We went to the Vietnam Remnants Museum and I was in a very sombre mood and as we wondered around each of the three floors, I was angry and bewildered why did the USA take part in this war? Eisenhower got the US involved with Vietnam and other Presidents followed inheriting previous Presidents decisions. The US broke every act covering the war conventions and the atrocities against men woman, pregnant woman and children innocently/slaughtered killed by the soldier can never be forgiven. These soldiers, politicians and Presidents still alive should be bought to the War Crimes courts. They are still chasing Nazi criminals involved with atrocities against the Jews, so why not the US?

We saw pictures, read quotes from politicians from both sides, high ranking officers from the US and highly respected people from around the world. Some of the attitudes and quotes were unbelievable no respect for mankind.

The use of Agent Orange destroyed all forest foliage and killed the trees, the Vietnamese people mainly and soldiers from both sides affected by Agent Orange have had 4 generations with deformities from birth, the photos are harrowing. The US chemical giants Dow and Monsanto helped to produce agent orange. At some stage they were taking to court but the fines were small. The US Supreme Court did not want to know, so these companies were punished very lightly.

All politicians from around the world should be made to go to this museum and spend hours there and hopefully come out with the thoughts no more wars.

The Communist countries around the world have totally lost their ideology. The leaders of these countries are now dictators and very rich people to the detriment of their countries. Here in Vietnam there is no free medical treatments you have to pay and take out medical insurances if you can afford it. The roads and trains we have travelled on are not up to the standard one would expect. Speaking to local people corruption is high here and also in China, Mongolia and Russia. Every where we have visited everyone is on their phones have the latest technology, watch US and European movies/TV. I am sure the young people in China want the country to move forward and embrace what the Western world has.

We flew out of Saigon after 20:30 and arrived in Siem Reap Cambodia there was a driver waiting for us provided by the hotel got to the hotel and went to bed soon after.

Up at 06:00 had breakfast and we were picked up at 07:00 by Harry our guide. We thought we were on a bus tour but no just us two Harry and the driver. The traffic was very busy and the amount of motor bikes and scooters on the road was unbelievable. I asked Harry how many road deaths and he said about 50 a day in Vietnam. On the way to Cu Chi we stopped at a disability workshop where people mostly affected from agent orange through birth worked. They worked with lacquer duck egg shells and mother of pearl from large oyster shells make a variety of ornaments and wall hangings. They were lovely and the prices were steep so we declined. It was a 2 hour drive from Saigon to Cu Chi tunnels it was busy there with lots of buses and cars in the car park. Harry showed us under ground tunnels, kitchen and hospital. The tunnels were very tight for my height and size. The types of traps they used against the enemy which originated from hunting animals. We got a lot of history about the war which we did not know about. There was 250km of tunnels built, saw areas where B52 planes dropped bombs leaving big craters When that finished we went to the gift shop area and found a lovely wall hanging made by the handicapped people which we visited earlier and it was half the price and a couple of T shirts. Happy with that we headed off to the Mekong Delta 2.5 hours away most on a dual carriage way which does not allow motor bikes. A long the way we stopped at a touristy place for lunch, it was included in the tour price. There were hundreds of tourist eating in their and the menu was set. It was okay but too crowded and noisy. We told Harry afterwards we would have preferred a local place with out the tourists and more authentic.

At the Mekong Delta we got on to a river motorised boat and went to the island located in the middle of the Mekong. The Mekong is 3 km wide and 20m deep. We spotted alot of barges carrying river sand which is to be used in Saigon for buildings, this practice is illegal as it is causing erosion to the river banks but back handers to the right people this is allowed to carry on. On the island a 1000 people live there, farming and small businesses. We went to a chocolate factory as they grow their own cocoa. They produce over 2000 pounds of honey each month and they grow flowers and the bees love orchids. Coconuts are in abundance and they utilise them to the max, juice, cream, decicated, chocolate, sweets, lip balm and lip stick and the husks when dried out fuel for cooking. We rode in a buggy pulled by a horse, a boat paddled by 2 guys a river through the middle of the island. Unfortunately plastic waste and other waste is not a priority sad to see. We got a boat back to the main land and a 2 hour ride back to our hotel. It was a long day but worth it as we are leaving for Siem Reap tomorrow evening.

