Ha Long Bay and Hue

Hi all
I am writing from a grey, wet Hue. Bit of a change from the non-stop sunshine of Laos! We've just had 2 nights here, and are about to catch the train to Hoi An. So just catch you up on the last week or so...

As Andrea mentioned, Hanoi was madness. Such an impressionable place, but not exactly enjoyable. On our last night there we went to see a water pupper theatre show which was brilliant. The puppet movements are so realistic, and even though it was a bit touristy, it was a real must-see. The evening was also enhanced by the fact that we gave into our Western taste cravings and enjoyed some burgers before the show....red meat never tasted so good. I cant say I was sorry to say goodbye to Hanoi, but am so glad to have seen it. Vietnam is a place that has known a lot of turmoil and pain, and it shows in the population - no more so than in Hanoi.

The next morning we were collected by shuttle bus to be taken to Ha Long bay for our 2 night cruise around this eighth wonder of the world. We laughed at the fact that all the other passengers were getting collected from swanky hotels - not the christodoulous! :) After a 4 hour drive we got to the coast and boarded the boat. It was called The Valentine, and it was Valentine's day! Andrea tried to sell the roses and chocolates on our bed as a special gift from him, to me and all the other ladies on teh cruise!!!

The boat is a junk with old fashioned sails and wood decking everywhere. Really beautiful. We had a bit of unexpected sunshine on that afternoon, and so the beauty of the limestone rocks coming out of the sea was really spectacular. The cruise was really luxurious, and we befriended some nice fellow travellers. Lets just say they were a little older and more genteel - but great company and nice for us to have some good wine and a bit of pampering. We watched the movie 'The Quiet American' while on board, its a great visiual piece for anyone who wants to get a feel for what Indochina was like, during French colonial times.

After two nights, we came back to Hanoi from Ha Long for an hour or two and then hopped on a plane to Hue. Only an hour or so flight, but we are now officially sick of airports! The touchdown at Hue airport, in the pouring rain, was less than smoothe...when those wheels smacked the tarmac I really thoguht we were done for! Anyway, got collected at the airport, but not before having a chuckle that of course, the only people making a scene and delaying everyones' collection of luggage was a gaggling bunch of Greeks! The same everywhere you go ;)

So we've been in Hue for the last day and a bit. Its been a real shame about the weather, because had it been better, its obvious that Hue is a really pretty little town, with lots to see and loads of places to stroll. But walking around with wind blowing rain into your face just isnt fun, so I'd be lying if I said we'd had a brilliant time. But I guess thats travelling, it cant always be perfect. That said, last night we had a great Indian curry and after a few beers, it doesnt all seem so bad. I am craving some warm weather now, not least of all because I am running out of warmer clothes and am starting to look pretty much the same in every pic! Here's hoping that as we move further South, things brighten up a little.

So train now to Hoi An - takes about 2 hours. And then we'll spend 3 night there. Its a UNESCO world heritage sight, so should be interesting. And at least will give us a chance to catch our breathe and do washing. After that, its off to Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon), where I am sure we'll blog from again, if not sooner.

Thanks for reading, and you can be sure we are missing all our friends,
xxx