26.11.07.
7.15AM...WOKE.
7.30AM...WENT TO GET SOME COFFEE...NU IN SHOWER.
8.05AM...SHOWERED.
8.20AM...PACKING.
8.45AM...DEPARTED HOTEL...JUMPED IN TUK TUK...HEADED FOR IVY GUESTHOUSE.
9.05AM...ORDERED BREAKFAST AND WAITED FOR OUR ROOM TO BE PREPARED.
9.35AM...BREAKFAST...2 FRIED EGG...1 WELL DONE...1 RUNNY...3 BACON...BAKE BEANS!...2 LARGE POTATO AND ONION CAKES...BIT SALTY...COFFEE NEEDED A DROP MORE MILK...BUT I'LL PROBABLY GO FOR IT AGAIN.
10.30AM...SHOWN ROOM...OK?
11.15AM...DECIDED TO WALK THE TOWN...BOUGHT SOME POSTCARDS...HAD A COUPLE OF BEERS...READ THE LAST FEW PAGES OF MY BOOK...IT'S TAKEN 2 WEEKS...GUESS I'M A BIT SLOW.
2.00PM...GOING THRU INFO ON ANKAR WAT...NU TRYING TO SORT ITINARY...ALSO WANTS TO GO AND SEE A BIRD RESERVE...STREET CHILDRENS THEATRE...IT'S ALL TO MUCH FOR ME!...ANKAR SUNDOWN IS MEANT TO BE WONDERFUL...THATS SUITS ME...NO RACE TO GET SOMEWHERE EARLY IN THE MORNING.
4.00PM...BACK IN ROOM...NU CHECKING OUT MOSQUITO POPULATION...BURNERS ON...THE SMOKE AND ARE MEANT TO DETER THE MOSQ'S...I'M YET TO BE CONVINCED...TV ON...BBC NEWS 24.
6.00PM.KNOCK ON DOOR...TEXT HUE[WELSH] EARLIER...THEY'D JUST ARRIVED...SO WE ARE GONNA SEE THEM TOMORROW...HAD A BEER.
8.30PM...OFF WE GO FOR A PIZZA...NOT SURE IF I'M HUNGRY?
8.50PM...HAPPY HERB PIZZA...SIEM REAP NOT BEING THAT BIG...IT DIDN'T TAKE LONG TO FIND.
8.55PM...ORDERED MUSHROOM PIZZA/COKE.
9.10PM...IN FRONT OF ME SITS A RATHER CHEESY PIZZA...THERE WERE MUSHROOMS...BUT NOT MANY...THERE ARE 2 THINGS I ENVY ABOUT CERTAIN PEOPLE...1]THEY KNOW HOW TO SECTION A PIZZA WITHOUT TAKING THE CHEESE FROM THE NEXT PORTION OF PIZZA...ELASTICATED CHEESE EVERYWHERE!...YOU TRY TO PULL IT FURTHER AND IT JUST EXTENDS...THE OTHER THING I ENVY IS PEOPLE WHO CAN DEBONE A FISH WITH LIMITED FUSS AND LIMITED STICKINESS...JUST GETTING A SHRIMP OUT OF ITS SHELL IS A HARDUOUS TASK FOR ME...APPARENTLY THIS THE BEST PIZZA IN TOWN...GOD HELP THE REST!
9.50PM...SITTING IN BAR DRINKING BACARDI/COKE...LISTENING TO SOME ROCK CLASSICS.
10.15PM...WELSHIES JOIN US...LOTS OF BANTER...MORE BACARD'S.
12.40AM...BACK AT GUESTHOUSE...LITTLE TIPSY.
27.11.07.
8.15AM...RISE AND SHINE.
8.35AM...SHOWER.
9.10AM...BREAKFAST AT A LITTLE CAFE OVER THE ROAD...FOOD AT OUR GUESTHOUSE NOT THE BEST.
9.30AM...FINNISH CHAPPIE WE MET IN VIETNAM JOINED US.
10.30AM...HEADED BACK TO GUESTHOUSE...NU GOT SOME HAND CLOTHES WASHING TO DO.
11.30AM...WENT TO FIND LAOS AIRLINES OFFICE...LEFT NU WITH A MILKSHAKE AND WRITING CARDS.
12.45PM...FOUND IT...HAVEN'T THE FOGGEST HOW FAR I'VE WALKED...NOT OPEN TILL 1.30PM...OUCH.
12.55PM...IN SOME POSH HOTEL HAVING A BEER...WATCHING A CAMBODIAN WAITER SQUEEZE PINEAPPLES AND ORANGES FOR COCKTAILS.
1.30PM...1ST IN QUEUE AT THE LAOS OFFICE...NOT A BAD PRICE...PROBABLY FLY TO LUANG PRABANG ON SUNDAY?
1.50PM...JUMP IN TUK TUK...DECIDED THW WALK BACK WAS TO MUCH...AND NU MIGHT BE WORRYING WHERE I'VE GOT TOO.
2.05PM...BACK WITH NU...STILL BUSILY WRITING...DON'T THINK I'VE BEEN MISSED.
2.20PM...STEAK BAGUETTE...HORRIBLE...ONLY HAD ONE BITE.
2.40PM...IN TUK TUK...GOING TO THE SINGING TREE...A PLACE WHERE THEY HELP ORPHANED CHILDREN.
2.55PM...AT THE SINGING TREE.
3.10PM...WATCHING FILM ABOUT STREET CHILDREN.
5.00PM...WALKED BACK VIA MARKET...BOUGHT 2 TSHIRTS...75p EACH...OK.
5.40PM...BACK IN ROOM.
6.00PM...RUMING AND PEPSING.
7.10PM...TEMPLE BAR/RESTAURANT...WE ARE HERE FOR THE DANCERS AND HOPEFULLY A NICE MEAL?
7.45PM...KYMER AMOK...FISH/PORK/CHICKEN IN A SPICY SAUCE ON BED OF RICE...BEST CAMBODIAN MEAL SO FAR...BOTTLE OF ROSE.
8.45PM...STILL AT RESTAURANT...MET UP WITH IRISH COUPLE WE LAST SAW IN PHU QUOC...NU ENJOYING DANCERS...CAMERA HAPPY.
9.45PM...BANANA LEAF BAR...BACARDI'S...MEANT TO MEET WELSHIES...BIT LATE.
10.30PM...BED.
28.11.07.
8.30AM...ROSE...THROAT A BNIT DRY.
8.35AM...HALF LITRE BOTTLE OF WATER.
8.45AM...SHOWER.
9.35AM...SUPERMARKET...NEED WATER FOR TRIP TO ANKAR WAT...HAIR DYE FOR NU.
10.05AM...BREAKFAST...APPLE PANCAKE/APPLE SHAKE/CUPPA TEA.
11.10AM...BACK IN ROOM...BOOKED TUK TUK FOR MIDDAY FOR ANKAR TRIP.
11.45AM...BANANA MILKSHAKE.
12.05PM...IN TUK TUK...BUMPER T'BUMP...MUST BE GETTING OLD...CAN FEEL MY BOOBS BOUNCE.
12.35PM...ANKAR WAT...SOME TEMPLE...LOTTA STEPS...ANOTHER TEMPLE CALLED BUPHEON...LOTTA ROCKS...NEXT BAYON...STEPS/STONES/ROCKS...LOTS OF LITTLE ROOMS...REMINDED ME OF LEGO BRICKS...WHEN I WAS ABOUT 7 YEARS OLD I USED TO BUILD HOUSES WITH MANY LITTLE ROOMS ON THIS GREY LEGO BOARD...IN TIME ONE BRICK WOULD FALL...THE WALL WOULD GET KNOCKED AND CAVE IN...THE ROOF WOULD COLLAPSE...MANY BRICKS STREWN...THATS WHAT ANKAR LOOKS LIKE...ALSO SAW TEMPLE OF ELEPHANTS...TEMPLE OF LEPERS...EVER SO EXCITING!...HEAT AT TIMES TOO MUCH.
5.30PM...BACK IN TUK TUK.
6.00PM...BACK IN ROOM.
6.20PM...NU DYING HAIR...I'M WATCHING BBC NEWS 24...ITS A GREAT LIFE [REALLY!]...WELL TIRED...BACK ACHE...KNEE ACHE...MY BRAINS ALRIGHT THOUGH!
7.00PM...WENT TO OUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANT/BAR...HAD A DELICIOUS KYMER MEAL...SPOKE WITH A COUPLE FROM CAMBRIDGE WHO PRODUCE THERE OWN CHEESE...GONNA KEEP IN TOUCH...GONNA SEND US SOME CHEESE!
9.30PM...WESHIES TURN UP...GOT BACK TO GUESTHOUSE ABOUT 1.30AM...COCKTAILED OUT!
WHAT!
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
Sunday, 25 November 2007
twenty first....happy birthday mom!.......<600>
21.11.07.
8.00AM...WOKE...SHOWER.
8.40AM...BREAKFAST...DIDNT FEEL HUNGRY...NU ATE MINE...APPLE/PINEAPPLE JUICE OK.
9.00AM...SPEAKING WITH COUPLE OF AUSSIES...NU SEWING.
10.10AM...SEMI PACKING...DEPART FOR MAINLAND AT 7.45AM TOMORROW...WIND PERMITTING.
11.20AM...RELAXING.
2.00PM...ORDERED CHICKEN/MUSHROOM SOUP...SPICY PORK SPAGHETTI...VERY NICE.
2.30PM...NU NOT HAPPY...MOBILE PHONE NOT WORKING.
3.00PM...SITTING BESIDE POOL.
4.20PM...LATE AFTERNOON NAP.
7.30PM...RESTAURANT...MET UP WITH THE TWO AUSSIES...DRANK TO MUCH WINE.
10.45PM...TIME FOR BED.
22.11.07.
5.30AM...ALARM...HEAD A WHIRL
5.50AM...SHOWER...HEAD STILL IN A WHIRL.
6.15AM...PACKING.
6.30AM...COFFEE.
6.55AM...TAXI.
7.20AM...PORT...THE DOCKSIDE...NOT THE DRINK!
7.45AM...FAST BOAT...LOOKS LIKE A ROCKET...STOMACH NOT AT ITS BEST.
10.30AM...PORT OF RACH GIA...BOYS ON MOTORBIKES PESTERING.
10.50AM...WALKING STREETS WITH 2 AUSSIES...THEY ARE EVERYWHERE...FOUND TRAVEL SHOP...20 MINS WAIT...NEXT WE ARE ON A RICKETY MINIBUS HEADING FOR CHAU DU...24,000 DONG FOR BOTH.
12.10PM...WONDERFUL SCENERY...PEOPLE PLEASANT...ENJOYABLE RIDE.
2.30PM...ARRIVED...BOREDER CROSSING TOWN...BACK ACHING...ROADS NOT GOOD.
3.15PM...BOOK INTO HOTEL...10 DOLLARS FOR BOTH.
3.50PM...SHOWER.
5.00PM...OUT SEARCHING FOR ORANGES.
6.00PM...BOOKED TRIP BY BOAT TO PHNOM PENN...GO 8.00AM...ARRIVE 2.30PM...18 DOLLAR EACH.
7.00PM...RESTAURANT...PORK SWEET AND SOUR...NOT THE BEST...PAPAYA JUICE OK...PINEAPPLE JUICE?...I THINK THEY FORGOT THE PINEAPPLE!
8.00PM...SPEND BEST PART OF EVENING CHATTING WITH TWO 60 YEAR OLD AMERICANS...THEY HAD HAD A WONDERFUL LIFE...TEACHING IN SO MANY COUNTRIES...ITS PEOPLE LIKE THAT WHO MAKE ME STOP AND THINK ABOUT LIFE...THAT LIFE OUTSIDE YOUR WINDOW...SO FEW PEOPLE LOOK NO FURTHER THAN A MANICURED LAWN...OR KEEPING UP WITH THERE NEIGHBOURS...THERES SO MUCH MORE...DAMN WELL GO AND ENJOY IT!
23.11.07.
5.45AM...UP EARLY.
6.00AM...SHOWER...PACKED.
7.00AM...BREAKFAST...THOUGHT IT WAS INCLUDED...HAD TO PAY...WONT COME AGAIN!
7.30AM...WALKED TO BOAT STATION FOR PHNOM PENN.
7.55AM...SITTING IN SPEED BOAT READY FOR OFF.
9.10AM...VIETNAM WATER BORDER...ALLS WELL.
11.20AM...CAMBODIAN WATER BORDER...OFF WE ALL GET...VERY SMILEY PEOPLE...NO PROBLEMS...MET TWO WELSH PEOPLE...SO WAFFLE ABOUND...ON THERE HONEYMOON FOR 8 MONTHS...I GUESS THIS IS NU AND MINES HONEYMOON!
2.30PM...AT PHNOM PENN PORT...WELL,IF YOU CAN CALL IT A PORT...MORE OF A MUD BANK!
3.05PM...TAXI ACROSS BRIDGE TO POSH HOTEL...HADNT BOOKED ANYTHING...BUT GOT LUCKY...THEY HAD A SPARE ROOM...BIT PRICEY...WE DID NOT KNOW IT WAS THE WEEKEND OF THE WATER FESTIVAL...MOST HOTELS WERE FULL.
4.30PM...WALKING STREETS WITH WELSH COUPLE.
4.50PM...BEER OR THREE.
6.10PM...AT THE COLONIAL CLUB...THE PLACE WHERE ALL THE PRESS PEOPLE STAYED IN THE WAR DAYS...ORDERED...KARI KROEUNG SACH MOAN...SPICEY CHICKEN CURRY?...WATCHED THE FIREWORKS AND ALL COLOURED BOATS GOING UP AND DOWN RIVER.
9.05PM...RETURNED TO HOTEL VIA FOUR BERTH TUK TUK...GIRLS POPPED OFF TO BED...HAD A GOOD OLD WAFFLE WITH WELSH CHAPPIE...WELL ENJOYABLE EVENING...THE JIM BEAM PROBABLY HELPED!
24.11.07.
8.00AM...WOKE WITH A CROAK...SHOWER.
9.25AM...BREAKFAST...EGGS AGAIN!...TOAST...I WANT BACON,MUSHROOMS...COFFEE OK THOUGH.
9.40AM...WELSHIES JOIN US.
10.25AM...HUE...WELSH CHAP AND ME GO LOOKING FOR MONEY EXCHANGE...CAMERA SHOP...TICKET OUTLET...GIRLS WAFFLING... NO PROBLEM.
10.50AM...THOUGHT WE HAD BETTER HAVE A BEER.
11.15AM...MONEY EXCHANGE PLACE...OK RATE.