Up at 06:00 on the bikes at 06:30 with our gear to ship back to the UK. Got to the Post Office the roads were very busy with the scooters people going to work and kids off to school. Filled out the paper work and packed the largest box they had and it was packed tight all taped up and addressed Weighed 15kg and cost £65 to ship it. Back to the hotel in one piece and had breakfast. Taxi picked us up at 08:30 and 35 minutes at the airport. The check in went well and then there was a big queue to go through passport control and security, the queue was as long as I have experienced at Stansted airport. The bloody locals love pushing in to our annoyance and this guy came right up and pushed in front of us. Big mistake as I and Penny vilified him and drew attention to staff and other travellers and he got told to get behind and he slipped in again 20m further back. Waited at gate 7 and Penny bought herself a jade bracelet which has been wanting since we have been in China. Then we got informed go to gate 2 and we board the bus to the plane. Left around 11:20 and got here before 13:00 the bags took a long time to come through, the Chinese are more organised than in Saigon. Got the taxi into the hotel and booked in.

We were hungry so we went up to the restaurant bar on the 15th floor great views and had lunch which was good. After that booked flights to Siem Reap in Cambodia for the first of March, they certainly vary with different travel agents on line. Then booked the Cu Chi – Mekong Delta one day trip 11 hours which we have to be ready at 07:00. We had dinner on the foot path over looking a busy street dining with the locals some very interesting dishes on the menu, rooster testicles, frog, duck tongue and a few more we went for the Thai salad. Then up to the 15th floor of the hotel and we had some drinks looking over the colourful city and reminiscing over our trip so far.

We had debated whether to do a tour for the day at Bana Hills as it had mixed reviews and for the asking price decided it was not worth it. So we decided to go to the beach. Got a taxi there and the place was quite busy, people trying to get you to sit on their sun loungers and if you eat at their restaurant it is free. We did that the sun was out and the surf was loud. Penny just sun bathed and I went into the water, once in it was lovely. Bit of a side current and the waves were knocking people over. There was a couple of power boats taking people up in a parachute they had a choice of landing back on the beach or landing in the water with a jet ski picking them up and taking them back to the beach. There was a lot of Chinese visiting and the woman all wore long dresses and covered up from the sun a few walked along the beach and got their dresses wet and the majority walked up on to the soft sand so they did not get wet. Why do they go to the beach?? After 3 hours we had lunch which was lovely alfresco watching the waves and activity on the beach. After the beach there were shops to pass by to the taxis and Penny got a black bikini.

Back at the hotel had a swim in the pool got rid of the sand. Back in the room I packed my bag for tomorrows flight. Around 19:00 we got a bicycle each and headed to the old town. I spotted the Vietnam Post Office and went in there and asked about shipping 15kg back to the UK, they said they do it and they are open at 06:30. So we will be there in the morning. Parked the bikes and locked them and we walked into the old town with the colourful lanterns hanging. So Penny was on a spending spree to fill the box to post home and we got 5 lantern various colours £12, bamboo bowls with plate and chop sticks small £7, handbag Louis Vuitton rip off £14, bamboo hand bag £7. Had dinner get annoyed they don’t write down your order and come out with the wrong dishes. After dinner we headed back to the hotel and packed what we needed and what to send back.

Last night we walked to the old town from our hotel about 3 km walk. We were greeted with the streets having colourful lantern across it and hanging off the trees all lit up. The area was busy with locals tourists and scooters. It can be a paradise for a lady if she enjoys shops and markets. Lot of restaurants and street food. We had a big lunch so we had some spring rolls followed by BBQ squid which was very tasty. We walked down to the river again very colourful and busy.

I was up early and went and had breakfast around 07:30 and then a guy approached me to say the cooking class we are ready to take you there. I said we are booked for 13:00 and that my lady was in bed a sleep. So told him to pick us up at 13:00. They cooked me poached eggs on toast the best eggs I have had for a long time. Penny went down for breakfast and I spoke to the receptionist about flights, train to Ho Chi Minh City. She said don’t take train too noisy, which we already knew. Penny likes them, but they are too uncomfortable for me and having to share a compartment, not my choice. So we are flying on Wednesday late morning and arrive 90 minutes later, the train takes 19 hours, a no brainer. And both are the same price.

