GOOD MORNING VIETNAM!

(thanks for the title cindy!)

So, no more China. Vietnam is where we have moved on to!

We started in Ha'noi (in northern vietnam). There was a definite temperature shock from China. In china i'd say the average temperature was 15-20 degrees. Warm in the sun, but most of the time i'd be wearing my zip-up and be quite comfortable. Vietnam, conversly, was like walking into a sauna. Not only HOT but HUMID, more than i've ever experienced.

We managed to get out of the airport to be swindled by the taxi driver that drove us to our hotel. (we were charged 3 times the amount we should have been.) But, nothing we could do about it after the fact. We cut our losses, and swore never to mention it again (dont tell jacqueline i'm talking about it.) Ha'noi was nice. Market, shopping (obviously), a nice lake where we spent a quiet morning, and WONDERFUL food. All around good change from China. Different food, without gravy, and different things to shop for at the markets.

We met up with our new group- a good mix of people and started our new adventure! In Ha'noi, we went to the prison where John Mcain was held when he bombed vietnam by plane. The american pilots that were kept here nicknamed it the Ha'noi Hilton. Some crazy history in the prison.

From Ha'noi we went to Halong bay. BEAUTIFUL! we were on board a Junk boat. We had it for 2 days. The meals were fantastic, and we had our own room (for the two of us, with a bathroom and shower). Much nicer than we were anticipating for a boat. Halong bay was just spectacular. 2000 limestone peaks. We went through a giant cave during the one afternoon and spent the rest of the afternoon sunning on the top deck (with PLENTY of sunscreen) and swimming! Just gorgeous. So relaxing and a nice change from the city life.

Hue was next (pronounced HWAY). A city smaller than Ha'noi, and we've gone from North Vietnam to central. This city was just filled with history. The 4th kings tomb, the old citadel. We took a motorbike tour around (each on the back of a bike). SO MUCH FUN! i kept saying i wanted to drive mine, but my guide wasnt budging.

This brings us to right now. We are in the city of Hoi'an (still moving south). The sad thing about Hoi'an is the fact that we arrived during monsoon season. It has been pouring almost non-stop since we arrived. Hoi'an is a cool town because it has something we havent come across yet. All of the stores are either for clothing or shoes, but EVERYTHING is tailor made to fit you. The manaquins or shoes are just for ideas, there are tons of catalogues where they will replicate anything in them. Also, they will create anything you can dream up, or copy an item of clothing or footwear you already own. FABULOUS, and highly addictive. I got a jacket made, and also a pair of heels. (you'll have to wait and see them for more details ;). I combined ideas from some of the things i'd seen in the store, in the catalogues and the girl drew it up for me.Then i chose my fabrics, and was measured! Went back 12 hours later, and TA-DA, its perfect! And, i get the shoes tomorrow morning! So awesome!

So, thats the up-to-the-minute-update. We're here for one more day, then continue our venture south! We're in Vietnam for another week, then off to Cambodia.