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We took the bus to Ninh Binh and were picked up at the bus station by a very nice guesthouse owner promising us good rates and a nice room. He was right and we settled in for 2 nights here.
Ninh Binh is in the guidebook as being like a mini Halong Bay on land and it didn't dissapoint. We hired a bike and rode 20 kilometres to a buddhist complex called Chua Bai Dinh, the largest pagoda in Vietnam. Our ride there was so pretty we took loads of photos and stopped for drink and food - Gem is getting a taste for Pho Bo or Pho Ga - beef or chicken noodle soup! We (Gem) were pretty tired by the time we got there but managed to climb the steps up to the top past many golden buddhas and statues and we enjoyed walking around the temples at the top. We managed to ride the 20k back with only one stop, a very exhausting day but well worth it. In the evening we watched Hamilton win the Hungarian Grand Prix and team GB play footy - happy to get some olympic action as we missed the opening ceremony. Whilst Beckham was on his speed boat with the flame we were on a junk boat in Halong Bay!
The next day we walked the the train station and booked our "soft seat" tickets to Hue. We are excited about taking the train, it is a 12 hour journey but should make a nice change to getting the bus. Matt navigated us to a row of beer hoi places next to the local brewery and another afternoon was spent refilling glasses making mess with monkey nuts!
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Stephen and Mary Cossey Hi guys - we wanted to tell you you are awesome! We think about you often and love hearing about your adventures. We are a bit jealous of your trip but are getting ready to go on our own little trip - over to jolly old England! We plan on dragging your Dad and Anne to as many Olympic events as we can!!! We are taking Michael with us, who is very excited. We are also going up to Scotland and the Fringe and are staying with a couple who we met last year at the Fringe - so no hotel bills for us - we are practicing for our world tour - ha ha! when we retire!! You are not only having the trip of a lifetime - but the trip of many lifetimes!! Now that you are in to your 4th month of travel - how is the money holding out? If there is anything that we can do to help support you, let us know! Love you both - be safe! Sounds like you are having a grand time!