11.20AM...FOUND CAMERA SHOP...GOTTA COME BACK LATER WITH CAMERA...NOT WORKING AT PRESENT...GOTTA GET IT SORTED.
11.50AM...TICKET OFFICE...CHECKING PRICES FOR BOATS AND BUSES.
12.10PM...BETTER HAVE ANOTHER BEER.
1.30PM...BACK AT HOTEL...EXPLAINING TO THE LADIES HOW WE GOT LOST...NU TELLS ME LATER SHE COULD SMELL THE BEER...OUCH!
2.30PM...OUT WITH THE WELSHIES...CAMERA SHOP...SOMEHOW A VIRUS HAD GOT INTO MEMORY CARD AND WAS ON THE ATTACK!...LOST SOME PHOTOS!...MAJORITY OK...PURCHASED NEW MEMORY CARD...OK NOW I HOPE...NU WELL HAPPY.
3.00PM...JUMP IN TUK TUK TO GENOCIDE MUSEUM.
3.15PM...LOOKING AROUND MUSEUM...SEEN A MOVIE...I KNOW THESE ATTROCITIES HAPPENED...ABOUT 3 MILLION PEOPLE TORTURED AND KILLED...BUT I AM NOT IN THE RIGHT FRAME OF MIND TO TAKE IT ALL IN...I APOLIGIZE.
4.45PM...BACK IN TUK TUK.
4.55PM...DROPPED US OFF AT SPORTS BAR...GIRLS DID NOT SEEM TO MIND...HUE AND I ARE PLEASED.
5.15PM...I THINK THEY FORGOT MY CHEESE IN MY CHEESE,HAM,TOMATO TOASTIE...HAD A BEER OR TWO.
6.25PM...WALKED THRU THE CROWDS TO THE IRISH BAR...HAD A BEER...BUT THE AURA WAS NOT GOOD.
7.15PM...STROLLED BACK TO ORIGINAL BAR.
7.35PM...ENGLISH FOOTIE ON TV...LIVERPOOL/NEWCASTLE...HAPPY CHAPPIES WE ARE...GIRLS WAFFLING.
9.00PM...STEAK SANDWICH...NO COMMENT!
10.00PM...BOLTON/MAN UTD...WE ARE IN OUR ELEMENT...GIRLS WAFFLING...BOLTON WON...HAD A COUPLE OF GAMES OF POOL...GIRLS WAFFLING...HAD A FEW WHISKIES.
12.30AM...WALKING BACK TO HOTEL...EXCELLENT DAY...GIRLS STILL WAFFLING!
25.11.07.
6.30AM...EARLY START...SHOWER.
7.00AM...BREAKFAST...ONLY HAD COFFEE.
7.45AM...WALKED TO ANOTHER HOTEL FOR PICK UP FOR START OF TRIP TO SIEM REAP.
8.05AM...IN 4 X4 TRAVELLING TO BUS STATION.
8.20AM...IN RICKETY CAMBODIAN BUS...OFF WE SET.
9.00AM...FIRST STOP...CHAPPIE CHECKING ENGINE...I THINK THE BUS AS GOTTA LEAK...DRIVER AND WATER AT REAR OF CONTRAPTION!
9.55AM...ANOTHER WATER FILLING STOP...TRIED TO SLEEP...I THINK THIS IS THE HOTTEST DAY...NOT THE BEST DAY FOR TRAVELLING ON A CAMBODIAN BUS!...I AM NOT ONE TO COMPLAIN THOUGH...AS YOU WELL KNOW!...HAD A FEW MANDARINS...GIRL TWO SEATS DOWN EATING SPIDERS...BIG AS TARANTULAS...DEEP FRIED!
2.30PM...AFTER SEVERAL STOPS...WE FINALLY ARRIVE IN SIEM REAP...CHAPPIE WITH TUK TUK WAITING TO TAKE US TO HOTEL.
2.50PM...HOTEL...OH...ITS NOT ONE WE THOUGHT WE HAD BOOKED...NO POOL.
3.10PM...PHONED MOTHER...ITS HER BIRTHDAY...HAD A GOOD CHAT...SANG HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOWN THE PHONE.
3.40PM...SHOWER/BEER.
4.20PM...TUK TUK INTO CENTRE.
6.00PM...EATING AT RED PIANO...SWANKIEST RESTAURANT IN TOWN...SO WE WERE TOLD...WHOS FOOLING WHO!...WE DISCUSSED OUR ACCOMADATION...WE ARE NOT HAPPY...ENQUIRED AT IVY GUESTHOUSE...LOOKS LIKE WE ARE ON THE MOVE TOMORROW.
7.40PM...HAD A COUPLE OF BEERS.
8.55PM...TUK TUK BACK TO HOTEL
9.35PM...IN BED...WATCHING FOOTIE...NU READING.
ALL RICE...ALL SPICE...VERY NICE...SOMETIMES!
BYE FOR NOWZ.
8.00AM...WOKE...SHOWER.
8.40AM...BREAKFAST...DIDNT FEEL HUNGRY...NU ATE MINE...APPLE/PINEAPPLE JUICE OK.
9.00AM...SPEAKING WITH COUPLE OF AUSSIES...NU SEWING.
10.10AM...SEMI PACKING...DEPART FOR MAINLAND AT 7.45AM TOMORROW...WIND PERMITTING.
11.20AM...RELAXING.
2.00PM...ORDERED CHICKEN/MUSHROOM SOUP...SPICY PORK SPAGHETTI...VERY NICE.
2.30PM...NU NOT HAPPY...MOBILE PHONE NOT WORKING.
3.00PM...SITTING BESIDE POOL.
4.20PM...LATE AFTERNOON NAP.
7.30PM...RESTAURANT...MET UP WITH THE TWO AUSSIES...DRANK TO MUCH WINE.
10.45PM...TIME FOR BED.
22.11.07.
5.30AM...ALARM...HEAD A WHIRL
5.50AM...SHOWER...HEAD STILL IN A WHIRL.
6.15AM...PACKING.
6.30AM...COFFEE.
6.55AM...TAXI.
7.20AM...PORT...THE DOCKSIDE...NOT THE DRINK!
7.45AM...FAST BOAT...LOOKS LIKE A ROCKET...STOMACH NOT AT ITS BEST.
10.30AM...PORT OF RACH GIA...BOYS ON MOTORBIKES PESTERING.
10.50AM...WALKING STREETS WITH 2 AUSSIES...THEY ARE EVERYWHERE...FOUND TRAVEL SHOP...20 MINS WAIT...NEXT WE ARE ON A RICKETY MINIBUS HEADING FOR CHAU DU...24,000 DONG FOR BOTH.
12.10PM...WONDERFUL SCENERY...PEOPLE PLEASANT...ENJOYABLE RIDE.
2.30PM...ARRIVED...BOREDER CROSSING TOWN...BACK ACHING...ROADS NOT GOOD.
3.15PM...BOOK INTO HOTEL...10 DOLLARS FOR BOTH.
3.50PM...SHOWER.
5.00PM...OUT SEARCHING FOR ORANGES.
6.00PM...BOOKED TRIP BY BOAT TO PHNOM PENN...GO 8.00AM...ARRIVE 2.30PM...18 DOLLAR EACH.
7.00PM...RESTAURANT...PORK SWEET AND SOUR...NOT THE BEST...PAPAYA JUICE OK...PINEAPPLE JUICE?...I THINK THEY FORGOT THE PINEAPPLE!
8.00PM...SPEND BEST PART OF EVENING CHATTING WITH TWO 60 YEAR OLD AMERICANS...THEY HAD HAD A WONDERFUL LIFE...TEACHING IN SO MANY COUNTRIES...ITS PEOPLE LIKE THAT WHO MAKE ME STOP AND THINK ABOUT LIFE...THAT LIFE OUTSIDE YOUR WINDOW...SO FEW PEOPLE LOOK NO FURTHER THAN A MANICURED LAWN...OR KEEPING UP WITH THERE NEIGHBOURS...THERES SO MUCH MORE...DAMN WELL GO AND ENJOY IT!
23.11.07.
5.45AM...UP EARLY.
6.00AM...SHOWER...PACKED.
7.00AM...BREAKFAST...THOUGHT IT WAS INCLUDED...HAD TO PAY...WONT COME AGAIN!
7.30AM...WALKED TO BOAT STATION FOR PHNOM PENN.
7.55AM...SITTING IN SPEED BOAT READY FOR OFF.
9.10AM...VIETNAM WATER BORDER...ALLS WELL.
11.20AM...CAMBODIAN WATER BORDER...OFF WE ALL GET...VERY SMILEY PEOPLE...NO PROBLEMS...MET TWO WELSH PEOPLE...SO WAFFLE ABOUND...ON THERE HONEYMOON FOR 8 MONTHS...I GUESS THIS IS NU AND MINES HONEYMOON!
2.30PM...AT PHNOM PENN PORT...WELL,IF YOU CAN CALL IT A PORT...MORE OF A MUD BANK!
3.05PM...TAXI ACROSS BRIDGE TO POSH HOTEL...HADNT BOOKED ANYTHING...BUT GOT LUCKY...THEY HAD A SPARE ROOM...BIT PRICEY...WE DID NOT KNOW IT WAS THE WEEKEND OF THE WATER FESTIVAL...MOST HOTELS WERE FULL.
4.30PM...WALKING STREETS WITH WELSH COUPLE.
4.50PM...BEER OR THREE.
6.10PM...AT THE COLONIAL CLUB...THE PLACE WHERE ALL THE PRESS PEOPLE STAYED IN THE WAR DAYS...ORDERED...KARI KROEUNG SACH MOAN...SPICEY CHICKEN CURRY?...WATCHED THE FIREWORKS AND ALL COLOURED BOATS GOING UP AND DOWN RIVER.
9.05PM...RETURNED TO HOTEL VIA FOUR BERTH TUK TUK...GIRLS POPPED OFF TO BED...HAD A GOOD OLD WAFFLE WITH WELSH CHAPPIE...WELL ENJOYABLE EVENING...THE JIM BEAM PROBABLY HELPED!
24.11.07.
8.00AM...WOKE WITH A CROAK...SHOWER.
9.25AM...BREAKFAST...EGGS AGAIN!...TOAST...I WANT BACON,MUSHROOMS...COFFEE OK THOUGH.
9.40AM...WELSHIES JOIN US.
10.25AM...HUE...WELSH CHAP AND ME GO LOOKING FOR MONEY EXCHANGE...CAMERA SHOP...TICKET OUTLET...GIRLS WAFFLING... NO PROBLEM.
10.50AM...THOUGHT WE HAD BETTER HAVE A BEER.
11.15AM...MONEY EXCHANGE PLACE...OK RATE.
11.20AM...FOUND CAMERA SHOP...GOTTA COME BACK LATER WITH CAMERA...NOT WORKING AT PRESENT...GOTTA GET IT SORTED.
11.50AM...TICKET OFFICE...CHECKING PRICES FOR BOATS AND BUSES.
12.10PM...BETTER HAVE ANOTHER BEER.
1.30PM...BACK AT HOTEL...EXPLAINING TO THE LADIES HOW WE GOT LOST...NU TELLS ME LATER SHE COULD SMELL THE BEER...OUCH!
2.30PM...OUT WITH THE WELSHIES...CAMERA SHOP...SOMEHOW A VIRUS HAD GOT INTO MEMORY CARD AND WAS ON THE ATTACK!...LOST SOME PHOTOS!...MAJORITY OK...PURCHASED NEW MEMORY CARD...OK NOW I HOPE...NU WELL HAPPY.
3.00PM...JUMP IN TUK TUK TO GENOCIDE MUSEUM.
3.15PM...LOOKING AROUND MUSEUM...SEEN A MOVIE...I KNOW THESE ATTROCITIES HAPPENED...ABOUT 3 MILLION PEOPLE TORTURED AND KILLED...BUT I AM NOT IN THE RIGHT FRAME OF MIND TO TAKE IT ALL IN...I APOLIGIZE.
4.45PM...BACK IN TUK TUK.
4.55PM...DROPPED US OFF AT SPORTS BAR...GIRLS DID NOT SEEM TO MIND...HUE AND I ARE PLEASED.
5.15PM...I THINK THEY FORGOT MY CHEESE IN MY CHEESE,HAM,TOMATO TOASTIE...HAD A BEER OR TWO.
6.25PM...WALKED THRU THE CROWDS TO THE IRISH BAR...HAD A BEER...BUT THE AURA WAS NOT GOOD.
7.15PM...STROLLED BACK TO ORIGINAL BAR.
7.35PM...ENGLISH FOOTIE ON TV...LIVERPOOL/NEWCASTLE...HAPPY CHAPPIES WE ARE...GIRLS WAFFLING.
9.00PM...STEAK SANDWICH...NO COMMENT!
10.00PM...BOLTON/MAN UTD...WE ARE IN OUR ELEMENT...GIRLS WAFFLING...BOLTON WON...HAD A COUPLE OF GAMES OF POOL...GIRLS WAFFLING...HAD A FEW WHISKIES.
12.30AM...WALKING BACK TO HOTEL...EXCELLENT DAY...GIRLS STILL WAFFLING!
25.11.07.
6.30AM...EARLY START...SHOWER.
7.00AM...BREAKFAST...ONLY HAD COFFEE.
7.45AM...WALKED TO ANOTHER HOTEL FOR PICK UP FOR START OF TRIP TO SIEM REAP.
8.05AM...IN 4 X4 TRAVELLING TO BUS STATION.
8.20AM...IN RICKETY CAMBODIAN BUS...OFF WE SET.
9.00AM...FIRST STOP...CHAPPIE CHECKING ENGINE...I THINK THE BUS AS GOTTA LEAK...DRIVER AND WATER AT REAR OF CONTRAPTION!
9.55AM...ANOTHER WATER FILLING STOP...TRIED TO SLEEP...I THINK THIS IS THE HOTTEST DAY...NOT THE BEST DAY FOR TRAVELLING ON A CAMBODIAN BUS!...I AM NOT ONE TO COMPLAIN THOUGH...AS YOU WELL KNOW!...HAD A FEW MANDARINS...GIRL TWO SEATS DOWN EATING SPIDERS...BIG AS TARANTULAS...DEEP FRIED!
2.30PM...AFTER SEVERAL STOPS...WE FINALLY ARRIVE IN SIEM REAP...CHAPPIE WITH TUK TUK WAITING TO TAKE US TO HOTEL.
2.50PM...HOTEL...OH...ITS NOT ONE WE THOUGHT WE HAD BOOKED...NO POOL.
3.10PM...PHONED MOTHER...ITS HER BIRTHDAY...HAD A GOOD CHAT...SANG HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOWN THE PHONE.