Penny relaxed by the pool and I went to find an ATM machine need 5 million dong to pay the hotel bill, flight and taxi to airport. At 12:45 we were picked up for the Sabirama Cooking Tour and we introduced ourselves to the 3 German and 1 US young ladies and off we went to the old town. We walked through the food market and our tutor/guide showed us different foods and spices and we bought a few edible things. Then we made our way to the dockside and hoped on to a river boat, very noisy but very scenic sights to be seen. 45 minutes later we transferred on to basket boats us two and the coxswain. The girls got into the other 2 boats. We put on Vietnamese hats and we made our way to the jetty, our coxswain must have not taken his medication as he was yahooing and spinning our boat around.. From there we walked and were greeted by a water buffalo who had a wagon connected to him and he took us 200m to where the cooking class was to be held. We were welcomed and took our shoes off and sat down and put our feet into warm water with limes and lemon grass, one lady massaged my shoulders and we got our lower legs massaged and got scrubbed with salts. Hell this is some cooking class and we have not started.

We put on aprons and cooks hat which was too small for my head. We prepped sauces, designer vegetables and prepped and cooked Mango salad with seafood. Rolled fresh rice paper with prawns veg and spices. Made pan cake with shrimp and pork and rolled it in rice wrapper. Sauteed chicken with lemongrass and chilli. We ate our dishes after each course was prepped or cooked, when finished everyone was full no dinner tonight was the verdict. We were then driven back to our hotels, what a brilliant 5 hours an amazing time and we packed alot of things in for the so called cooking class and it cost £35 each. We highly recommend it. We were speaking with the young ladies about Cambodia and Laos which they have visited and they are going to send me alot of info which is appreciated. No going out tonight we have to decide what we are going to do tomorrow but it is suppose to be sunny.

Arrived at the Hanoi train station an hour before the departure and we were told to sit over there and wait for our train. Then a small kid started screaming and the mother did not do anything to try and subdue the child, I said to Penny I hope they are not in our carriage. Another train lady asked to look at our ticket and she told us we needed to go up stairs and wait for the train. Great no chance that kid will be on our train. We waited 10 minutes and we were allowed to board the train to Da Nang. Found carriage 5 and we had booked the both bottom beds, managed to get the bags under the beds. The compartment looked clean, very basic compared to the other trains we have travelled on and not that comfortable. Just had a pillow and a top sheet no duvet which we have had on all other trains. There is certainly no sound proofing. We left on time and no one on the train has checked our tickets, normally they are checked twice and also our passports. Leaving Hanoi and some of the shops are just meters from the track and at times we are like the next lane to the main road very close. This is the noisiest train I have ever been on seems like no suspension and we feel every joint of the rail as each train wheel passes over it. The whole of the carriage is shuddering and laying down on the hard mattress it is not comfortable. I mentioned to Penny that Kellie would not mind it as there is no cockroaches. Less than 2 hours into our journey and Penny yelled out to me there is a cockroach as it was climbing the wall close to her. Kellie you were told right the cockroaches are still here. We stopped after 3 hours and a load of Germans got on to the train and they were carrying beers onboard so they partied away in the walk way. I decided to start categorise all of Penny’s photos and videos for the trip and there are a lot. I have been saving them on my lap top during the trip, she said she has cloud for storage but not quite sure how it works, so I hope she appreciates all the time and effort it will do to complete to where we are now. After midnight a bloody screaming kid gets on our carriage it is positioned down the other end of the carriage but the noise reverberates right through the carriage, come on parents get your bloody act together people are trying to sleep and we don’t need this carry on at midnight.

I am up at 07:00 the train has been stopping at various stations can hear the people coming on to the train. That kid is still screaming at times, they should have a separate carriage for parents and kids and they can keep each other awake all night. They might get the message. We arrived at Da Nang at 12:20 and we found a taxi who will take us to our hotel half the price what other drivers are asking for. It was a 32 km journey the hotel is okay it is a few km walk in to Hoi An village. After we checked in we found a restaurant the food was excellent but she did not do too well with the deep fried squid in batter, it all fell off. Back to our room Penny was tired and the 90 minute sleep helped her. I got some washing done and its hanging out to dry. It is nearly 20:00 hours and it is 25 C much warmer than Hanoi last night. We are heading to the old town soon, booked a cooking tour tomorrow afternoon.

