Too much to say..

Exhausted. Back in Hanoi. We had to have a nap today! I'll start from the begining but it may not make so much sense..

Hoi an was beautiful- touristy but stunning. Little crumbling sepia shops and temples on every corner. Bakeries, laquer, gorgeous taliors and french cafes- everything 'Vietnam' should be. I could've sat for days in a coffee shop, but we had to move on. (Not without someone convincing us that we could get two jackets and a suit made in 12 hours! They are lovely though, and would cost so much at home. The tailoring was far superior to suits I had made in China- I then I got news of a job interview, so now it seems worth it!?)

From Hoi An we got the bus to Hue- and were hassled from the second we peeped around the door of the bus. People in the north seem different. In Hue we went and toured the masoluems of old emperors with our guide Ty- who was fantastic. I'd recommend him to anyone (I have his number so I can send it to anyone interested!)

After our raininy day in Hue we flew to Hanoi- cheating, but it seems we're pressed for time. (Where has a month gone? Ei ya..)

Hanoi is lovely- much more European feel that makes me feel relaxed and at home. the market is HUGE and we spent a good while bargaining for waterproof trousers! How sexy..

...but necessary! We got the over night train to Sapa and went trekking to the hill tribes in the mist. The homestay wasn't reallt a homestay, but we has a lovely group of Canadian and Australians and enjoyed playing with the children too. It seems the fingers of capitalism have reached the far flug corners of even socialist countries- all the girls wanted us to buy something from them. The second day our guide (15 year old Tzu- who had been married and divorced) took us to meet her family in her village- which was much more a representation of life. And still the children were playing and smiling more than many of the kids in Hong Kong. The world is a confusing place..

And now we're back in Hanoi. We went to see Ho Chi Minh this morning- which was an odd experience indeed. Considering he didn't want to be embalmed the whole thing is very pompus. Then we went to the Hanoi Hilton- the prison where the American POW's were kept, renound for its appaling conditions. That place was creepy too- I wonder if it would be as eeriy withyour eyes closed? If you didn't know where you were- would it still send a shiver? hmm..

Anyways, up to speed now! We're off to see the water puppets tonight and then spending a night on a junk in Halong Bay tomorrow. Sarah wants to go Kayaking but I think there's been enough outdoors this week! Maybe if it's sunny.. x