safe to say I was a little worried about eating for the next few days and I had spent well over budget but it was worth it. I wanted to get clothes made in Vietnam and I did. Each of my dresses etc was about 10 pounds so it wasn't too bad. Hoi An has been my favourite place so far- we had the best time.

Then it was time for a bus ride to Nha Trang where I had secretly arranged to meet Laura and Lauren again. It is meant to be a suprise for Jackie and she had no idea, tee hee. That night bus was the same as all before it, a bit of sleep, the lights off ridicuously early so all you do is lie there and listen to music. Random music blaring at you in the morning- it's all very bizarre. Saldy we got stuck in a jam and our 12 journey took just over 16. We were shattered and losing valuable day time to explore.

NHA TRANG

So Nha Trang, finally it was warmer- Yippie! That day was spent chilling on the beach. The waves were incredible I have never seen them so high and crashing down all over the place. We saw a windsufer and he was literally being pulled out of the air and flying because it was so windy. We were lucky again as we were staying in the heart of the back packer spot so again food and drink was readily there. We didn't do a lot in the day as there isn't a lot to do. That night we were meant to meet with L and L but their bus had been delayed and they didn't arrive on time. I think Jackie thought I was a bit weird constantly checking my facebook page to see if Laura had sent me anything. After dinnerthink she was starting to get a bit annoyed with me having to keep popping back. However it was worth it because the girls eventually got here and toldme where they were staying. Due to us leaving for Dalat tomorrow I told Jackie that we could go meet them and she was very excited. We couldn't suprise her because I had to tell her where we were going as all the bars were the other way but she was very happy. When I found their hotel the receptionist had no idea they were there. He was sure they weren't and it took a while for him to realise. Jackie thought I had the wrong hotel but I even showed him the facebook message and a picture of them and still he didn't have a clue. The funny thing was they only checked in an hour ago and apparently he had been in their room 10 min earlier fixing their TV. It was amusing but I was right and eventually we found them. They were both shatterted but decided as we only had one night together to get up and come out with us. We went to one of the big spots there and it was such a funny night, random people would just come up to us and start talking. Some were very drunk and made no sense, it was a very funny and bizarre night. It was so lovely to see them and we got to swap stories of Vietnam. They have been doing south to north and us the opposite way so it was good to see what they thought. We started in the why not bar and met this guy who had I love TUL stickers, this means I love the unemployed Life- kinda amusing and we ended up with stickers on us. This guy works 3 months of the year before travelling the other 9! The night continued onto a bar on the beach called the sailor bar, very fun night out with the girls, it was a bit like being at home.

The next morning we had breakfast with the girls before saying goodbye and getting on a bus to Dalat. Dalat is meant to be very different to anywhere else in Vietnam and we are excited to go there. Nha Trang was just a beach spot and the weather was warm but not warm enough to convince us to stay longer.

So onwards and southwards towards the sunshine.

xxx