Got a call at 07:05 from the hotel reception to say the bus will be here at 07:15. I told him we were informed it was due at 08:00 to 08:30. Penny jumped out of bed and I finished off the packing we just taking one bag with us leaving one behind at the hotel. Got down to reception at 07:20 and waited and the bus arrived 08:15, what a shambles. The luxury coach was a 14 seater mini bus, they had to put 3 of the large bags next to the seats. Off we went through the narrow streets of Hanoi and then we had a cluster fuck 2 big buses coming down the tight street and we could not move. The driver of the first bus got out and started yelling talking to an elderly lady, he was acting like a really dick head then he started off again with another lady. Our driver had to reverse for a 100m to let arse hole and the bus behind him through. Eventually we got clear of there and made our way out of the city. The tour guide mentioned that driving in Hanoi there are no rules but everyone has a drivers license. The roads and driving is really cowboy stuff.

We got down to Ha Long Bay and waited for the ferry to take us over to Cat Ba island. We all got off the so called luxury mini bus and got on to a big red bus much more comfortable. Went on top of the ferry as we commenced our 20 minute ride to the island. There was quite a bit of activity on the water with boats coming and going. As we departed they lifted the drive on ramp, I was looking down on the winches and the wires have never been inspected there were strands broken and very visible.Reached the island and we got back on the big bus and 20 minutes later we were at out hotel. We checked in and we had a guide meeting us at 14:30. Lunch was provided pumpkin soup, salad, chips and a chicken dish, was not the best. Our room is on the 7th floor and looking down over the harbour unfortunately it was cloudy all day.

We met up with our guide and we did not know what was happening, it was a walking tour up to the fort. It was all up hill and luckily I had a sweat band to put on my head. The guide was good gave us alot of history with the French US and the Chinese. The was a few bunkers with gun placements, under ground tunnels and shelters. There were alot of goats walking around did not seem to be bothered with our presence. Then we spotted a couple of friendly pigs a cockerel and pigeons. We reached the top and there was a make shift bar Penny appreciated the cold beer. Later we moved on and came across another bar over looking all these islands. We made our way down back to the town and the walk took just over 2 hours. We come across a school and there were hundreds of parents with their scooters waiting to take their kids home on the back of the scooter. Got back to our room and showered and chilled for an hour and then we went and had a full body massage which was okay have had better, had the stones placed on the back which felt good. We then went to find a restaurant, found one really busy one with good music but there were no spare tables so we looked at a clothing shop next door and I bought a North Face light weight water proof jacket. Back to the restaurant and we had a great dinner with good local dishes and Penny washed it down with a couple of Mojitos. We sat next to a young English couple and they are on a gap year and the guy was originally from a village next to where Penny lives, small world. Back to the hotel internet not working the hotel eventually sorted it out, blog time.

The night in Nanning the bed was rock hard and we had a so so sleep it was 14 C in the room all night just was not pleasant or comfortable. With our hand towel just managed a wash from the hand basin. We stayed in the room until 17:00 and made our way over to the train station and our train departed at 18:05. We had a Chinese couple sharing the compartment and next door two unruly kids with their unruly parents who did not control them screaming and yelling alot. Out of frustration a few times I kicked the partition wall very hard some times to no affect. The Chinese couple went straight to sleep in their beds and we turned the lights outs being courteous, we went to bed an hour later as we had the Chinese and Vietnam border checks which we had to get our bags and go through security and passport control. Then the Chinese decided they had enough sleep lights on and talking loud, inconsiderate arse holes!! 22:30 we did the Chinese passport control and back on the train and at 00:25 off the train again for the Vietnamese. It was so much warmer so pleasant after experiencing the cold for so long. Passport officer looked through my passport and asked where my visa was I told him directly and politely with a UK passport we do not require a passport and can stay up to 14 days and we are only staying 12 days. He got on to his cell phone and checked the rules and stamped my passport, I thanked him very much. Got back on the train and hoped back into my top bunk, the Chinese got back and the man was now coughing alot and he has no manners, no hand over his mouth when coughing. I got my First Defence out and sprayed up inside the nostrils. Eventually he fell asleep and snored constantly and with the 2 bloody screaming kids next door not much sleep was had.

