Vietnam...full of surprises!

Well, it has been awhile since our last post, we have enjoyed the last week of moving north up Vietnam, we have used all forms of travel from train, motorbike, cable car, boat and plane (bike was the preferred consensus by Lisa & the kids)…we have now arrived in Hanoi the capital of Vietnam. Nha Trang was beautiful and for all who know me well, know my love for meat…within the last week I have eaten frogs, ostrich, crocodile, quail, duck, lamb, chicken, pork, beef (I’m sure I’ve forgotten some)…not to mention all seafoods…(I like Nha Trang)…a culinary experience which will not be forgotten.

Again, another different experience in Hanoi, we love the city and have enjoyed discovering the sights down alley ways, over bridges and around beautiful lakes which are set within the city. The food, architecture and culture is different from Saigon, it seems to have been influenced very much by  the French which can be seen in the architecture which adds to the atmosphere. Today we visited a 1000 year old ancient university which had great historical architecture and gardens. We have enjoyed hiring a scooter and finding cheap eat outs and I have had to adjust my motorbike riding skills back to my teenage years of riding my dirtbike (KX125) illegally through the streets of East Keilor where I grew up…note; to conform and become an effective rider you must learn the skill of weaving through traffic and expect that every bike, car, truck is wanting to cut you off  or ride into you…you must prepare yourself for any surprises. You MUST think Vietnamese and ride with confidence and a bit of aggression…and you will do fine!

We have met new people in Hanoi and our children attract and compel people to talk to us…we have enjoyed our conversations and learnt a lot from the Hanoi culture and changes the West is having on the nation to become more global, particularly with the next generation with education preparing them to interact within the world stage.

Tomorrow morning we leave by bus on a 3 hour trip to Halong Bay where the ‘Oriental Sails’ a Chinese boat will become our home for the next 3 days. Halong Bay has over 1200 islands that are an amazing wonder and sight to see within Vietnam. We return back to Hanoi for another 3 days until our time in Vietnam ends and we leave for Manila Philippines.

Thanks to all for following the post and your much enjoyed comments. We will send another post when we return from Halong Bay. God Bless from us all and you are in our prayers