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The last time I went to Bangkok my situation had been a whole lot different, staying on the hectic Khaosan Road with 5 of my closets mates, sharing a bed in budget hostels with the man mountain that is Digger Matholie, eating street food that included deep fried crickets and ants and near enough drinking ourselves to exhaustion…. I had been looking forward to the tranquil beaches of southern Thailand. This time, leaving behind the luxurious comforts of the famous Lebua Hotel, heading to Hanoi (Vietnam) famous for its bustling streets and similar nightlife, it felt like the situation had reversed, especially as our taxi navigated through the crazy maze of Hanoi's Old Quarter. So I have to say a massive thanks to Wendy Brown, who as an extremely special birthday treat for Rachel's 30th had booked us into another incredible hotel completely unto known to Rach, which salvaged us from backpacker accommodation. When we opened the door to our room balloons covered the ceiling, rose petals were scattered over the bed and there was a bottle of wine and a box of chocolates waiting for us! But most importantly the mini was completely free and replenished daily, result I thought, seeing as it wasn't even by birthday. So thank you very much Wendog.
Hanoi was excellent, a city full of street life. As you walk through the dizzying lanes trying not to get hit by the mopeds whizzing past, you come across all manner of wonders: frogs being beheaded and skinned alive; dogs being spit-roasted; and chickens boiled whole - all on the side of the pavement. On our first evening we visited the famous Hanoi water puppet show, a part of Vietnamese culture for centuries. Now I don't want to over sell it here but basically it's a load of grown men playing with dolls in a paddling pool, how it's lasted for centuries without someone saying they prefer the cinema I don't know. Still it was an experience. We also got to see the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh the Vietnamese communist revolutionary leader who was prime minister (1945-1955) and president (1945-1969) of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam). You get led around this huge building complex all dedicated to him and eventually end up walking around his embalmed body protected by armed guards, it was very odd looking at a dead body.
From Hanoi we booked a junk boat trip around the impressive Ha Long Bay, where pillars of rock covered in think jungle vegetation protrude from the sea. This is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world so I was expecting something special and hopefully due to the confinement of a boat be able to meet a few people along the way. So I was a bit disappointed when entering the mini bus that would take us to the coast I found it was full of Chinese couples frantically taking photos of everything (luckily we picked up one more couple who were a young pair of Australians that turned out to be a laugh). Arriving at the port the sea mist was thick making visibility very poor, making it hard to see much past the bow of the boat. However as the boat neared the islands, they rose out of the mist in dramatic fashion. The scenery was undoubtedly the highlight of the trip but there was also a chance to do a little squid fishing after the sun went down and although it was out of season myself and Ben (One of the Australians who was a spitting image of Russell Brand) with a help of a few beers tried our luck. Using bamboo poles as rods we dropped them off the stern and set to work. It took a while but Ben hauled in first, a decent size squid apparently so he ran off to grab the cook. Seizing the opportunity, I whipped out my camera and took several shots of myself holding up the catch, thinking I'll claim this one to the boys back home. I did eventually catch a squid myself but it was a piddley little thing which did it's best to squirt as much ink on me as possible, so I'm glad I've got those photos! The final thing that made the trip memorable was the never wavering enthusiasm of our tour guide, this camp little Vietnamese man danced around explaining everything that we came across with such passion, he truly loved Vietnam. The only thing that surpassed his love for Vietnam was his love for … the 'Crazy Frog'. Myself and Rach stupidly made the mistake of doing a silly dance to it when he first played it, assuming he knew how ridiculous the song was and he was just doing it to make us laugh….no, no, no. He took this as a sign that we shared the same infatuation, and so without hesitation unloaded his entire crazy frog back catalogue on us, we're talking 'Crazy Frog Presents Crazy Hits' and the ever popular 'Crazy Frog Presents More Crazy Hits'. It was actually very funny as he couldn't control his glee and would dance along to every song.
From Ha Long Bay we went back to Hanoi briefly before getting on a sleeper train to Hue (stayed one day for a potter around). From Hue we travelled to Hoi An where we currently reside.
Just and end note, the boys love me out here, they can't get enough of me I can't walk down the street with out some man wanting to touch a little bit of the Stainfield, Rach pretends she doesn't care but I can see she's a bit jealous.
- comments
Rach - sis Hey guys and belated happy 30th for Rach. Sounds like you are having a fab time making us very jealous with your travel tales. We are all good, boys getting really excited for Christmas, well Charlie is Seb is excited all the time anyway. Have lucked in on the presents stakes as so far all Charlie can come up with on his list for santa is tissues and pasta tis gunna be a cheap one this Year!, especially as I don't have to get you anything winner! Thanks for the post cards Charlie thinks that 80 year old semi naked man with dreads is you! lots of love and Happy Christmas 'the g stones'
Macca Lovin the stories, keep them coming, quality pics as well not sure about the tash though. Have a good bday tmrw mate - how can u not. Tell Rach to get well soon from whatever she has at this moment in time!!
judy It is now your birthday. Hope you are having a good time wherever you are. As it is probably now the evening you will have a beer in your hand - take a photo and send it to me!! Your adventures still sound great and you will never forget this birthday. Lots of love to you both Mum