Up at 05:00 and was looking at the scenery as we slowly approached Hanoi. I was really disappointed to see fly tipping of rubbish all along the track and the roads near by, they have no consideration for the environment, the water ways were polluted black water with more rubbish. Arrived at the station after 06:00 got a taxi to our hotel it was peak traffic time and the scooters were not like the electric ones in China, which adds to the pollution and the noise in this compact city. I thought the Chinese were bad drivers. Now it is Vietnam I am sure one does not need a licences as we had cars and scooters driving down our lane heading to us and they did not give a damn and we could not move. Pedestrian crossing you take at your own risks as both car and scooter drivers just keep driving towards you at pace and dodge you. Got to the hotel could not check in as the room was not ready, we had some breakfast. We then discussed Ha Long Bay with the hotel travel man and we are heading their tomorrow morning. Going to spend the night at Cat Ba island in a hotel and the next morning go on a cruise until midday the next day, there is only 8 cabins on this boat, we go canoeing swimming, cycling whilst we are there, we are both looking forward to it.

We packed our gear into one bag for our Ha Long Bay trip, Penny threw out alot of clothes she does not need after our winter experiences and I threw some out as well, bags much lighter now. Got some washing down made up a clothesline on the balcony and hung out the washing. We get back from Ha Long Bay trip on Saturday 23rd and we are catching the train down to DaNang it leaves at 20:10 and arrives 13:00 the next day. Once there we have a 45 minute drive to Hoi An, a good friend of mine recommends it so we are staying there for 3 nights in the old city. Booked the hotel and look forward to spending time there.

We went walk abouts to Lake Hoan Kiem, Penny stopping numerous times to take photos and looking at various shops. There are alot of westerners in town, we have not seen many of them in China or in Russia. There is alot of retail outlets selling North Face, Jack Wolfskin and other propitiatory makes. These goods are made in Vietnam the real deal and selling very cheaply. Penny like a Jack Wolfskin back pack going for £14. I have the business card of one of the shops and will find out if they will sell at those prices and post abroad. Had some street food which was lovely and walked around the lake, crossing all the streets on the zebra crossings a fucking nightmare got to have eyes in the back of your head. If one scooter touches us or hits us it will be good night nurse for them after I have dealt with them. We stopped and had a 30 minute foot massage felt good and then we stopped for dinner, which Penny was over the moon with and I enjoyed it too. Then it was another stop to buy Penny a silk scarf for £6.50 emerald green and royal blue. Then we spotted a rickshaw driver and we hoped in and negotiated a price to our hotel when he got there it was the wrong place but Penny spotted a hairdressers and wanted her hair trimmed first time in 3 months and it looks good and she is happy which is good. Chill time, bed time soon we both need a good sleep.

We took the fast train from Guilin a lovely quiet city to Nanning another big populated city. We decided to book in an international hostel we might meet travellers like us. I could not find the address on Google Maps. At the train station the driver rang the hostel number and was clear where the address was. He dropped us off but it was a hotel not our place. I asked a few people and they pointed to the tall building. A lovely young Chinese girl spoke a little English helped us find this place, we walked about 400 meters through some crappy conditions and went up to the 27th floor found a sign to the Hostel but no one there? The girl rang the guy and we followed her out of the building and he met us on the street. He spoke some English and showed us to another building making some bullshit story aunty did not arrive to clean the place and we could not stay in the building. Well this is no International Hostel just a Chinese doss house. We have a double bed mattress very hard you can play the drums on it. It is 14 C in the room no heating had to get more duvets to use on the mattress and keep us warm. There is a hand towel each that is all. Asked for a heater there are none. It is cold grey wet here and I just want out of China had enough and really don’t like the food over all.

I emailed again the travel agent in China we have used for trains and flights and eventually told them to cancel our train ticket to Hanoi for next week and refund us the money US$140. Went to the train station very close to where we are staying and got 2 tickets for tonight train leaving at 18:05 arrived close to 07:00 tomorrow morning. It cost US$68. I informed the travel agent I bought them and for how much. Unfortunately we had to buy these tickets before we could apply for the Chinese visa. Apparently we have about 4 hour wait at the border as they process all the people on board. Penny bought some excellent tea which she tasted in Guilin and it comes shaped like a pancake all wrapped up got it for £37 hope it tastes good but she is happy that is what counts.