3.40PM...SHOWER/BEER.
4.20PM...TUK TUK INTO CENTRE.
6.00PM...EATING AT RED PIANO...SWANKIEST RESTAURANT IN TOWN...SO WE WERE TOLD...WHOS FOOLING WHO!...WE DISCUSSED OUR ACCOMADATION...WE ARE NOT HAPPY...ENQUIRED AT IVY GUESTHOUSE...LOOKS LIKE WE ARE ON THE MOVE TOMORROW.
7.40PM...HAD A COUPLE OF BEERS.
8.55PM...TUK TUK BACK TO HOTEL
9.35PM...IN BED...WATCHING FOOTIE...NU READING.
ALL RICE...ALL SPICE...VERY NICE...SOMETIMES!
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
twentieth...go...do...no regrets....[390]
18.11.07.
7.00AM...WOKE EARLY.
7.55AM...BREAKFAST...2 FRIED EGGS/2 BAGUETTES/2 PAPAYA JUICE.
8.50AM...HANDED LAUNDRY IN.
10.00AM...OFF I MARCH INTO TOWN...STILL NEED SHORTS...PLUS GOTTA GET SOME MANDARINS.
11.00AM...RUM AND RAISIN ICECREAM.
11.30AM...BARTERING OVER TSHIRT...WANTS 135,000...TO EXPENSIVE...ONLY PAID 70.000 THE OTHER DAY.
11.55AM...MANDARINS...SPOTTED TSHIRT...20.000...DIDN'T EVEN TRY IT ON...JUST HANDED OVER MONEY.
12.20PM...BEER.
12.50PM...UP I GET...OFF I GO.
1.25PM...JUST IN TIME...NU ABOUT TO TUCK INTO EGG FRIED RICE...ORDERED BEER.
3.00PM...GETTING USED TO THESE AFTERNOON NAPS.
5.00PM...ON BEACH WATCHING SUN GO DOWN...CHATTING WITH FINNISH AND RUSSIAN TOURISTS.
6.40PM...OFF TO AUSSIE RESTAURANT.
7.15PM...RESTAURANT...NO ELECTRICITY...BOTTLE OF LOCAL WINE PLEASE.
7.35PM...ELECTRICITY BACK ON.
7.40PM...ORDERED SNITZEL/CHIPS/SIDE SALAD...RED SNAPPER WAS ON OFFER...BUT DECLINED...PROMISED I'D BE BACK FOR TOMORROWS CATCH.
8.15PM...FILLED A GAP...NOT TO KEEN ON SNITZEL!
9.00PM...ANOTHER BOTTLE OF WINE...BORDEAUX THIS TIME.
10.00PM...WOBBLE BACK TO HOTEL.
19.11.07.
8.00AM...WOKE/SHOWER.
9.00AM...BREAKFAST AS NORMAL.
10.00AM...ON BEACH...NOT AS HOT AS YESTERDAY...BREEZY...READING...FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN BY MITCH ALBOM.
10.50AM...IN WARM SEA.
11.50AM...TIME FOR A BEER.
12.25PM...EGG FRIED RICE.
2.00PM...AFTERNOON NAP.
5.00PM...SHOWER.
7.00PM...RESTAURANT...PORK SKEWER X 3/CHIPS/SALAD...OWNED BY 2 AGEING AUSSIES...THE VIETS THEY EMPLOY ARE NOTHING SHORT OF USELESS...ENJOYED THE WINE!
20.11.07.
8.00AM...AWAKE...HAVE BEEN FOR THE LAST 3 HOURS...PHONE WENT OFF...COULDN'T GET BACK TO SLEEP.
9.10AM....BREAKFAST...BANANA PANCAKE...WISH I HADN'T BOTHERED.
10.00AM...LEFT NU ON BEACH...OFF TO GET TICKETS FOR MAINLAND...TO START JOURNEY TOWARDS CAMBODIA...BIT OF A JAUNT!
10.35AM...TICKET OFFICE...2 TICKETS FOR A TENNER...GOTTA BUY TICKETS FOR BUS WHEN WE ARRIVE AT MAINLAND FOR CHUC DU[BORDER]...THEN WALK OVER BORDER...THE BUY ANOTHER TICKET FOR BOAT TO PHNOM PENN.
11.00AM...TICKETS IN HAND I HEAD BACK TO NU.
11.30AM...ON BEACH WITH BEER.
1.00PM...EGG FRIED RICE/PAPAYA JUICE.
1.50PM...BACK ON BEACH...IF YOU HAVE A COLD CAN...DRINK IT FAST...WARM IN 20MINS.
3.40PM...SUN CRUSHING ME...BACK TO ROOM...FAN ON!
4.10PM...RUM AND COKE...NOT DONE A LOT SINCE WE'VE BEEN IN PHU QUOC...BUT WE ARE IN HOLIDAY MODE AS OPPOSED TO TRAVELLING MODE...SO LETS ENJOY!
7.00PM...AUSSIE RESTAURANT AGAIN...PROMISED TO HAVE FISH...FANCIED MEAT AGAIN...SERVICE WAS SWIFTER AND BETTER TONIGHT.
10.00PM...BACK AT HOTEL...RUMMING'N'COKING!
VIETNAM VIEW.
Go to Vietnam,the sun shines,the people always smile,the sea is warm,nothing seems to cost alot.Ok,you do have to get luck with the food...fresh fish[Phu Qouc] good.This is Greece 20 years ago.Just get a flight to Saigon.Don't bother booking accomadation,there will be plenty of people offering you good clean cheap rooms when you arrive.Just get to Vietnam,you will not be disappointed...Nov/Feb.Hanoi as its motorbikes.Hoi an as its rain!Phu Quoc as the white beaches/sunshine.Things look as if they shouldn't work...but they do.A wonderful country!
VIETNAM ROCK
BYE FOR NOWZ,
7.00AM...WOKE EARLY.
7.55AM...BREAKFAST...2 FRIED EGGS/2 BAGUETTES/2 PAPAYA JUICE.
8.50AM...HANDED LAUNDRY IN.
10.00AM...OFF I MARCH INTO TOWN...STILL NEED SHORTS...PLUS GOTTA GET SOME MANDARINS.
11.00AM...RUM AND RAISIN ICECREAM.
11.30AM...BARTERING OVER TSHIRT...WANTS 135,000...TO EXPENSIVE...ONLY PAID 70.000 THE OTHER DAY.
11.55AM...MANDARINS...SPOTTED TSHIRT...20.000...DIDN'T EVEN TRY IT ON...JUST HANDED OVER MONEY.
12.20PM...BEER.
12.50PM...UP I GET...OFF I GO.
1.25PM...JUST IN TIME...NU ABOUT TO TUCK INTO EGG FRIED RICE...ORDERED BEER.
3.00PM...GETTING USED TO THESE AFTERNOON NAPS.
5.00PM...ON BEACH WATCHING SUN GO DOWN...CHATTING WITH FINNISH AND RUSSIAN TOURISTS.
6.40PM...OFF TO AUSSIE RESTAURANT.
7.15PM...RESTAURANT...NO ELECTRICITY...BOTTLE OF LOCAL WINE PLEASE.
7.35PM...ELECTRICITY BACK ON.
7.40PM...ORDERED SNITZEL/CHIPS/SIDE SALAD...RED SNAPPER WAS ON OFFER...BUT DECLINED...PROMISED I'D BE BACK FOR TOMORROWS CATCH.
8.15PM...FILLED A GAP...NOT TO KEEN ON SNITZEL!
9.00PM...ANOTHER BOTTLE OF WINE...BORDEAUX THIS TIME.
10.00PM...WOBBLE BACK TO HOTEL.
19.11.07.
8.00AM...WOKE/SHOWER.
9.00AM...BREAKFAST AS NORMAL.
10.00AM...ON BEACH...NOT AS HOT AS YESTERDAY...BREEZY...READING...FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN BY MITCH ALBOM.
10.50AM...IN WARM SEA.
11.50AM...TIME FOR A BEER.
12.25PM...EGG FRIED RICE.
2.00PM...AFTERNOON NAP.
5.00PM...SHOWER.
7.00PM...RESTAURANT...PORK SKEWER X 3/CHIPS/SALAD...OWNED BY 2 AGEING AUSSIES...THE VIETS THEY EMPLOY ARE NOTHING SHORT OF USELESS...ENJOYED THE WINE!
20.11.07.
8.00AM...AWAKE...HAVE BEEN FOR THE LAST 3 HOURS...PHONE WENT OFF...COULDN'T GET BACK TO SLEEP.
9.10AM....BREAKFAST...BANANA PANCAKE...WISH I HADN'T BOTHERED.
10.00AM...LEFT NU ON BEACH...OFF TO GET TICKETS FOR MAINLAND...TO START JOURNEY TOWARDS CAMBODIA...BIT OF A JAUNT!
10.35AM...TICKET OFFICE...2 TICKETS FOR A TENNER...GOTTA BUY TICKETS FOR BUS WHEN WE ARRIVE AT MAINLAND FOR CHUC DU[BORDER]...THEN WALK OVER BORDER...THE BUY ANOTHER TICKET FOR BOAT TO PHNOM PENN.
11.00AM...TICKETS IN HAND I HEAD BACK TO NU.
11.30AM...ON BEACH WITH BEER.
1.00PM...EGG FRIED RICE/PAPAYA JUICE.
1.50PM...BACK ON BEACH...IF YOU HAVE A COLD CAN...DRINK IT FAST...WARM IN 20MINS.
3.40PM...SUN CRUSHING ME...BACK TO ROOM...FAN ON!
4.10PM...RUM AND COKE...NOT DONE A LOT SINCE WE'VE BEEN IN PHU QUOC...BUT WE ARE IN HOLIDAY MODE AS OPPOSED TO TRAVELLING MODE...SO LETS ENJOY!
7.00PM...AUSSIE RESTAURANT AGAIN...PROMISED TO HAVE FISH...FANCIED MEAT AGAIN...SERVICE WAS SWIFTER AND BETTER TONIGHT.
10.00PM...BACK AT HOTEL...RUMMING'N'COKING!
VIETNAM VIEW.
Go to Vietnam,the sun shines,the people always smile,the sea is warm,nothing seems to cost alot.Ok,you do have to get luck with the food...fresh fish[Phu Qouc] good.This is Greece 20 years ago.Just get a flight to Saigon.Don't bother booking accomadation,there will be plenty of people offering you good clean cheap rooms when you arrive.Just get to Vietnam,you will not be disappointed...Nov/Feb.Hanoi as its motorbikes.Hoi an as its rain!Phu Quoc as the white beaches/sunshine.Things look as if they shouldn't work...but they do.A wonderful country!
VIETNAM ROCK
BYE FOR NOWZ,
Saturday, 17 November 2007
nineteeth...motorbiking.....[260]
15.11.07
8.00AM...TIME TO GET UP...BREAKFAST WAS ON MY MIND...SHOWERED.
9.00AM...2 FRIED EGGS...2 SMALL BAGUETTES...COFFEE.
10.30AM...WALKED TO NEAREST VILLIAGE...ABOUT 2K.
11.15AM...AT CENTRAL CROSSROADS...LEFT OR RIGHT...UNSURE?
11.20AM...TO THE RIGHT WE GO...SUN PUNCHING INTO MY HEAD.
11.45AM...IN SOME HOTEL ENQUIRING...BOTTLE OF WATER REQUIRED...WE SHOULD HAVE GONE LEFT.
12.10PM...OFF WE STROLL BACK TO CENTRAL CROSSROADS...BOUGHT SOME PANADOL ON WAY.
12.30PM...HẼADING IN RIGHT DIRECTION FOR ONCE...NEED TO BUY TSHIRT AND SHORTS.
1.30PM...LOOKING...BUT NOTHING REALLY CATCHING MY EYE...I'M VERY FUNNY ABOUT WHAT I WEAR!
2.30PM...OVER THE BRIDGE WE GO...SPOTTED MARKET...SPOTTED FRUIT STALL...MANADARINS HERE I COME.
2.40PM...HEAVENS OPEN...DOWNPOUR FOR ABOUT 15MINS...DIDN'T SEE IT COMING...BRIGHT SKIES ABOVE.
3.10PM...BOUGHT BRANDY X 2...BOTTLE OF COKE...CAN'T FIND SHORTS I WANT.
4.05PM...BEER GARDEN...PORK SAUSAGE/BAGUETTE...3 BEERS.
5.25PM...ON OUR WAY AGAIN.
5.50PM...BACK AT HOTEL...SHOWER.
6.10PM...WONDERING WHETHER I SHOULD CRACK A BOTTLE OF BRANDY.
6.20PM...BRANDY OPEN...NOT BAD...LOCAL STUFF.
7.30PM...NEED FOOD.
7.55PM...RESTAURANT...TODAYS CATCH.
8.30PM...ITS BEEN FILLETED...STILL A FEW BONES THOUGH...TASTED GOOD...REALLY NEEDED SECONDS...FISH NEVER FILLS ME...RUM,MANGO,VANILLA ICECREAM FOLLOWED...BOTTLE OF LOCAL WINE...THE VIETS DO DO A GOOD WINE!...THEY MUST OF LIKED US...GOTTA A FREE SHOT OF BRANDY WINE!...THE WHOLE LOT ABOUT 10 QUID...WONDERFUL MEAL...WONDERFUL PEOPLE...WONDERFUL AURA.
16.11.07.
8.00AM...AWAKE...ENERGILESS...BUT HUNGRY.
9.05AM...BREAKIE AS YESTERDAY.
10.00AM...AT RECEPTION...RESERVING 2 MOTORBIKES FOR TOMORROW...3 QUID A DAY...INCLUDES PETROL.
10.35AM...NU SETTLES BESIDE POOL...ANKLE NOT GOOD...I HEAD OF TOWARDS TOWN...GOTTA BIT OF A SHOPPING LIST!
11.20AM...BEER...AFTER 3K...NEEDED.
12.05PM...SUNGLASSES FOR NU...WANTED 250,000...PAID 50,000!
12.10PM...SOAP FOR CLOTHES...3,000.
12.15PM...SUN LOTION AND INSECT REPELENT...50,000.
12.30PM...'ADIDAS'TSHIRT...70,000...WANTED 250,000!
12.50PM...FLIPFLOPS FOR NU...30,000...WANTED 100,000.
1.00PM...HAIRCLIP FOR NU...I MIGHT NEED ONE SOON!...3,000.
1.10PM...BEER.
1.35PM...CARDS...10 FOR 14,000...9 STAMPS FOR 72,000...NEEDED SHORTS...COULDN'T FIND ANY THAT TOOK MY FANCY.
