Sorry that it's been a couple of days since I last wrote but every time I've sat down to write a blog I've grabbed my book and started reading. So I've finished book 2 of A Song of Ice an Fire, or Game of Thrones depends how you know it. Just on a quick note for those who watch the show. READ THE BOOKS, the show is no comparison to the books. Don't get me wrong I love the show immensely but the books are the greatest story I've read in a long time.
But you're not here to read about me reading. So back to my Vietnam adventures. Firstly we've been to the tailors every day so far because of measurements and fixes and what not but I've finally finished purchasing stuff and have come out with five shirts, two suits and an overcoat. And in the end it only cost me $480 all up, now that may sound like a lot for here but it's generally the same prices everywhere here and compared that do what you'd have to pay in Australia. Can you find a three piece tailored suit for $160?
The food here is pretty amazing we've been back o that first restaurant 2 more times since and it just gets better and better. There's a few other places I'd like to go but we'll see how we go.
Shopping wise it's good fun there's hidden gems all over the place. Nice clothing shops, Pottery shops etc. etc. and everyone is extremely friendly but that's because they want your money of course. It's surprisingly easy to ind yourself ripped off because there's always a few shops next to each other selling the same things for the same price but wander down the next street and the prices halves. The conversion is 20,000 dong to 1 Australian dollar so 500,000 doesn't seem like that much but then you pause for a second and realise that's $25 so most of the time any clothes, scarves or ties etc. around 80,000 per item seems to be the cheapest you'll find (unless of course you have a golden tongue) but buy in bulk and you'll get a good price with ease. The customary thing to do is round up for a tip, which is usually only an extra 10,000. mainly because it's easier to deal with the notes. For example most cans of beer on the street are 15,000 each but I'll just give them a 20,000 note, it's 25 cents and sometimes they'll chuck in a little something extra, like a bottle of water.
My beard is getting pretty bushy at the moment. I haven't shaved since I left Melbourne. I would like to shave because it's so hot but I will persevere and keep it until I get back. It's 1:30pm and I've already got so much to write about for today's events but I will wait until the next blog for that. Me thinks it's time for a swim.
A la prochaine
E