Have booked a night in Hanoi we might stay 2 nights see how we are, looking at going to Ha Long Bay for 2 nights temperature mid 20’s and some sunshine. Then we will have to go back to Hanoi and possibly fly down to Hoi An for 3 nights and then on to Ho Chi Min City after that. With out a visa we have 14 days in the country. We plan to go to Cambodia after Vietnam.

We had booked for the River Li day trip and up before 07:00 I had a quick breakfast and we waited in the hotel lobby at 07:35 and the mini bus driver took us to where the main bus was. He was quite a character spoke interesting English with a lot of American movie sayings like hasta la vista baby. Our bus looked a crappy bus and it had a bucket in the middle of the bus walkway catch drips from the window above. We found a seat together down the back of the pass and the rest of the passengers were Chinese and quite a few kids. The bus ride was 40 minutes to where the cruise boats departed from. We all waited outside whilst the tour guide got our tickets. I bought some passion fruit my favourite and Penny had a hot corn on the cob. Got our tickets and we had to show our passports to get through security and we made our way to our boat, there were alot of people getting on to various boats. We sat at our table with a girl from South Korea and a young guy and his mum from Beijing. The weather was overcast with some low cloud and drizzle and cold. We went up on to the top open viewing deck and took photos when we saw some interesting areas. The River Li was very shallow in places but the skippers knew this river so well. We passed alot of villages and there were alot of people out on the river banks. There was a River Cruise tour guy who spoke good English and he was talking alot to the Chinese as we were sailing pointing out things and I guess some of the history and when he finished he would be back on his phone listening to music. Penny was pissed off and asked him to tell us in English what was happening as there were 8 of us on the vessel and his reply was not enough English speaking people on the boat so I am not doing it. Boy was she ropeable and if he was working for me he would not have a job. Penny went and spoke to our tour guide and explained what was going on and the this woman spoke to the young guy and there was a bit of a heated argument. So Penny said to the woman you are going to tell us what is going on with some commentary and she was not keen either, now Penny was totally pissed off with it all and it ruined the trip for her. We got some dialogue from our tour guide but not enough to satisfy pissed off Penny. We paid £50 each for the trip and it included English spoken tour guides. Before the boat landed at Yangshuo we were given a map and told to meet the bus at 15:10 so we had about 95 minutes to reach the hotel.

Got of the boat with passengers from 12 other boats and made our way up to the path to take us into town, we had to pass 400 m off vendors all selling the same items, it did not make sense? Then it opened up on the main road with shops either side selling what ever, food places, people trying to rent us a car, electric scooters, ride on bamboo boats and golf buggy ride into the main town, all we declined and made our way towards the hotel pick up. I found the way to the public toilets hey presto a toilet with a seat, no toilet paper not to worry bring my own and the last bastard left 2 humungus turds floating in the bowl? He must have been proud of them and wanted to show them off!! Came away from there and there was a German beer house, this place Yangshuo had a good feeling with bars all over which we have not seen alot on our travels, some restaurants with European type food. Found a German hippie type guy selling German sausage he spoke to me in Chinese and then when he saw me reverted to English. We bought a couple of T shirts and made the bus for 15:10 and we headed to Beauty of Crown Cave another tour £13 each.

We arrived there our tour guide was not talking to Penny don’t know why, well she did as Penny asked for more information and tour guide got on to her cell phone and Penny pointed out this was not very good. We got on to a small boat and the skipper took as up the river where the water was clear winding through small villages and land unfortunately there was rubbish deposited in a few places. Then we entered the caves and a few minutes later came out the other end and then we spotted cherry blossom trees unfortunately they were plastic as it was too bloody cold for them to be out. There were 5 locations where the people were in costume playing instruments or dancing it looked so made up and as soon as we passed them they stopped and got back on their cell phones. Got back to the landing spot and made our way through their shops to the main exit. The whole place was tacky they had so called rock sculptors which were plastic. The scenery was lovely they should have just left every thing natural. Glad to get out of there and we got bused back to town took over an hour. We went to the night market and found some where to eat, meal was average to below and then walked back to our hotel. The ladies at reception asking about our trips and we told them and they were suprised what we told them and they said they will look into this.

Back in our hotel room the aircon on and warming up, don’t like the cold and damp. My Nord VPN has been playing up, I have had a few issues with it here in China. Penny is using VPN Express and she has had no issues at all. I received an email from Nord and I have managed to get it working.