Sunday 17th July - Ho Chi Minh City
As soon as I steped out the door of the airport I could see this was a very different place; the commercialism hit. Fewer motorbikes and more 4 wheel drives. The desinger shops lining the streets really wasnt what I had expeteed.... but I guess I had arrived in Ho Chi Minh City. Out of Hanoi, Hoi An and Here its the only place that hasn't been the captial - yet everything that radiates would indicate it should be. I had been enjoying the peaceful french nature of Hoi An this came as a bit of a shock....

Shortly after settling into our new rooms we all walked into the city for some lunch. Had an amazing Vietnamese curry which was similar to a Thai curry but so very tasty! Really enjoyed it! And of course washed it down with a local beer. Out we pilled into Cyclos! Little chairs with a guy peddling behind you on his bike - yet another mode of transport! Straight off to the War Remnants Museum. I didn't really know what I was hedding into here, it was previoulsy named the War Crimes Museum and they had removed some of the 'disturbing' artifacts. Nevertheless it was still very heavy. It really did portray the horrific incidents and behavours that were conducted through the war, alot through a collection of photographs. There were even photos of babies that had been miscarried, showing their deformaties due to the chemicals that were dropped on the country. The group was silent by the time we hedded to look at the 'Tiger Cages'. 20 or so people were piled into these tiny cages during the hot weather before various horrific acts of torture were carried out on them - including being burried alive, dug up, resussitated and tortued in anohter way. During the winter they woud put one person in each cage so they really felt the cold. It was quite upsetting seeing it all... but I guess that is the reality of war.

On the cyclo ride home we called into the Post Office and saw other building of interest as we flew by on our Cyclos.

Monday 18th July - Ho Chi Minh City
Up bright and early on our bus to the Meekong Delta, slept all the way of course! Was an incredible day - we hopped onto a boat which took us to one of the islands to a candy factory! We were greeted by a little lady handing out warm brown squares... oh my life! Delicious! As not a huge coconut lover myself I was impressed by the tasty nature of this treat! After showing us how the candy was made we moved on to sample some of the banana wine... pretty rough...then cocunut wine... even worse. Then they pulled out the snake wine - now picture a bottle of yellow liquid with a snake and scorpian inside, and decaying bits floating around. Of course I sampled a shot... vile! But apparently it made you strong after 30 mins...... I certinally didn't see any effects! After what I can then only describe as a walk through a coconut tree jungle we all piled into tuk tuks. Now they were called tuk tuks but there aren't what I invisioned! They were more like army trucks pulled by tuk tuk motors! A very very bumpy ride later, and a far few cocunut and banana leaves in the face we sat down to a delicious 5 course Vietnames lunch - which inlcuded the famous Elephant Ear Fish! A delightful ride down the Meekong in triditional boats, all wearing the pointing hats, we were back on our main boat and back to the shore. It was a simily fantastic day that was topped off by dinner.... I had a traditional pancake that was stuffed with chicken and beansprouts and so many other goodies! LOVED it! It was washed down by several beers before we stumbled to the night market. I picked myself up a North Fa(k)ce Rucksack as my little satchel was driving me crazy! Mum the straps dug into my shoulders like there was no tomorrow! Too much in the bag I guess.... hahah

Tuesday 19th July - Ho Chi Minh City
Up bright and early and off to the Cu Chi Tunnels. It wasn't as I expected, much more touristy orientated than I could have every forseen but no the less very interesting. We were shown an original sized tunnel entrance - incredible! It was invisible in the floor! A guard showed us how he just wriggled in - Mark in our group shot down but is so tall he simply couldn't close the lid above him! Other slithered in easily... then it was my turn! My dam hips (that those girls in the tailors certinally pointed out) were wedged! But I persevered, with a slight diagonal angle I was in and down, lid on! It was dark and smelly. Not the best. But out again. Donna's turn... in she popped, but out she did not! hahah The guards had to give her a wee helping hand.... On the whole was a great experience and giggle for us all! We saw the different traps the Vietnamese used against the Americans, simply atrotious - we then watched a film about the war, and no joke, every other sentance was "to kill the Americans". Quite an impact! I also shot an M13 gun at the shooting rang! Rather exciting!

Once back at the hotel 4 of us decided to go for a bit of therapy..... Fish teray! I know its made it big in the UK but $5 for 30 mins... how could we say no!? The little fish nibbled away at my feet! Took me quite a while to get used to the sensation.... no going to lie there were several shreeks and large splashes! They felt like little electric shock,....all over!!

A quick stop off at the market before an amazing dinner at a place run by a Cockney who moved to Vietnam 2 years ago... hes made a family here and everything. Early to bed as a long journey tomorrow!