I really love this place - it has such a nice feel to it! The people are very friendly, even if they are not selling anything they still say hi and want to know where you are from. Their english is very good too which is making everything so much easier here than in say Thailand or Cambodia. The whole place is buzzing all the time with life and colour but it doesn't drain you in the exhausting way Bangkok did! Getting lost in the labyrinth of back alleys teeming with people, food, children, dogs and motorbikes is so much fun (the alley to out hostel is pictured)! The houses are incredible - they are just built upwards! Upwards and upwards they go with some of the steepest steps i've ever been up - bit dodgy if you've had a few thats for sure (eh Steve?!). Crossing the road is an adrenaline activity...There are no traffic lights, green men or zebra crossings that actually mean anything so... nobody stops or gives way to anybody but everybody knows this and so it seems to work in a roundabout kinda way! Basically if you think you can make it then go...and if you don't think you can then you need to go faster!!!!! I am going to be a liability when i get back - you have to pretend you are Moses and just walk. If you hesitate, stop or run then someone will go into you. They will assume you will cross at a regular pace and so they steer to where they expect you to be!!! Pretty mad but great fun!! Went out an had a nice dinner last night and spent today looking around the city (shopping mainly! he he! There is some seriuosly nice stuff here!!). Went to the museum, the Reunification Palace, the Notre dame Cathedral (with Neon signs inside - very odd), the wonderful Ben Thaket Market and even found time to get in for a hand made dress....pick it up 9pm tonight!!! Looking forward to that. I just showed her an idea of what I wanted and my wish has been granted....just need to be invited to a nice ball in order to wear it now hint hint anyone ;) Basically so far, loving Vietnam!!!! Will visit the Chi Chi Tunnels tomorrow then probably start heading northwards. Hope all is well in sunny UK xx