Well this is really turning in to an adventure

The hotel that Etihad provided was average enough for one night although it was looking a little tired. Joanne would like to mentioned that the bed was way too small which I concur. We all woke for breakfest....again average, and departed for our re-routed trip to Ho Chi Minh City via London Heathrow with BA then to Bangkok with Thai Air. Following that, Thai Air again to HCMC. Well thats what Etihad had told us.

We arrived in Heathrow all excited looking for our connecting flight, only to be told at the Thai Air desk that our flights had been cancelled by Etihad all the way through to HCMC. ....you're ****in joking.....you can gauge the reaction. The eight of us were stranded in Heathrow T3 with no luggage, but thanks to the wonderful staff at Thai Air, they addressed the booking problems with minutes to spare. Bags checked in, boarding passes presented through to HCMC, this hoping there wouldn't be any problems in Bangkok and that connection. As you can imagine, this took some time to sort out and we were escorted to the gate by an airline representative who was very calming. We got to the gate eventually to board TG911 yes thats right 911, what more are the traveling Gods going to throw our way.

As it goes the flight, all 10 hours of it was really pleasant. A nice newish 747, great food and drink, but none of us took advantage as we were all just glad to be finally on our way. Although the captain did point out during the flight "we are currently flying over the Ukraine at 33'000 feet" really did we need to know that? Overall, we have decided that this flight was possibly the best we all have experienced. So, we have a Big plus so far on Thai Air....thanks chaps.

We touched down in Bangkok at 06.00 l/time (23.00uk) and made a mad dash across one side of the terminal to the other, through security and plonked ourselves at the gate. Shortly after we boarded our final flight for this epic route to HCMC an hour away. On the whole this flight was very uneventful thank God.

Now in HCMC the next test would be to get through the whole visa and acceptance in to the county before we can tackle customs. There was no advice, instruction at the visa desk, just a free for all.......this was hilarious. After 40 minutes, I had mine sorted, following me was Dave then Andrea, then the rest of the party appeared and all went through customs, out of the airport looking for a taxi.

The whole taxi trip was another experience. After the negotiations we all piled in and off to the hotel. I've been to some places but never have I seen traffic like this. We were 10 minutes in to the journey and yeap......something else happened. In the traffic, the car in front stopped and our van didn't. Straight in to the back of him we went. Thankfully we came out of this unscathed. But there was a point

when a bloke stuck his head in the door and "ok now you pay for him to go" . He was referring to the other driver. Jogg on!!!! Cheeky b****** and was told just to get us to Hotel Nikko.

Lovely hotel but needed just needed to sleep.....checked in and went to bed for a couple of hours ready for our guided city motor bike tour

So just to recap......Ive realised that Etrop Grange isn't a place I would pay to stay. Etihad policy and execution of the policy for dealling with cancelling flights needs to be reviewed. Thai Air was fantastic with us and we appreciated their help.Visa control point needs looking at and finally, watch out for anyone making a quick buck.

Saying all this, now the holiday can really start.