2.00PM...WALKING BACK...SUN BEATING DOWN.
3.00PM...NU STILL BY POOL...BEER AND FRIED RICE...ALRIGHT FOR SOME.
3.10PM...BEER.
3.20PM...ANOTHER BEER.
4.00PM...CRASHED ON BED.
7.30PM...RESTAURANT...KING PRAWNS FRESHLY CAUGHT/FRIED RICE/MIXED SALAD...RUM/MANGO/VANILLA ICECREAM...BOTTLE OF DE LAT WINE...LOVELY ATMOSPHERE...GOT A BIT STICKY CRACKING THE PRAWNS...WORTH IT FOR THE TASTE.
9.20PM...WALKED BACK TO HOTEL.
17.11.07.
7.00AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
8.00AM...BREAKIE...BANANA PANCAKE/COFFEE.
9.00AM...HELMETS/KEYS/MOTORBIKES!...WE ARE OFF TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ISLAND...ABOUT 25K.
9.45AM...LIKE A DUCK TO WATER!!!?PULLED OVER TO LOOK AT WHITE BEACH THAT STRETCHED FOREVER...THE SUN UNRELENTING...IF A LORRY PASSED IT WAS A FOG OF DUST.
10.30AM...ARRIVED AT SOME SMALL VILLIAGE...2 BOTTLES OF STILL ORANGE...WELL RECIEVED.
11.00AM...ON WE GO...NEXT RIGHT...THIS IS A DIRT TRACK...HOLDING ON TIGHT...GOING ABOUT 10K AN HOUR!...LOCALS SMILE...PUZZLED...HAVE WE JUST LANDED FROM MARS!
11.20AM...THE BEACH...WONDERFULLY ISOLATED...TO ISOLATED...WE BOTH AGREE...WALKED THE SANDS...HAD A LOOK AT THE SHACKS...HAD A COLD CAN.
1.10PM...BACK ON BIKES...ALONG THE DIRT TRACK...SEEMED EASIER THIS TIME.
1.30PM...BACK ON MAIN ROAD...HEAD FOR ANOTHER VILLIAGE.
1.55PM...NU WANTED TO RETURN TO HOTEL...SEEN ENOUGH...HAD ENOUGH.
2.30PM...STOPPED FOR BEER.
3.10PM...BACK AT HOTEL WITH BUM ACHE.
3.35PM...SHOWER/REST.
6.00PM...WALKED BEACH TO ANOTHER RESTAURANT...NOT IMPRESSED WITH NEW ZEALANDERS MANNER WHO WAS IN CHARGE...WALKED BACK TO OUR USUAL EATERIE.
6.55PM...HAD FISH 2 NIGHTS RUNNING...SO OPTED FOR PORK IN CREAM SAUCE/FRIED RICE...MANGO JUICE...GIVE THE WINE A REST.
7.30PM...SMALL PORTION...BUT VERY NICE...NOT SURE WHAT WAS IN THE SAUCE.
9.30PM...BACK AT HOTEL...WEDDING RECEPTION...KARAOKE!...HEAD BANGING STUFF!
PHU QUOC.....[PHONETICALLY FOO COCK]
BYE FOR NOWZ.
8.00AM...TIME TO GET UP...BREAKFAST WAS ON MY MIND...SHOWERED.
9.00AM...2 FRIED EGGS...2 SMALL BAGUETTES...COFFEE.
10.30AM...WALKED TO NEAREST VILLIAGE...ABOUT 2K.
11.15AM...AT CENTRAL CROSSROADS...LEFT OR RIGHT...UNSURE?
11.20AM...TO THE RIGHT WE GO...SUN PUNCHING INTO MY HEAD.
11.45AM...IN SOME HOTEL ENQUIRING...BOTTLE OF WATER REQUIRED...WE SHOULD HAVE GONE LEFT.
12.10PM...OFF WE STROLL BACK TO CENTRAL CROSSROADS...BOUGHT SOME PANADOL ON WAY.
12.30PM...HẼADING IN RIGHT DIRECTION FOR ONCE...NEED TO BUY TSHIRT AND SHORTS.
1.30PM...LOOKING...BUT NOTHING REALLY CATCHING MY EYE...I'M VERY FUNNY ABOUT WHAT I WEAR!
2.30PM...OVER THE BRIDGE WE GO...SPOTTED MARKET...SPOTTED FRUIT STALL...MANADARINS HERE I COME.
2.40PM...HEAVENS OPEN...DOWNPOUR FOR ABOUT 15MINS...DIDN'T SEE IT COMING...BRIGHT SKIES ABOVE.
3.10PM...BOUGHT BRANDY X 2...BOTTLE OF COKE...CAN'T FIND SHORTS I WANT.
4.05PM...BEER GARDEN...PORK SAUSAGE/BAGUETTE...3 BEERS.
5.25PM...ON OUR WAY AGAIN.
5.50PM...BACK AT HOTEL...SHOWER.
6.10PM...WONDERING WHETHER I SHOULD CRACK A BOTTLE OF BRANDY.
6.20PM...BRANDY OPEN...NOT BAD...LOCAL STUFF.
7.30PM...NEED FOOD.
7.55PM...RESTAURANT...TODAYS CATCH.
8.30PM...ITS BEEN FILLETED...STILL A FEW BONES THOUGH...TASTED GOOD...REALLY NEEDED SECONDS...FISH NEVER FILLS ME...RUM,MANGO,VANILLA ICECREAM FOLLOWED...BOTTLE OF LOCAL WINE...THE VIETS DO DO A GOOD WINE!...THEY MUST OF LIKED US...GOTTA A FREE SHOT OF BRANDY WINE!...THE WHOLE LOT ABOUT 10 QUID...WONDERFUL MEAL...WONDERFUL PEOPLE...WONDERFUL AURA.
16.11.07.
8.00AM...AWAKE...ENERGILESS...BUT HUNGRY.
9.05AM...BREAKIE AS YESTERDAY.
10.00AM...AT RECEPTION...RESERVING 2 MOTORBIKES FOR TOMORROW...3 QUID A DAY...INCLUDES PETROL.
10.35AM...NU SETTLES BESIDE POOL...ANKLE NOT GOOD...I HEAD OF TOWARDS TOWN...GOTTA BIT OF A SHOPPING LIST!
11.20AM...BEER...AFTER 3K...NEEDED.
12.05PM...SUNGLASSES FOR NU...WANTED 250,000...PAID 50,000!
12.10PM...SOAP FOR CLOTHES...3,000.
12.15PM...SUN LOTION AND INSECT REPELENT...50,000.
12.30PM...'ADIDAS'TSHIRT...70,000...WANTED 250,000!
12.50PM...FLIPFLOPS FOR NU...30,000...WANTED 100,000.
1.00PM...HAIRCLIP FOR NU...I MIGHT NEED ONE SOON!...3,000.
1.10PM...BEER.
1.35PM...CARDS...10 FOR 14,000...9 STAMPS FOR 72,000...NEEDED SHORTS...COULDN'T FIND ANY THAT TOOK MY FANCY.
2.00PM...WALKING BACK...SUN BEATING DOWN.
3.00PM...NU STILL BY POOL...BEER AND FRIED RICE...ALRIGHT FOR SOME.
3.10PM...BEER.
3.20PM...ANOTHER BEER.
4.00PM...CRASHED ON BED.
7.30PM...RESTAURANT...KING PRAWNS FRESHLY CAUGHT/FRIED RICE/MIXED SALAD...RUM/MANGO/VANILLA ICECREAM...BOTTLE OF DE LAT WINE...LOVELY ATMOSPHERE...GOT A BIT STICKY CRACKING THE PRAWNS...WORTH IT FOR THE TASTE.
9.20PM...WALKED BACK TO HOTEL.
17.11.07.
7.00AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
8.00AM...BREAKIE...BANANA PANCAKE/COFFEE.
9.00AM...HELMETS/KEYS/MOTORBIKES!...WE ARE OFF TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ISLAND...ABOUT 25K.
9.45AM...LIKE A DUCK TO WATER!!!?PULLED OVER TO LOOK AT WHITE BEACH THAT STRETCHED FOREVER...THE SUN UNRELENTING...IF A LORRY PASSED IT WAS A FOG OF DUST.
10.30AM...ARRIVED AT SOME SMALL VILLIAGE...2 BOTTLES OF STILL ORANGE...WELL RECIEVED.
11.00AM...ON WE GO...NEXT RIGHT...THIS IS A DIRT TRACK...HOLDING ON TIGHT...GOING ABOUT 10K AN HOUR!...LOCALS SMILE...PUZZLED...HAVE WE JUST LANDED FROM MARS!
11.20AM...THE BEACH...WONDERFULLY ISOLATED...TO ISOLATED...WE BOTH AGREE...WALKED THE SANDS...HAD A LOOK AT THE SHACKS...HAD A COLD CAN.
1.10PM...BACK ON BIKES...ALONG THE DIRT TRACK...SEEMED EASIER THIS TIME.
1.30PM...BACK ON MAIN ROAD...HEAD FOR ANOTHER VILLIAGE.
1.55PM...NU WANTED TO RETURN TO HOTEL...SEEN ENOUGH...HAD ENOUGH.
2.30PM...STOPPED FOR BEER.
3.10PM...BACK AT HOTEL WITH BUM ACHE.
3.35PM...SHOWER/REST.
6.00PM...WALKED BEACH TO ANOTHER RESTAURANT...NOT IMPRESSED WITH NEW ZEALANDERS MANNER WHO WAS IN CHARGE...WALKED BACK TO OUR USUAL EATERIE.
6.55PM...HAD FISH 2 NIGHTS RUNNING...SO OPTED FOR PORK IN CREAM SAUCE/FRIED RICE...MANGO JUICE...GIVE THE WINE A REST.
7.30PM...SMALL PORTION...BUT VERY NICE...NOT SURE WHAT WAS IN THE SAUCE.
9.30PM...BACK AT HOTEL...WEDDING RECEPTION...KARAOKE!...HEAD BANGING STUFF!
PHU QUOC.....[PHONETICALLY FOO COCK]
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
eighteenth...raining sun.....[195]
8.11.07.
7.30AM...ALARM...BREAKFAST FINISHES 8.30AM...NOT HAPPY ABOUT THAT.
8.25AM...TRUNDLE DOWN TO BREAKFAST...ALL SMILES...COLOURFUL ARRAY DIFFERENT COLD MEATS,JAMS,FRIED EGG OR EGG CAKE?,FRESH BAGUETTES,TEA/COFFEE...NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT...THEN AGAIN WE ARE IN A FANCY PANTS HOTEL...THE CANADIANS WE SPOKE TO YEASTERDAY WERE ONLY PAYING 5 DOLLARS EACH FOR ACCOMADATION...WE'RE PAYING 15!
9.30AM...BOOKED ANOTHER NIGHT...PAID LAUNDRY...BOOKED BUS FOR HOI AN...DEPART 8.00AM.
11.00AM...SITTING ON BALCONY...WONDERFUL,WONDERFUL WEATHER...DOWN ON THE STREET A DOG SITS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD...UNCONCERNED...A CHAP WITH HELMET PACES...THINK HE'S LOST HIS BIKE...3 MEN CROUCHED ON THE KERB...WESTERN LOOKING WOMAN GETS OUTA RICKSHAW AND PERUSES 'FASHION' SHOP OPPOSITE...WOMAN ON OPPOSITE BALCONY SMILES...A FEW MOTORBIKES GO UP AND DOWN...ITS SO PEACEFUL...COMPARED TO HANOI...ANYTHING IS!...I THINK WE'LL SIT HERE ALL DAY...JUST ENOUGH TO KEEP US ENGROSSED...MIGHT POP OT FOR ABOTTLE OF BRANDY...BOTTLE OF COKE.
11.30AM...NU PUT SUGAR SATCHETS IN WITH MANDARINS...ALL GONE STICKY...SORTING THINGS OUT...THINK I'LL GO FOR BRANDY SHORTLY!
12.10PM...GOT RUM/COKE/EAR BUDS/PARACETEMOL/SUN LOTION x 2...115000 DONG!
2.00PM...WENT FOR PIZZA...POOL TABLE...WON 8...LOST 1.
5.20PM...BACK AT HOTEL...SEMI PACKING...DEPART HOI AN 8.00AM.
7.00PM...DRINKING RUM...HAVING FUN!?
9.11.07.
6.30AM...ALARM.
6.45AM...SHOWER.
7.10AM...BRAEKFAST...2 FRIED EGGS...IF THEY HADN'T PUT THEM UNDER MY NOSE I WOULDN'T HAVE MISSED'EM...TEA WAS WEAK...BAGUETTE DIDN'T TASTE RIGHT...BUT I'M NOT ONE TO COMPLAIN!
7.55AM...BUS ARRIVE...DOESN'T LOOK YHE BEST.
8.25AM...STUCK IN CENTRE OF CITY...FUNERAL OR WEDDING PROCESSION HAPPENING[NOT MUCH DIFFERENCE IN REALITY]...TRAFFIC JAM AS LONG AS YOUR EYE CAN SEE...THIS BUS AS GOT A WELL SQUEAKY HORN...SUSPENSION SQUEAKS TOO...NEEDS A OVERHAUL...LIKE MYSELF.
10.00AM...STOPPED AT CAFE...HAD BOWL OF STEAMED RICE WITH SHRIMPS/MEAT/SPRING ONION...NOT SURE...HOPE I'M OK...CAN OF STILL ORANGE WENT DOWN WELL.
1.30PM...ARRIVED...BIT LATE...BOOKED IN TO NEAREST HOTEL...8 DOLLARS FOR BOTH...ITS RAINING.
2.10PM...RESTAURANT...WAITING FOR CHICKEN BURGER AND CHIPS.
2.25PM...WISH I HADN'T BOTHERED...CHICKEN CURRIED BURGER IT SHOULD HAVE READ.
3.00PM...MET 2 CHAPS WE HAD MET IN HANOI...SO HAD A CHAT AND A BEER.
4.00PM...MET COUPLE WE HAD BEEN IN HALONG BAY WITH...SO MORE CHAT...MORE BEER.
5.15PM...STILL RAINING...MADE OUR WAY BACK TO HOTEL.
6.00PM...FELL ASLEEP.
10.10PM...WOKE...WATCHED HALF HOUR OF STARWARS,EPISODE 2...RUBBISH ACTING...TURNED IT OFF...BACK TO SLEEP.
10.11.07.
7.30AM...WOKE...BBC NEWS 24...SOMEONE IN FINLAND AS GONE ONA SHOOTING SPREE.
8.00AM...COFEE/SHAVE/SHOWER.
