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Asia, part III: Vietnam (2)

Richard Rosss
2006-04-03 13:41:43

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DMZ

Yesterday I went on the bus to the DMZ and saw the former demarcartion line and some US firebases. We went to the Vinh moc tunnels. I was surprised at how big they were - you could almost stand in them and they housed 400 folks in them. There was a maternity/meeting room/storage rooms and kitchens...amazing place. Back on bus for another long drive to place 20ks from Lao border where we saw another firebase and the beginnings of the Ho Chi Minh trail thru Laos. Back here for about 5ish and we were knackered. Grabbed some dinner then watched the news for a while. Decided to shoot some pool until 11ish. I am staying with a Irish guy I met on bus...he is also leaving in the morning.

Today we did the Meals on wheels motorbike tour of the tombs in Hue. The dynasty built loads here in the mid 1800's...so we drove around them. There was 8 of us in convey and we went to some places that cars cannot go and drove thru pine forests...surprisingly, it was quite a buzz! We also saw a old french bunker system and monastry with some serious looking monks. Walked round one temple complex which was really grand. Back here to escape the harsh sun, about 37c bus not that humid! Seems to be loads of folks on the bus in the morning, which is always good. I will just sleep/shower and relax for the rest of today.

Its funny here as the locals were bandanas covering their faces and shoulder length (1920's style) gloves, so that they avoid the sun. Its desirable to look pale and some folks even bleach their skin to look more like us...its strange as we are all the reverse!

In Hoi An at the min, and its proving to be a fun, nice place. Arrived yesterday afternoon after taking the 5hr bus down the coast. We went over the highest pass in Vietnam (where there were some old French bunkers) and then passed thru Danang. Hoi An is a European looking town with a nice old town, nice restaurants, relaxed feel and famous for ...