Hey,

Back in Hanoi now, arrived back yesterday morning at 5am. I hardly slept on the over night train and think im still suffering the tiredness. Didn't sleep well last night either despite having posh beds that actually had a duvet and today was ap by 7 to have a sight seeing day! We've visited Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, museum, War museum . . . the full works! Feel shattered. And, guess what we've up early again tomorrow to leave for the hills on our intensive 3 day trek! It's not easy being a traveller!!!

Sapa - Glad i went as it was a beautiful place, gorgeous tribal looking people. The weather was cold, damp, drizzly and wet. Our hotel was really cool - literally! Rooms had no heating, except for an open fireplace but when Sez and I lit ours the whole room became smoked out, must have been a bit of a chimney blockage. Our room stank for the rest of the time! Everything stayed damp and cold, though i made use of my sleeping bag (Sez got the lovely bed with electric blanket!!) which was so cosy, especially as it still smelt of home! Our rooms were up in the mist, a climb of about 200 stairs in hard to breathe atmosphere! Restaurant was about 4 flights up, out of 6 and was really good - had amazing included breakfasts with fried eggs, bread and jam, proper tea!! anf smoothies yum!

The trekking that we did was pretty strenuous - at least i thought so having done no physical training whatsoever! The down hill parts were a nightmare (i really didnt trust my shoes) and it was so muddy and slippy. At one point we were practically rock climbing on slippery stones across a rather large stream - not exactly my idea of fun but still, something to add to the experience and also a bit of preparation for the Hill Tribe Trek which begins tomorrow for 3 days! Not particularly looking forward to it, especially as so shattered but our tour leader and group all seem cool so i guess it will be a giggle! Staying in Homestays in remote villages with only squat toilets and NO showers!!! Yuk.

In Sapa our local guides were young girls, all in costumes - you'll have to see the pics. They were cute until we arrived at their village and they tried to force us to buy bracelets and things from them!!

Heading out for a meal with everyone on tour this evening so heading back to get sorted for that. Will update sometime after treking.

Take it easy x x