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Vietnam is stressing me out today. I've been non stop harassed and accosted by motorbike drivers, perved on by sleazes and constantly stared at in Hue. This town is too much! I miss London where people would rather poke their own eye out than meet your gaze.
The sleeper train from Hanoi was interesting. Four bunks in a cabin, blaring Vietnamese music on the loudspeaker and surly guards. I was sharing with Will, a neurosurgeon from the UK and two French women. We chatted and had some beers, nice, nice then to sleep.
I woke up at 6am to Vietnamese music blaring, so loud it hurts your ears. Right, they clearly want everyone to GET UP.
We travelled through the demilitarized zone, which is now covered in rice paddies and we chatted about why humans hurt each other, senselessness of war and terrorism. Heavy for 7am.
I got to Hue and should have realised the vibe when the taxi drivers where screaming in my face as soon as we got off the train. Will, bless him, had been repeatedly ripped off in his 4 days in Vietnam (he paid double what I did for his train ticket) so I got us a reasonablish price for a cab into Hue and we went our separate ways.
I visited the Imperial City this afternoon, build by the last ruling dynasty in Vietnam, the Nguyen dynasty - 40% of Vietnamese people have this surname! It was a crazy set up very much based on the Chinese royal dynasties that I've read about. The emperor has hundreds of wives and concubines, eunuchs and mandarins and is considered an almost supreme being. I typical Vietnam style, there was no explanations for what everything was so I wandered around trying to listen into various tour groups. Cheeky.
I'm supposed to be staying another night but I really cannot handle more harassment so bus to Hoi An tomorrow for some down time - beach, bicycle and yoga.
- comments
Faye Can't wait to hear what you think of Hoi An :) Really enjoying reading about your adventure. Makes me smile. Stay safe ducky. Love ya xxx
saroj bell Sounds hectic from sleeper train to taxi run, but good to compare with other cities. Great that you have the flexibility to just move on when you feel ready. Love reading about your adventures, Rachel. Thanks for sharing.
Jess Hunter Don't suppose you remember but the time when I started getting fed up in Vietnam was Hue.... and you said, be patient, ARRRGGGHH strange place.