After a slightly later start this morning I thought I would hire another bicycle and try and get out to see some of the other sights inside and outside of the town. So I went to reception and asked if it was possible to cycle to the Thien Mu Pagoda, the lady at the reception desk said yes it is about 7 km away...I couldn't help but think there was some sort of random theme developing here...was everything 7 km away?

This was a much easier route it was pretty much a straight road all the way there and you couldn't miss the tourist buses parked up along the street. I walked into the courtyard of the Pagoda and it was wonderful. Just the silence of the place made the journey worth while. I had arrived in time to see the Monks settle down for their daily meal and chanting their prayers before eating. In a mark of respect I stood back and didn't take any photos but you wouldn't be surprised to see so many people up close with their massive SLR's. I think the back of the Pagoda was the part I liked the most. It was a massive section of really tall trees and you almost felt like a kid again running through the woods at home. Although...there is an absolutely massive cemetery behind it which was a little off putting lol. There is also a huge statue of a Turtle in the entrance which you are meant to rub it's head for luck. I did and I wished for some better luck on my trip and to stave away any prospecting illness that will probably arrive with another dodgy bus journey!

I wasn't ready to take my bike back when I returned to Hue so I went randomly around town. I came across 4 wedding ceremonies whilst I was cycling and I can certainly say that the Western wedding influence is taking hold over here now. I did however turn back after cycling down a random road and realising people were staring at me...I guess western people don't come to this part of town!

Later on I bumped into Jackie who wasn't feeling too well so I chatted with her for a bit before booking a hotel room in Hoi An. It's against my principals to spend lots on a room but there are no hostels in Hoi An so lets hope this one is nice! I decided before it got too dark that I had to go to the eccentric park in Hue and take a look at some of the statues. Some of them are REALLY random. There's one there that looks like a giant pair of breasts! Hahaha. Childish laughter...

Later on I sat in the Hostel lobby playing Ring of Fire with 3 Australians I met at Snake Village before going back to Octop**** and then onto another bar called Brown Eyes. The locals must have thought we were crazy jumping about to 'Smack my b**** up' in between playing a game of Killer on the pool table! It was the most random night, I have had another moment where I looked through my camera and have no idea who some of these people are! Getting back at 1.30 am I was very glad I had packed my bag earlier in the day! Caroline's bus to Hoi An was early so I thought I had better be prepared for mine just in case a miracle happened!

The picture is of me at the Thien Mu Pagoda next to the giant Turtle statue.