9.00AM...LEAVING HOTEL...GOTTA FIND ANOTHER...BEDSIDE TABLE LAMP NOT WORKING...FEW CREEPY CRAWLIES...NOT IMPRESSED...8 DOLLARS FOR BOTH...WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT!
9.40AM...FOUND HOTEL...20 DOLLARS FOR BOTH...SWIMMING POOL...NU IMPRESSED...CAN'T BOOK IN TILL 10.30AM...SO OFF FOR BREAKIE.
10.10AM...JEANS CAFE...NOTICE BOARD READS FULL WESTERN BREAKFAST...IN WE GO.
10.30AM...MUSHROOM OMELETTE...I'LL COME AGAIN...TOAST A BIT DOUGHIE...MUG OF TEA GOOD...HAVING ANOTHER.
10.35AM...STILL RAINING...STILL HOT...WELL STICKY.
10.45AM...WOMAN PUSHING FRUIT BARROW PASSING...KILO OF MANDARINS...QUID!
11.05AM...BOOKED IN TO HOTEL...NO CREEPY CRAWLIES WE HOPE.
11.30AM...NEW ROOM...FAR SUPERIOR TO LAST...NU GOT EVERTHING OUTA BAGS SEARCHING FOR HAIR CLIPS...ME SITTING CONSTANTLY STICKY IN CORNER...IS IT TO EARLY FOR A BEER?
11.50AM...BAG TIDYING TIME...NU FOUND CLIPS...ITS GOOD TO HAVE A CLEAR OUT...FIND THINGS YOU FORGOTTEN YOU HAD...SATCHETS OF SUGAR AND SUCH.
12.25PM...BAR ACROSS THE WAY GOT POOL TABLE...NU EAGER?!!!...OFF WE STROLL.
1.50PM...CAN'T LOSE A GAME IF I TRIED...VIETS ARE IMPRESSED...I THINK THEY MAKE ME LOOK GOOD...GETTING BORED.
2.20PM...JEANS CAFE...COD AND CHIPS...BIT SALTY.
3.30PM...BACK AT HOTEL...TRYING TO DOWNLOAD PICTURES FROM CAMERA...NOT HAPPENING.
5.05PM...NOT SURE IF THAT COD IS PLAYING TRICKS ON MY STOMACH.
7.30PM...WENT FOR SANDWICH AND COKE...LOTTA MEN IN SILLY HALF TROUSERS...IF YOU WANNA WEAR TROUSERS...WEAR THEM TO THE ANKLE OR WEAR SHORTS...BUT IF YOU WANNA LOOK SILLY...WEAR SILLY HALF TROUSERS.
9.30PM...BACK AT HOTEL...STICKY AND HOT...RAIN POURING DOWN.
11.11.07.
7.30AM...RAIN UNRELENTING...ABSOLUTELY POURING...THIS BLOG COULD GET BORING?
8.00AM...BREAKFAST...3 BOILED EGGS...BREAD/BUTTER/JAM...CUPPA TEA.
9.15AM...ATM...RAIN RAIN GO AWAY!
9.25AM...CHATTING WITH AUSSIE COUPLE.
10.05AM...SHOWER...BACK ACHING.
10.30AM...NU CAN'T GET CAMERA TO WORK...GETTING AGGITATED.
10.35AM...ELECTRICITY GONE OFF.
10.50AM...ELECTRICITY BACK ON.
12.05PM...LAUNDRY RETURNED...COULD THIS BE THE HIGHLOGHT OF THE DAY?
1.00PM...RAIN RECEDED SOMEWHAT...WALKED TO THE OLD QUARTER.
1.45PM...RAIN RETURNED.
2.00PM...CAFE...ORDERED TWO CHUNKY VEG SOUP...HAM AND CHEESE SANDWICH TO SHARE.
2.15PM...ONE VEG SOUP ARRIVES...NO SIGN OF MINE...WAITED...SPOKE WITH GIRL 'IN CHARGE'...WAITED.
2.25PM...NO SIGN OF BOWL OF SOUP...SPOKE WITH GIRL 'IN CHARGE'...TOLD HER THAT WHEN TWO PEOPLE SIT DOWN TOGETHER...THEY EXPECT TO EAT TOGETHER...SHE WAS ABOUT AS MUCH USE AS A SOAKING WET CARD BOARD BOX ON A DESERTED MOTORWAY.
2.30PM...GOT UP AND LEFT.
2.40PM...AT ANOTHER CAFE WAITING FOR MUSHROOM SOUP AND CHIPS.
3.00PM...WAITING.
3.15PM...MUSHROOM SOUP/CHIPS...WHOOPEE!
4.10PM...LONG SILK...SHOP/TAILORS...NU ORDERS 5 MADE TO MEASURE TROUSERS...75 DOLLARS...LOTTA MATERIAL I SUPPOSE.
5.00PM...TREATS CAFE...BUY ONE GET ONE FREE...FOUR BACARDI/COKES COMING UP...RAIN LASHING DOWN...RIVER BROKE ITS BANKS...100 YARDS FROM HOTEL...UP TO OUR KNEES...WONDERING IF THIS IS THE BEST PLACE TO BE...BETTER HAVE A FEW MORE BACARDS.
8.45PM...BACK AT HOTEL...WATCHING THE VILLA DESTROY BRUM...2~1!
12.11.07.
5.00AM...WOKE...HEAR THE RAIN...NON STOP TORRENTIAL...HOTEL FLOODED...WE'RE ON 3RD FLOOR...SO GOT LUCKY...PEOPLE ON 1ST FLOODED.
6.00PM...DEMANDED PASSPORTS[HAVE YOU EVER SEEN ME BEING DEMANDING?]...THEY DIDN'T WANNA GIVE...BUT MANY OTHER PEOPLE WANTED THIERS...PAID TWO NIGHTS BILL...NOT PAYING ANY MORE!
7.00AM...NO JOKE...7 FOOT OR MORE...THE WHOLE PLACE IS A LAKE...HANDING OUT POT NOODLES AND BISCUITS...THEY RECKON IT'LL BE A FEW DAYS BEFORE IT STOPS...NO WHERE TO GO.
9.00AM...STILL POURING,
10.00AM...SLOWING A BIT.
10.30AM...4 PEOPLE GET OUT VIA CANOE.
12.10PM...ANOTHER 4 PEOPLE GET OUT VIA CANOE...IT SAILS STRAIGHT INTO LOBBY...RECEPTION COMPLETELY UNDER WATER...WE'RE GONNA WAIT TILL TOMORROW TO MAKE OUR MOVE.
12.20PM...BEEF POT NOODLE...ASLURPING WE DO GO.
12.40PM...FELL ASLEEP.
3.00PM...WOKE...RAIN CEASED.
3.10PM...CUPPA COFFEE...ONLY ABOUT 15 PEOPLE LEFT IN HOTEL...MOST GONE TO DE NANG AIRPORT VIA BOAT AND TAXI.
4.00PM...TORRENTIAL RAIN RETURNED.
4.40PM...BOOKED AIR TICKETS TO FLY TOMORROW NIGHT.
5.35PM...NO ELECTRICITY...CANDLES HANDED OUT...MORE POT NOODLES...THINK I'VE BEEN BITTEN ON BOTH ANKLES.
7.30PM...WHERE WILL WE BE TOMORROW...CRAZY WEATHER...STILL POURING.
13.11.07.
8.00AM...NOT A VERY GOOD NIGHT...FOUND IT HARD TO SLEEP...HALF A BOTTLE OF WHISKEY WOULD'VE HELPED.
9.30AM...STILL RAINONG BUT WATER RECEDING...FOUND NU'S JACKET SHE HAD LEFT IN LOBBY AFTER THE AFTERNOON OF SEVERAL BACARDI'S...BIT WET!...IT'LL DRY...PLUS FOUND ENVELIPE WITH NU'S WRITINGS...OVER THE MOON...BIT DAMP...BUT THEY ARE SO SPECIAL...THINGS LOOKING UP!...ALSO GOT BAG OF KHIET...SPICY PIECES OF CORN...RATHER MORE-ISH.
11.00AM...STILL SPITTING...WATER RECEDING FAST...SHOULD BE HUNGRY...JUST FEEL STICKY...MY HAIR ONE MASS OF CURLS.
12.10PM...CHATTING AWAY...THE RAIN AS RETURNED.
2.00PM...COULD DO WITH A WHISKEY...CAN'T GET HOLD OF ANY.
2.50PM...VIETS HAPPILY PLAYING IN POND OF SEWAGE...GONNA TAKE BOAT PART OF THE WAY TO AIRPORT...THEN HOPEFULLY GET A TAXI...AIRPORT ABOUT 27K A WAY...BOAT COMES INTO FOYER...BOOKED FOR 4.30PM.
3.00PM...HAVING LAST CAN OF BEER.
4.00PM...AIR TICKETS FOR SAIGON...BOOKED ONE NIGHT IN HOTEL THERE.
6.00PM...NU'S TROUSERS ARRIVE...SHOULD'VE BEEN HERE ET 4.00PM.
6.10PM...BOAT TAXI ARRIVE...SHOULD'VE BEEN HERE AT 4.30PM.
7.50PM...VIA BOAT[GONDOLA] AND TAXI...FINALLY AT AIRPORT.
8.00PM...GOT AIR TICKETS I RESERVED...FLY AT 10.30PM.
8.20PM...ORDERED CHICKEN FRIED RICE AND BEER...KEEP'EM COMING!
9.15PM...CHECKED IN...WENT THRU TO FLIGHT LOUNGE.
10.35PM...HOORAY...UP AND AWAY...SAIGON HERE WE COME!
14.11.07.
12.10AM...LANDED...BIT OF A ROCKY FLIGHT...SLIGHT BIT OF TURBULANCE IN MY PANTS[TO MANY POT NOODLES!]...DECIDED WE WOULDN'T STAY IN SAIGON...INSTEAD WE WOULD FLY ON TO THE ISLAND OF PHU QUOC...SEEN A BOARD...NEXT FLIGHT AT 5.55AM...TICKET DESK NOT OPEN TILL 5.00AM...HOPE THEY'VE GOT TWO SPARE SEATS.
1.00AM...WELL HOT...FOUND A SIT...BIT OF A WAIT...BUT HOPEFULLY IT'LL BE WORTH IT...WE DIDN'T FANCY ANOTHER BIG CITY.
5.05AM...AT FLIGHT DESK...GOTTA GO ON STANDBY!
5.40AM...NO LUCK...ON STANDBY FOR NEXT FLIGHT AT 6.30AM.
6.05AM...LUCKS IN...WE'VE GOT TICKETS.
6.10AM...GO THRU NORMAL PROCEDURES...PASSPORT/BAGGAGE CHECK ETC.
6.20AM...ABOUT TO BOARD...BUT WE'RE STOPPED...SOMETHING WRONG WITH NU'S RUCKSACK.
6.25AM...THEY WANT TO KNOW WHATS IN NU'S RUCKSACK...IT TURNS OUT ITS INSECT REPELENT!
6.30AM...RUNNING FOR PLANE...SOMETHING NU AND I ARE NOT AKIN TOO!...MORE OF A PAIR OF TROTTERS!
6.45AM...ON PLANE...SEATED.
6.55AM...IN AIR...BIT LATE...BUT WHY BLAME US...THIS IS OUR 7TH FLIGHT...HAD NO PROBLEMS BEFORE.
8.00AM...PHU QUOC AIRPORT...BAG COLLECTION...HARDLY KEEP MY EYES OPEN.
8.20AM...CHAPPIE OFFERS ROOM IN HOTEL...10 DOLLARS FOR BOTH...WE ACCEPT.
8.50AM...HOTEL OK...NO INTERNET...NOT NEAR SHOPS.
9.30AM...HANDED ON LAINDRY...HAVING TO WEAR ONE OF NU'S TSHIRTS...AFTER FLOODS IN HOI AN...GOT NO CLEAN CLOTHES.
9.50AM...BREAKFAST...EGGS WITH BAGUETTE...WANTED TOAST!...COFFEE HORRIBLE.
10.20AM...SHOWER.
1040AM...SLEEP.
3.10PM...WOKE.
3.40PM...SWEET AND SOUR PORK...BEER...THE SUN IS BURNING INTO MY FACE...TO MUCH.
4.35PM...ON 3RD BEER...NEED TO SLOW DOWN...STILL WELL TIRED...THIS RESORT IS NOT REALLY MY CUPPA TEA...BUT NU LIKES IT...SWIMMING POOL...NEXT TO WHITE SANDY BEACH...FULL OF GERMANS!...I WANTED A SMALL SHACK ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ISLAND THAT HADN'T BEEN DEVELOPED YET...I NEED DESOLATION...PEOPLE ARE WONDERFUL...BUT ONLY ON MY TERMS!
5.30PM...WATCHED THE SUN GO DOWN.
6.30PM...WALKED ALONG BEACH TO A RESTEAURANT/BAR...HAD A BOTTLE OF LOCAL WINE...WONDERFUL WINE.
8.20PM...WALKED BACK TO HOTEL.
9.00PM...HEAD HIT PILLOW...OUT LIKE A LIGHT.
HAPPY.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
7.30AM...ALARM...BREAKFAST FINISHES 8.30AM...NOT HAPPY ABOUT THAT.
8.25AM...TRUNDLE DOWN TO BREAKFAST...ALL SMILES...COLOURFUL ARRAY DIFFERENT COLD MEATS,JAMS,FRIED EGG OR EGG CAKE?,FRESH BAGUETTES,TEA/COFFEE...NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT...THEN AGAIN WE ARE IN A FANCY PANTS HOTEL...THE CANADIANS WE SPOKE TO YEASTERDAY WERE ONLY PAYING 5 DOLLARS EACH FOR ACCOMADATION...WE'RE PAYING 15!
9.30AM...BOOKED ANOTHER NIGHT...PAID LAUNDRY...BOOKED BUS FOR HOI AN...DEPART 8.00AM.
11.00AM...SITTING ON BALCONY...WONDERFUL,WONDERFUL WEATHER...DOWN ON THE STREET A DOG SITS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD...UNCONCERNED...A CHAP WITH HELMET PACES...THINK HE'S LOST HIS BIKE...3 MEN CROUCHED ON THE KERB...WESTERN LOOKING WOMAN GETS OUTA RICKSHAW AND PERUSES 'FASHION' SHOP OPPOSITE...WOMAN ON OPPOSITE BALCONY SMILES...A FEW MOTORBIKES GO UP AND DOWN...ITS SO PEACEFUL...COMPARED TO HANOI...ANYTHING IS!...I THINK WE'LL SIT HERE ALL DAY...JUST ENOUGH TO KEEP US ENGROSSED...MIGHT POP OT FOR ABOTTLE OF BRANDY...BOTTLE OF COKE.
