Wait for me!!! So guys, i gotta dash for a bus in 10 minutes. I'm off to Cambodia's capital Phnom Peng (or however its spelt) via the Mekong delta today. This trip will complete my tour of Vietnam so that i will not feel as though i have missed anything.

Since Mui Ne i have been here in the capital of the south for just one day. Thats all i will need here though as this metropolitan is nothing special in a developing country. I took a tour of the city and visited the War remnants museum, the cities Palace, Cathedral and Post office. It was a nice package that summed up the city for me in 4 hours.

I have had to miss the Chu Chi tunnels (built for the war) but that is the sacrifice i will have to make in order to get out of this country before they kick me out! So by 19:00 tomorrow i'll be updating you from another country.

I want to make a summary of my experience in Vietnam before i leave, so here is a selection of key points: ("they" refers to local Vietnamese people)

• its lucky i like eggs for breakfast
• they make the best packers/stacker's
• i love the driving etiquette here
• they have amazing burial sites
• whats pollution?
• i am finally a millionaire
• they always sound angry when they talk together
• north south divide very obvious
• northern people are rude the southerners are welcoming
• lots of old western men here with younger local women
• the cities are more attractive at night
• don't engage in complicated conversation with locals
• best to travel by bike to get off of the tourist route
• Hue back packers is he best hostel
• Hanoi is cosier than Saigon
• Nha trang is the best party place
• Mui Ne is boring if there isn't any wind
• there are lots of Dutch and English people traveling here
• local men are very touchy feely... especially with men
• few hostels, guest houses cheapest option
• lots of random local little shops selling one product only (safes, washing machines)
• welding is common by the side of the road (without eye protection)
• crazy wiring system for power and telephones etc
• small furniture in general
• working kitchens can be found on the back of bicycles and shops on the back of scooters
• 125cc motorbikes maximum for public, 250cc for police only
• average speed of traffic is 40-50km (even on highways)
• they never check their blind spot or for oncoming traffic, even when turning onto a main road
• fruit is expensive (or at least for me)
• $5 cheapest B&B accommodation $8 average
• $4 avg for dinner
• $8 avg for a bus between cities
• Common sayings by the locals include

1. "same same, but different"
2. "you buy from me"
3. "you go to ATM and find me"
4. "my friend"
5. "you want ......" (what ever it is they are selling)
6. "scooter" or "motorbiiieeekke"

So my opinion of Vietnam can be summerised as: If the landscape is polluted and not as impressive as Europes, the cities are dirty and the people aren't so friendly, why would you travel to Vietnam!? what you cant learn about the country by watching war movies isn't worth it so what else could be left?... your fellow travelers are the people who make the experience memorable and i am pleased to say i made some friends... thank you Vietnam and goodbye! :-) X