11.30AM...NU PUT SUGAR SATCHETS IN WITH MANDARINS...ALL GONE STICKY...SORTING THINGS OUT...THINK I'LL GO FOR BRANDY SHORTLY!
12.10PM...GOT RUM/COKE/EAR BUDS/PARACETEMOL/SUN LOTION x 2...115000 DONG!
2.00PM...WENT FOR PIZZA...POOL TABLE...WON 8...LOST 1.
5.20PM...BACK AT HOTEL...SEMI PACKING...DEPART HOI AN 8.00AM.
7.00PM...DRINKING RUM...HAVING FUN!?
9.11.07.
6.30AM...ALARM.
6.45AM...SHOWER.
7.10AM...BRAEKFAST...2 FRIED EGGS...IF THEY HADN'T PUT THEM UNDER MY NOSE I WOULDN'T HAVE MISSED'EM...TEA WAS WEAK...BAGUETTE DIDN'T TASTE RIGHT...BUT I'M NOT ONE TO COMPLAIN!
7.55AM...BUS ARRIVE...DOESN'T LOOK YHE BEST.
8.25AM...STUCK IN CENTRE OF CITY...FUNERAL OR WEDDING PROCESSION HAPPENING[NOT MUCH DIFFERENCE IN REALITY]...TRAFFIC JAM AS LONG AS YOUR EYE CAN SEE...THIS BUS AS GOT A WELL SQUEAKY HORN...SUSPENSION SQUEAKS TOO...NEEDS A OVERHAUL...LIKE MYSELF.
10.00AM...STOPPED AT CAFE...HAD BOWL OF STEAMED RICE WITH SHRIMPS/MEAT/SPRING ONION...NOT SURE...HOPE I'M OK...CAN OF STILL ORANGE WENT DOWN WELL.
1.30PM...ARRIVED...BIT LATE...BOOKED IN TO NEAREST HOTEL...8 DOLLARS FOR BOTH...ITS RAINING.
2.10PM...RESTAURANT...WAITING FOR CHICKEN BURGER AND CHIPS.
2.25PM...WISH I HADN'T BOTHERED...CHICKEN CURRIED BURGER IT SHOULD HAVE READ.
3.00PM...MET 2 CHAPS WE HAD MET IN HANOI...SO HAD A CHAT AND A BEER.
4.00PM...MET COUPLE WE HAD BEEN IN HALONG BAY WITH...SO MORE CHAT...MORE BEER.
5.15PM...STILL RAINING...MADE OUR WAY BACK TO HOTEL.
6.00PM...FELL ASLEEP.
10.10PM...WOKE...WATCHED HALF HOUR OF STARWARS,EPISODE 2...RUBBISH ACTING...TURNED IT OFF...BACK TO SLEEP.
10.11.07.
7.30AM...WOKE...BBC NEWS 24...SOMEONE IN FINLAND AS GONE ONA SHOOTING SPREE.
8.00AM...COFEE/SHAVE/SHOWER.
9.00AM...LEAVING HOTEL...GOTTA FIND ANOTHER...BEDSIDE TABLE LAMP NOT WORKING...FEW CREEPY CRAWLIES...NOT IMPRESSED...8 DOLLARS FOR BOTH...WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT!
9.40AM...FOUND HOTEL...20 DOLLARS FOR BOTH...SWIMMING POOL...NU IMPRESSED...CAN'T BOOK IN TILL 10.30AM...SO OFF FOR BREAKIE.
10.10AM...JEANS CAFE...NOTICE BOARD READS FULL WESTERN BREAKFAST...IN WE GO.
10.30AM...MUSHROOM OMELETTE...I'LL COME AGAIN...TOAST A BIT DOUGHIE...MUG OF TEA GOOD...HAVING ANOTHER.
10.35AM...STILL RAINING...STILL HOT...WELL STICKY.
10.45AM...WOMAN PUSHING FRUIT BARROW PASSING...KILO OF MANDARINS...QUID!
11.05AM...BOOKED IN TO HOTEL...NO CREEPY CRAWLIES WE HOPE.
11.30AM...NEW ROOM...FAR SUPERIOR TO LAST...NU GOT EVERTHING OUTA BAGS SEARCHING FOR HAIR CLIPS...ME SITTING CONSTANTLY STICKY IN CORNER...IS IT TO EARLY FOR A BEER?
11.50AM...BAG TIDYING TIME...NU FOUND CLIPS...ITS GOOD TO HAVE A CLEAR OUT...FIND THINGS YOU FORGOTTEN YOU HAD...SATCHETS OF SUGAR AND SUCH.
12.25PM...BAR ACROSS THE WAY GOT POOL TABLE...NU EAGER?!!!...OFF WE STROLL.
1.50PM...CAN'T LOSE A GAME IF I TRIED...VIETS ARE IMPRESSED...I THINK THEY MAKE ME LOOK GOOD...GETTING BORED.
2.20PM...JEANS CAFE...COD AND CHIPS...BIT SALTY.
3.30PM...BACK AT HOTEL...TRYING TO DOWNLOAD PICTURES FROM CAMERA...NOT HAPPENING.
5.05PM...NOT SURE IF THAT COD IS PLAYING TRICKS ON MY STOMACH.
7.30PM...WENT FOR SANDWICH AND COKE...LOTTA MEN IN SILLY HALF TROUSERS...IF YOU WANNA WEAR TROUSERS...WEAR THEM TO THE ANKLE OR WEAR SHORTS...BUT IF YOU WANNA LOOK SILLY...WEAR SILLY HALF TROUSERS.
9.30PM...BACK AT HOTEL...STICKY AND HOT...RAIN POURING DOWN.
11.11.07.
7.30AM...RAIN UNRELENTING...ABSOLUTELY POURING...THIS BLOG COULD GET BORING?
8.00AM...BREAKFAST...3 BOILED EGGS...BREAD/BUTTER/JAM...CUPPA TEA.
9.15AM...ATM...RAIN RAIN GO AWAY!
9.25AM...CHATTING WITH AUSSIE COUPLE.
10.05AM...SHOWER...BACK ACHING.
10.30AM...NU CAN'T GET CAMERA TO WORK...GETTING AGGITATED.
10.35AM...ELECTRICITY GONE OFF.
10.50AM...ELECTRICITY BACK ON.
12.05PM...LAUNDRY RETURNED...COULD THIS BE THE HIGHLOGHT OF THE DAY?
1.00PM...RAIN RECEDED SOMEWHAT...WALKED TO THE OLD QUARTER.
1.45PM...RAIN RETURNED.
2.00PM...CAFE...ORDERED TWO CHUNKY VEG SOUP...HAM AND CHEESE SANDWICH TO SHARE.
2.15PM...ONE VEG SOUP ARRIVES...NO SIGN OF MINE...WAITED...SPOKE WITH GIRL 'IN CHARGE'...WAITED.
2.25PM...NO SIGN OF BOWL OF SOUP...SPOKE WITH GIRL 'IN CHARGE'...TOLD HER THAT WHEN TWO PEOPLE SIT DOWN TOGETHER...THEY EXPECT TO EAT TOGETHER...SHE WAS ABOUT AS MUCH USE AS A SOAKING WET CARD BOARD BOX ON A DESERTED MOTORWAY.
2.30PM...GOT UP AND LEFT.
2.40PM...AT ANOTHER CAFE WAITING FOR MUSHROOM SOUP AND CHIPS.
3.00PM...WAITING.
3.15PM...MUSHROOM SOUP/CHIPS...WHOOPEE!
4.10PM...LONG SILK...SHOP/TAILORS...NU ORDERS 5 MADE TO MEASURE TROUSERS...75 DOLLARS...LOTTA MATERIAL I SUPPOSE.
5.00PM...TREATS CAFE...BUY ONE GET ONE FREE...FOUR BACARDI/COKES COMING UP...RAIN LASHING DOWN...RIVER BROKE ITS BANKS...100 YARDS FROM HOTEL...UP TO OUR KNEES...WONDERING IF THIS IS THE BEST PLACE TO BE...BETTER HAVE A FEW MORE BACARDS.
8.45PM...BACK AT HOTEL...WATCHING THE VILLA DESTROY BRUM...2~1!
12.11.07.
5.00AM...WOKE...HEAR THE RAIN...NON STOP TORRENTIAL...HOTEL FLOODED...WE'RE ON 3RD FLOOR...SO GOT LUCKY...PEOPLE ON 1ST FLOODED.
6.00PM...DEMANDED PASSPORTS[HAVE YOU EVER SEEN ME BEING DEMANDING?]...THEY DIDN'T WANNA GIVE...BUT MANY OTHER PEOPLE WANTED THIERS...PAID TWO NIGHTS BILL...NOT PAYING ANY MORE!
7.00AM...NO JOKE...7 FOOT OR MORE...THE WHOLE PLACE IS A LAKE...HANDING OUT POT NOODLES AND BISCUITS...THEY RECKON IT'LL BE A FEW DAYS BEFORE IT STOPS...NO WHERE TO GO.
9.00AM...STILL POURING,
10.00AM...SLOWING A BIT.
10.30AM...4 PEOPLE GET OUT VIA CANOE.
12.10PM...ANOTHER 4 PEOPLE GET OUT VIA CANOE...IT SAILS STRAIGHT INTO LOBBY...RECEPTION COMPLETELY UNDER WATER...WE'RE GONNA WAIT TILL TOMORROW TO MAKE OUR MOVE.
12.20PM...BEEF POT NOODLE...ASLURPING WE DO GO.
12.40PM...FELL ASLEEP.
3.00PM...WOKE...RAIN CEASED.
3.10PM...CUPPA COFFEE...ONLY ABOUT 15 PEOPLE LEFT IN HOTEL...MOST GONE TO DE NANG AIRPORT VIA BOAT AND TAXI.
4.00PM...TORRENTIAL RAIN RETURNED.
4.40PM...BOOKED AIR TICKETS TO FLY TOMORROW NIGHT.
5.35PM...NO ELECTRICITY...CANDLES HANDED OUT...MORE POT NOODLES...THINK I'VE BEEN BITTEN ON BOTH ANKLES.
7.30PM...WHERE WILL WE BE TOMORROW...CRAZY WEATHER...STILL POURING.
13.11.07.
8.00AM...NOT A VERY GOOD NIGHT...FOUND IT HARD TO SLEEP...HALF A BOTTLE OF WHISKEY WOULD'VE HELPED.
9.30AM...STILL RAINONG BUT WATER RECEDING...FOUND NU'S JACKET SHE HAD LEFT IN LOBBY AFTER THE AFTERNOON OF SEVERAL BACARDI'S...BIT WET!...IT'LL DRY...PLUS FOUND ENVELIPE WITH NU'S WRITINGS...OVER THE MOON...BIT DAMP...BUT THEY ARE SO SPECIAL...THINGS LOOKING UP!...ALSO GOT BAG OF KHIET...SPICY PIECES OF CORN...RATHER MORE-ISH.
11.00AM...STILL SPITTING...WATER RECEDING FAST...SHOULD BE HUNGRY...JUST FEEL STICKY...MY HAIR ONE MASS OF CURLS.
12.10PM...CHATTING AWAY...THE RAIN AS RETURNED.
2.00PM...COULD DO WITH A WHISKEY...CAN'T GET HOLD OF ANY.
2.50PM...VIETS HAPPILY PLAYING IN POND OF SEWAGE...GONNA TAKE BOAT PART OF THE WAY TO AIRPORT...THEN HOPEFULLY GET A TAXI...AIRPORT ABOUT 27K A WAY...BOAT COMES INTO FOYER...BOOKED FOR 4.30PM.
3.00PM...HAVING LAST CAN OF BEER.
4.00PM...AIR TICKETS FOR SAIGON...BOOKED ONE NIGHT IN HOTEL THERE.
6.00PM...NU'S TROUSERS ARRIVE...SHOULD'VE BEEN HERE ET 4.00PM.
6.10PM...BOAT TAXI ARRIVE...SHOULD'VE BEEN HERE AT 4.30PM.
7.50PM...VIA BOAT[GONDOLA] AND TAXI...FINALLY AT AIRPORT.
8.00PM...GOT AIR TICKETS I RESERVED...FLY AT 10.30PM.
8.20PM...ORDERED CHICKEN FRIED RICE AND BEER...KEEP'EM COMING!
9.15PM...CHECKED IN...WENT THRU TO FLIGHT LOUNGE.
10.35PM...HOORAY...UP AND AWAY...SAIGON HERE WE COME!
14.11.07.
12.10AM...LANDED...BIT OF A ROCKY FLIGHT...SLIGHT BIT OF TURBULANCE IN MY PANTS[TO MANY POT NOODLES!]...DECIDED WE WOULDN'T STAY IN SAIGON...INSTEAD WE WOULD FLY ON TO THE ISLAND OF PHU QUOC...SEEN A BOARD...NEXT FLIGHT AT 5.55AM...TICKET DESK NOT OPEN TILL 5.00AM...HOPE THEY'VE GOT TWO SPARE SEATS.
1.00AM...WELL HOT...FOUND A SIT...BIT OF A WAIT...BUT HOPEFULLY IT'LL BE WORTH IT...WE DIDN'T FANCY ANOTHER BIG CITY.
5.05AM...AT FLIGHT DESK...GOTTA GO ON STANDBY!
5.40AM...NO LUCK...ON STANDBY FOR NEXT FLIGHT AT 6.30AM.
6.05AM...LUCKS IN...WE'VE GOT TICKETS.
6.10AM...GO THRU NORMAL PROCEDURES...PASSPORT/BAGGAGE CHECK ETC.
6.20AM...ABOUT TO BOARD...BUT WE'RE STOPPED...SOMETHING WRONG WITH NU'S RUCKSACK.
6.25AM...THEY WANT TO KNOW WHATS IN NU'S RUCKSACK...IT TURNS OUT ITS INSECT REPELENT!
6.30AM...RUNNING FOR PLANE...SOMETHING NU AND I ARE NOT AKIN TOO!...MORE OF A PAIR OF TROTTERS!
6.45AM...ON PLANE...SEATED.
6.55AM...IN AIR...BIT LATE...BUT WHY BLAME US...THIS IS OUR 7TH FLIGHT...HAD NO PROBLEMS BEFORE.
8.00AM...PHU QUOC AIRPORT...BAG COLLECTION...HARDLY KEEP MY EYES OPEN.
8.20AM...CHAPPIE OFFERS ROOM IN HOTEL...10 DOLLARS FOR BOTH...WE ACCEPT.
8.50AM...HOTEL OK...NO INTERNET...NOT NEAR SHOPS.
9.30AM...HANDED ON LAINDRY...HAVING TO WEAR ONE OF NU'S TSHIRTS...AFTER FLOODS IN HOI AN...GOT NO CLEAN CLOTHES.
9.50AM...BREAKFAST...EGGS WITH BAGUETTE...WANTED TOAST!...COFFEE HORRIBLE.
10.20AM...SHOWER.
1040AM...SLEEP.
3.10PM...WOKE.
3.40PM...SWEET AND SOUR PORK...BEER...THE SUN IS BURNING INTO MY FACE...TO MUCH.
4.35PM...ON 3RD BEER...NEED TO SLOW DOWN...STILL WELL TIRED...THIS RESORT IS NOT REALLY MY CUPPA TEA...BUT NU LIKES IT...SWIMMING POOL...NEXT TO WHITE SANDY BEACH...FULL OF GERMANS!...I WANTED A SMALL SHACK ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ISLAND THAT HADN'T BEEN DEVELOPED YET...I NEED DESOLATION...PEOPLE ARE WONDERFUL...BUT ONLY ON MY TERMS!
5.30PM...WATCHED THE SUN GO DOWN.
6.30PM...WALKED ALONG BEACH TO A RESTEAURANT/BAR...HAD A BOTTLE OF LOCAL WINE...WONDERFUL WINE.
8.20PM...WALKED BACK TO HOTEL.
9.00PM...HEAD HIT PILLOW...OUT LIKE A LIGHT.
HAPPY.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
seventeenth....hot
5.11.07.
6.00AM...ALARM...GOTTA GET SHOWERED...GOTTA DO LAST OF PACK...BREAKIE 7.00AM ...MINI BUS FOR HALONG BAY 7.45/8.00AM...NEED TO SHAKE A LEG...NOT SURE WHICH ONE!
7.00AM...BREAKIE...NEED A CUPPA TEA AND A LITTLE BREAD AND JAM.
7.40AM...WAITING FOR MINIBUS.
8.10AM...PACKED IN...NU AND I HAVE FRONT SEATS...BIT MORE LEG ROOM.
12.05PM...HALONG BAY...SUN BEAMING...ME SWEATING...SUNGLASSES ON...ORBISON STYLE.
12.30PM...ON JUNK[BOAT]...LOOKS OK...WAITING FOR LUNCH...NU AND I GONE VEGGIE...NEVER KNOW WHAT THEY MIGHT SERVE!
1.00PM...SHOWN ROOM...PRETTY GOOD...DOUBLE WITH PRIVATE BATHROOM.
1.35PM...LUNCH...ALTHOUGH GONE VEGGIE...OTHERS GIVING ME THERE NO VEG FOOD...SQUID...PRAWNS...SHRIMPS...SOME OTHER FISH WHOLE INCLUDING EYES...TASTED GOOD THOUGH...RICE...SALAD...VEGGIES...DRAGON FRUIT FOR DESSERT...HAD TO PAY FOR DRINKS THOUGH!
3.00PM...ON DECK...CHATTING...DRINKING RUM AND COKE...SHORTS ON...SUNTAN LOTION...THIS MINI CRUISE IS IN MOTION...SOME GUY IN FLASHY SHORTS PLAYING GUITAR...HEADING FOR CAVES AND A SWIM...NU EXCITED...I'LL HAVE ANOTHER RUM!
4.15PM...AT THE CAVES...GOT CAJOLED IN TO GOING...DUCKED OUT OF THE KAYAKING.
6.00PM...BACK ON DECK.
7.00PM...EVENING MEAL...NOT SURE...DIDN'T EAT MUCH...CHIPS WERE ALRIGHT.
8.00PM...BACK ON DECK...MUSIC PLAYING...PEOPLE SWAYING.
10.00PM...STILL GOING STRONG...WONDER WHAT BAR BILL WILL BE?
11.30PM...OFF TO BED.
6.11.07.
6.00AM...ALARM...HEAD BUZZING.
6.30AM...COLD SHOWER...OUCH!
7.00AM...PACKING...NU GONE ON UPPER DECK...CAMERA IN HAND.
7.30AM...BREAKIE...COLD FRIED EGG...SEMI TOASTED BREAD AND JAM...TREACLE COFFEE.
9.00AM...ON DECK...CAN OF COKE...SUN BEATING DOWN...FEEL GROGGY...NU FULL OF LIFE.
11.00AM...DOCK...BAGS TO CARRY...GOT NO ENERGY.
11.35AM...RESTAURANT...DON'T FEEL HUNGRY,BUT IT'S PART OF THE TRIP.
11.50AM...ONION SOUP...WONDERFUL...FORGET THE REST...ALL I WANT IS CHEESE ON TOAST...THINK I MIGHT HAVE JUST TASTED DOG!
1.15PM...DEPART RESTAURANT FOR MINIBUS...MANAGED TO GET FRONT SEAT AGAIN
...LEG ROOM NEEDED FOR US OLDIES...THE YOUNGER ONES HAVE REALLY LOOKED AFTER US...NOT JUST TODAY...BUT ON MANY OCCASIONS...THEY'RE REALLY GREAT TO BE WITH.
3.00PM...STOPPED FOR LEG STRETCH...INDULGED IN A CORNETTO.
4.30PM...ARRIVE HANOI...STREETS STILL AS MAD AS WHEN WE LEFT.
5.15PM...CHEESE/BAGUETTE/BEER...BOUGHT HOLDALL...WEARING LESS BECAUSE OF THE HEAT...SO MORE CLOTHES TO CARRY.
6.10PM...WAITING FOR SLEEPER COACH TO TAKE US TO HUE[PRONOUNCED WAY]...SPANIARDS HAVE TAKEN OVER...ECHOING FROM WALL TO WALL...NEEDA SHAVE...NEEDA HAIRCUT.
7.00PM...MINIBUS ARRIVES TO TAKE US TO SLEEPER COACH...HOPE I SLEEP!?
7.55PM...FOUND OUR BEDS FOR THE NIGHT...I'M ON TOP...NU BELOW.
8.30PM...ASLEEP.
3.00AM...AWAKE...THE DRIVER IS IN LOVE WITH HIS HORN!
7.11.07.
6.00AM...STILL ON SLEEPER...DRIVER PULLED IN FOR COFFEE.
8.00AM...DROPPED OF IN HUE...5 MINS WALK TO HOTEL...YEAH RIGHT!
8.35AM...FOUND HOTEL...CUPPA TEA PLEASE!
9.10AM...IN ROOM...SORTING LAUNDRY.
9.30AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
10.40AM...WALKING STREETS OF HUE.
11.20AM...PINEAPPLE MILKSHAKE.
11.50AM...RESTAURANT...PORK/MUSHROOM/ONION WITH RICE...BEER TO FOLLOW.
2.00PM...WALKING BESIDE RIVER...KNEES ACHING.
3.00PM...FOUND FRUIT STALLS...I'VE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH LITTLE MANDARIN ORANGES.
3.40PM...FOUND A LITTLE CAFE...HAVING A BEER...REFLECTING ON ALL WE'VE DONE...ITS REALLY AMAZING...SOME DAYS HAVEN'T SHONE...BUT FOR THE MOST WE CAN HONESTLY SAY WE'VE SMILED AND WE ARE HAVING ONE HELL OF AN EXPERIENCE.
5.00PM...BACK AT HOTEL...LAUNDRY RETURNED CLEANED AND DRIED.
5.10PM...FELL ASLEEP.
11.50PM...WOKE.
12.10AM...DRINKING COOL BEER ON BALCONY...WARM BREEZE BLOWING...WONDERFUL...THANK YOU NUALA...YOU'RE ONE SPECIAL PERSON!
6.00AM...ALARM...GOTTA GET SHOWERED...GOTTA DO LAST OF PACK...BREAKIE 7.00AM ...MINI BUS FOR HALONG BAY 7.45/8.00AM...NEED TO SHAKE A LEG...NOT SURE WHICH ONE!
7.00AM...BREAKIE...NEED A CUPPA TEA AND A LITTLE BREAD AND JAM.
7.40AM...WAITING FOR MINIBUS.
8.10AM...PACKED IN...NU AND I HAVE FRONT SEATS...BIT MORE LEG ROOM.
12.05PM...HALONG BAY...SUN BEAMING...ME SWEATING...SUNGLASSES ON...ORBISON STYLE.
12.30PM...ON JUNK[BOAT]...LOOKS OK...WAITING FOR LUNCH...NU AND I GONE VEGGIE...NEVER KNOW WHAT THEY MIGHT SERVE!
1.00PM...SHOWN ROOM...PRETTY GOOD...DOUBLE WITH PRIVATE BATHROOM.
1.35PM...LUNCH...ALTHOUGH GONE VEGGIE...OTHERS GIVING ME THERE NO VEG FOOD...SQUID...PRAWNS...SHRIMPS...SOME OTHER FISH WHOLE INCLUDING EYES...TASTED GOOD THOUGH...RICE...SALAD...VEGGIES...DRAGON FRUIT FOR DESSERT...HAD TO PAY FOR DRINKS THOUGH!
3.00PM...ON DECK...CHATTING...DRINKING RUM AND COKE...SHORTS ON...SUNTAN LOTION...THIS MINI CRUISE IS IN MOTION...SOME GUY IN FLASHY SHORTS PLAYING GUITAR...HEADING FOR CAVES AND A SWIM...NU EXCITED...I'LL HAVE ANOTHER RUM!
4.15PM...AT THE CAVES...GOT CAJOLED IN TO GOING...DUCKED OUT OF THE KAYAKING.
6.00PM...BACK ON DECK.
7.00PM...EVENING MEAL...NOT SURE...DIDN'T EAT MUCH...CHIPS WERE ALRIGHT.
8.00PM...BACK ON DECK...MUSIC PLAYING...PEOPLE SWAYING.
10.00PM...STILL GOING STRONG...WONDER WHAT BAR BILL WILL BE?
11.30PM...OFF TO BED.
6.11.07.
6.00AM...ALARM...HEAD BUZZING.
6.30AM...COLD SHOWER...OUCH!
7.00AM...PACKING...NU GONE ON UPPER DECK...CAMERA IN HAND.
7.30AM...BREAKIE...COLD FRIED EGG...SEMI TOASTED BREAD AND JAM...TREACLE COFFEE.
9.00AM...ON DECK...CAN OF COKE...SUN BEATING DOWN...FEEL GROGGY...NU FULL OF LIFE.
11.00AM...DOCK...BAGS TO CARRY...GOT NO ENERGY.
11.35AM...RESTAURANT...DON'T FEEL HUNGRY,BUT IT'S PART OF THE TRIP.
11.50AM...ONION SOUP...WONDERFUL...FORGET THE REST...ALL I WANT IS CHEESE ON TOAST...THINK I MIGHT HAVE JUST TASTED DOG!
1.15PM...DEPART RESTAURANT FOR MINIBUS...MANAGED TO GET FRONT SEAT AGAIN
...LEG ROOM NEEDED FOR US OLDIES...THE YOUNGER ONES HAVE REALLY LOOKED AFTER US...NOT JUST TODAY...BUT ON MANY OCCASIONS...THEY'RE REALLY GREAT TO BE WITH.
3.00PM...STOPPED FOR LEG STRETCH...INDULGED IN A CORNETTO.
4.30PM...ARRIVE HANOI...STREETS STILL AS MAD AS WHEN WE LEFT.
5.15PM...CHEESE/BAGUETTE/BEER...BOUGHT HOLDALL...WEARING LESS BECAUSE OF THE HEAT...SO MORE CLOTHES TO CARRY.
6.10PM...WAITING FOR SLEEPER COACH TO TAKE US TO HUE[PRONOUNCED WAY]...SPANIARDS HAVE TAKEN OVER...ECHOING FROM WALL TO WALL...NEEDA SHAVE...NEEDA HAIRCUT.
7.00PM...MINIBUS ARRIVES TO TAKE US TO SLEEPER COACH...HOPE I SLEEP!?
7.55PM...FOUND OUR BEDS FOR THE NIGHT...I'M ON TOP...NU BELOW.
8.30PM...ASLEEP.
3.00AM...AWAKE...THE DRIVER IS IN LOVE WITH HIS HORN!
7.11.07.
6.00AM...STILL ON SLEEPER...DRIVER PULLED IN FOR COFFEE.
8.00AM...DROPPED OF IN HUE...5 MINS WALK TO HOTEL...YEAH RIGHT!
8.35AM...FOUND HOTEL...CUPPA TEA PLEASE!
9.10AM...IN ROOM...SORTING LAUNDRY.
9.30AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
10.40AM...WALKING STREETS OF HUE.
11.20AM...PINEAPPLE MILKSHAKE.
11.50AM...RESTAURANT...PORK/MUSHROOM/ONION WITH RICE...BEER TO FOLLOW.
2.00PM...WALKING BESIDE RIVER...KNEES ACHING.
3.00PM...FOUND FRUIT STALLS...I'VE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH LITTLE MANDARIN ORANGES.
3.40PM...FOUND A LITTLE CAFE...HAVING A BEER...REFLECTING ON ALL WE'VE DONE...ITS REALLY AMAZING...SOME DAYS HAVEN'T SHONE...BUT FOR THE MOST WE CAN HONESTLY SAY WE'VE SMILED AND WE ARE HAVING ONE HELL OF AN EXPERIENCE.
5.00PM...BACK AT HOTEL...LAUNDRY RETURNED CLEANED AND DRIED.
5.10PM...FELL ASLEEP.
11.50PM...WOKE.
12.10AM...DRINKING COOL BEER ON BALCONY...WARM BREEZE BLOWING...WONDERFUL...THANK YOU NUALA...YOU'RE ONE SPECIAL PERSON!
Sunday, 4 November 2007
sixteenth...hanoi...enjoy (65)
2.11.07.
8.00AM...WOKE EARLY...WENT TO BED EARLY...BUT STILL FEEL TIRED.
8.30AM...SHAVE/SHOWER/COFFEE.
9.00AM...PACKING.
9.40AM...EVERYTHING IN...TIGHT FIT...MAYBE MY PACKING ISN'T UP TO SCRATCH.
10.00AM...COFFEE.
10.15AM...DEPART.
10.30AM...BREAKFAST AT OUR FAVOURITE CAFE.
11.15AM...PHONED VIETNAM FOR AIRPORT PICKUP...HOPE THEY UNDERSTAND...NOT THE BEST OF ENGLISH SPEAKERS ON THE OTHER END OF BLOWER!
12.05PM...SAID OUR FAREWELLS...IF YOU READ THIS JUSTIN...SORRY I DIDN'T GET TO SAY CHEERIO...I WAS KINDA USHERED OUT THE DOOR...TAXI WAITING...TAKE CARE...ENJOY KOREA.
12.55PM...AIRPORT...FORMS TO FILL
1.15PM...THRU BAGGAGE CONTROL ETC.
1.50PM...HAVING A BEER...SPENDING LAST YUAN.
3.10PM...BOARDING PLANE...NEED LOO!
3.45PM...IN THE AIR.
4.20PM...THE VIETMESE ARE BUSY BEES...PORK AND RICE...VERY NICE...ANOTHER GLASS OF WINE...THAT'LL GO DOWN FINE!...CAN'T DO ENOUGH FOR YOU.
6.30PM...TOUCH DOWN.
6.50PM...BAGGAGE COLLECTION...PASSPORT CONTROL...WELL SLOW...FEEL THE HEAT.
7.20PM...CHAPPIE WAITING TO TAKE US TO HOTE BODEGA.
8.10PM...ARRIVE AT HOTEL...CRAZY STREETS...MOTORBIKES EVERYWHERE...PEOPLE COOKING SUPPER ON PAVEMENT...THIS IS MAD...HOW THE DRIVER DIDN'T HIT A BIKE...GOD KNOWS!
8.25PM...ROOM OK...MORE OF A GUEST HOUSE THAN A HOTEL.
9.00PM...HIT THE CRAZY STREETS...FEEL THE HEAT.
9.30PM...FOUND A RESTAURANT...LOOKS CLEAN...NEED TO EAT.
9.50PM...VIET CHICKEN AND VEGGIES WITH RICE...BOTTLE OF BEER...2 QUID THE LOT FOR BOTH...THAT INCLUDED A BANANA/HONEY PANCAKE.
10.55PM...HEADED BACK TO HOTEL.
3.11.07.
8.30AM...WOKE/SHOWER.
9.20AM...BREAKIE...TEA/COFFEE/FRENCH BAGUETTE/JAM/OMELLETTE AND BANANAS.
10.00AM...WALKED TO LAKE...BOUGHT MAP OF VIETNAM...NU ENQUIRED ABOUT HAVING SOME TROUSERS MADE...BOUGHT SOME STAMPS AND CARDS.
11.00AM...SITTING IN BAR BY LAKE...WRITING CARDS...DRINKING BEER.
12.05PM...IN RICKSHAW...WELL SQUASHED...POOR CHAPPIE PEDDLING LIKE MAD...SEEING MOST OF THE CITY THOUGH...PERHAPS I SHOULD GIVE HIM AN EXTRA THOUSAND!
1.10PM...FEEL PECKISH.
1.35PM...ORDERED PIZZA FUNGI...SPRING ROLLS AND BEER.
2.00PM...SPRING ROLLS ARRIVE...VEGGIES WRAPPED IN RICE CONDOMS...WELL THATS WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE TO ME!
2.10PM...PIZZA HERE...NOT THE BEST...BUT NOT THE WORST.
4.00PM...WALKED IN TO CAFE...THERES A FAT RAT RUNNING UP A PIPE...TOLD THE WAITRESS...SHE JUST SMILED...WE DEPARTED...THERES NOT ALOT TO DO IN HANOI...DRINK/EAT/PEOPLE WATCH.
4.55PM...FOUND BACKPACKERS HOSTEL...WHERE PEOPLE ARE USUALLY HELPFUL..ON THIS OCCASION THE MAN AT THE DESK WAS ABOUT AS HELPFUL AS A BANDAGE TO A GOLDFISH!
4.11.07.
8.30AM...WOKE/SHAVE/SHOWER.
10.00AM...BREAKIE AS YESTERDAY.
11.00AM...LISTENED TO WHAT I THOUGHT WAS JAMES BLUNT'S NEW CD...ALL IT DOES IS REPEAT THE FIRST LINE OF EACH SONG...COST A QUID!
11.30AM...RETURNRD CD.
12.30PM...AT TOUR BOOKING PLACE.
1.05PM...BOOKING BOAT CRUISE IN HA LONG BAY AND THEN ONTO HUE WITH HOTEL...PLUS HOP ON/HOP OFF TICKET TO SAIGON...238 DOLLARS...OK IT'S A LOT...BUT WHAT NU WANTS...NU GETS!...8.00AM KICK OFF TOMORROW.
3.00PM...POSTED CARDS...ATM.
3.15PM...SPAG BOL FOR ME...BEEF NOODLE FOR NU...STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKES...WEATHER GETTING COOLER.
4.30PM...BACK AT HOTEL...NOISE ON STREET HORRENDOUS...SHOULD BE A LAW AGAINST MOTORBIKES ON A SUNDAY!
4.45PM...WATCHING FROM BALCONY AS THE MESS OF MOPEDS/MOTORBIKES GO BY...HORNS A TOOTING...THE ODD CAR MAKES ITS WAY THRU SLOWLY.
5.10PM...GOTTA PACK...PET HATE...THE I'LL HAVE A BEER.
5.15PM...WATCHING A CHARLIE CHAPLIN FILM...HE'S SWALLOWED A WHISTLE AND AS GOT HICCUPS!
7.00PM...STILL HAVEN'T PACKED...GONNA TAKE A STROLL.
CONCOZY.........(FENETICALLY.......NO WORRIES)
BYE FOR NOWZ.
8.00AM...WOKE EARLY...WENT TO BED EARLY...BUT STILL FEEL TIRED.
8.30AM...SHAVE/SHOWER/COFFEE.
9.00AM...PACKING.
9.40AM...EVERYTHING IN...TIGHT FIT...MAYBE MY PACKING ISN'T UP TO SCRATCH.
10.00AM...COFFEE.
10.15AM...DEPART.
10.30AM...BREAKFAST AT OUR FAVOURITE CAFE.
11.15AM...PHONED VIETNAM FOR AIRPORT PICKUP...HOPE THEY UNDERSTAND...NOT THE BEST OF ENGLISH SPEAKERS ON THE OTHER END OF BLOWER!
12.05PM...SAID OUR FAREWELLS...IF YOU READ THIS JUSTIN...SORRY I DIDN'T GET TO SAY CHEERIO...I WAS KINDA USHERED OUT THE DOOR...TAXI WAITING...TAKE CARE...ENJOY KOREA.
12.55PM...AIRPORT...FORMS TO FILL
1.15PM...THRU BAGGAGE CONTROL ETC.
1.50PM...HAVING A BEER...SPENDING LAST YUAN.
3.10PM...BOARDING PLANE...NEED LOO!
3.45PM...IN THE AIR.
4.20PM...THE VIETMESE ARE BUSY BEES...PORK AND RICE...VERY NICE...ANOTHER GLASS OF WINE...THAT'LL GO DOWN FINE!...CAN'T DO ENOUGH FOR YOU.
6.30PM...TOUCH DOWN.
6.50PM...BAGGAGE COLLECTION...PASSPORT CONTROL...WELL SLOW...FEEL THE HEAT.
7.20PM...CHAPPIE WAITING TO TAKE US TO HOTE BODEGA.
8.10PM...ARRIVE AT HOTEL...CRAZY STREETS...MOTORBIKES EVERYWHERE...PEOPLE COOKING SUPPER ON PAVEMENT...THIS IS MAD...HOW THE DRIVER DIDN'T HIT A BIKE...GOD KNOWS!
8.25PM...ROOM OK...MORE OF A GUEST HOUSE THAN A HOTEL.
9.00PM...HIT THE CRAZY STREETS...FEEL THE HEAT.
9.30PM...FOUND A RESTAURANT...LOOKS CLEAN...NEED TO EAT.
9.50PM...VIET CHICKEN AND VEGGIES WITH RICE...BOTTLE OF BEER...2 QUID THE LOT FOR BOTH...THAT INCLUDED A BANANA/HONEY PANCAKE.
10.55PM...HEADED BACK TO HOTEL.
3.11.07.
8.30AM...WOKE/SHOWER.
9.20AM...BREAKIE...TEA/COFFEE/FRENCH BAGUETTE/JAM/OMELLETTE AND BANANAS.
10.00AM...WALKED TO LAKE...BOUGHT MAP OF VIETNAM...NU ENQUIRED ABOUT HAVING SOME TROUSERS MADE...BOUGHT SOME STAMPS AND CARDS.
11.00AM...SITTING IN BAR BY LAKE...WRITING CARDS...DRINKING BEER.
12.05PM...IN RICKSHAW...WELL SQUASHED...POOR CHAPPIE PEDDLING LIKE MAD...SEEING MOST OF THE CITY THOUGH...PERHAPS I SHOULD GIVE HIM AN EXTRA THOUSAND!
1.10PM...FEEL PECKISH.
1.35PM...ORDERED PIZZA FUNGI...SPRING ROLLS AND BEER.
2.00PM...SPRING ROLLS ARRIVE...VEGGIES WRAPPED IN RICE CONDOMS...WELL THATS WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE TO ME!
2.10PM...PIZZA HERE...NOT THE BEST...BUT NOT THE WORST.
4.00PM...WALKED IN TO CAFE...THERES A FAT RAT RUNNING UP A PIPE...TOLD THE WAITRESS...SHE JUST SMILED...WE DEPARTED...THERES NOT ALOT TO DO IN HANOI...DRINK/EAT/PEOPLE WATCH.
4.55PM...FOUND BACKPACKERS HOSTEL...WHERE PEOPLE ARE USUALLY HELPFUL..ON THIS OCCASION THE MAN AT THE DESK WAS ABOUT AS HELPFUL AS A BANDAGE TO A GOLDFISH!
4.11.07.
8.30AM...WOKE/SHAVE/SHOWER.
10.00AM...BREAKIE AS YESTERDAY.
11.00AM...LISTENED TO WHAT I THOUGHT WAS JAMES BLUNT'S NEW CD...ALL IT DOES IS REPEAT THE FIRST LINE OF EACH SONG...COST A QUID!
11.30AM...RETURNRD CD.
12.30PM...AT TOUR BOOKING PLACE.
1.05PM...BOOKING BOAT CRUISE IN HA LONG BAY AND THEN ONTO HUE WITH HOTEL...PLUS HOP ON/HOP OFF TICKET TO SAIGON...238 DOLLARS...OK IT'S A LOT...BUT WHAT NU WANTS...NU GETS!...8.00AM KICK OFF TOMORROW.
3.00PM...POSTED CARDS...ATM.
3.15PM...SPAG BOL FOR ME...BEEF NOODLE FOR NU...STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKES...WEATHER GETTING COOLER.
4.30PM...BACK AT HOTEL...NOISE ON STREET HORRENDOUS...SHOULD BE A LAW AGAINST MOTORBIKES ON A SUNDAY!
4.45PM...WATCHING FROM BALCONY AS THE MESS OF MOPEDS/MOTORBIKES GO BY...HORNS A TOOTING...THE ODD CAR MAKES ITS WAY THRU SLOWLY.
5.10PM...GOTTA PACK...PET HATE...THE I'LL HAVE A BEER.
5.15PM...WATCHING A CHARLIE CHAPLIN FILM...HE'S SWALLOWED A WHISTLE AND AS GOT HICCUPS!
7.00PM...STILL HAVEN'T PACKED...GONNA TAKE A STROLL.
CONCOZY.........(FENETICALLY.......NO WORRIES)
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Thursday, 1 November 2007
fifthteenth...beijeng...part two
30.10.07.
10.00AM...DIDN'T RISE TO EARLY...NU SEEMED UNCONCERNED.
11.00AM...WALKED THE BACK STREETS OF BEIJENG IN SEARCH OF POST OFFICE...YOU HAVE TO GET LOST TO SEE THE REAL CHINA...NU AND I ARE GOOD AT THAT!
1.25PM...HAVING ENGLISH BREAKFAST WITH FRENCH/AMERICAN COFFEE!
2.30PM...NU OUTA BRANDY...GONNA HAVE TO GET HER SOME MORE...BLESS.
3.10PM...READING SOME OLD MUSIC MAGS...INTRODUCED HER TO ISRAELI/AUSSIE FRIENDS...LIFE IS GOOD.
OVERALL VIEW.
Go to china,but don't go on a organized tour like with Travelsphere etc.Its a rip off...get a return flight from Heathrow.Book accomadation via net.They'll write your hotel/hostel address in chinese if you want.Jump in taxi on arrival,show taxi driver address...20/30 yuan...you will only see the true China this way.If you wanna move on to another part of China,internal flights are cheap and easy to get...about 80 quid...get your next address sorted via net and off you go...its so simple!You might spend the same as going with a tour company,but i guarantee you'll see a whole lot more doing it yourself...don't get ripped off!
5.40PM...CHICKEN CURRY...ORANGE JUICE.
7.25PM...WALKED SLOWLY BACK TO HOSTEL...DIMLY LIT STREETS...SUN SEEMED TO GO DOWN EARLY THIS EVE...EVERYONE WANTING TO WELCOME US INTO THIER SHOPS...VERY PLEASANT.
31.10.07.
8.00AM...ALARM.
8.15AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
8.35AM...GOTTA GET CRACKING...PICKING UP VISAS TODAY.
9.30AM...HAILED TAXI.
10.15AM...VIETNAM VISA OFFICE...ALL OK!
10.45AM...AIRLINE OFFICE...GOT TICKETS...FLY 3.30PM FRIDAY 2ND NOV...ALL OK!
11.50AM...TIANNAMEN SQUARE...TAXI DRIVER REFUSED TO TAKE US TO DOOR OF HOSTEL...HAD TO WALK HALF KILOMETRE.
12.20PM...RESTAURANT...PIZZA ANGEL[EVERYTHING]...ORANGE/CARROT JUICE...SHARING...WAITING.
12.55PM...PIZZA FINALLY ARRIVE...WORTH IT...WONDERFUL!...WONDERFUL WAITRESS APOLIGIZE...BUT THERE ARE MANY CUSTOMERS.
2.15PM...BOOKED HOTEL IN HANOI...WAS GOING TO RITZ...BUT DON'T HAVE OUR DATES AVAILABLE...SO GOING TO BAGGOTA...JUST AS PLUSH...MAYBE PLUSHER!...MONEY SPINNING OUTA CONTROL...NU NEEDS COMFORT...GUESS I'LL HAVE TO PLOD ALONG WITH IT...3 NIGHTS WON'T HARM.
3.10PM...BOUGHT SOME HONEYCOMB...I GOT VERY LITTLE...NU'S A DEVIL...WALKING SLOWLY BEHIND ME...MUNCHING...HOPING I DON'T REALISE!
3.20PM...BOUGHT MYSELF SOME MANDARINS...HOLDING'EM TIGHT!
6.00PM...HAVING A BRANDY OR THREE...HALLOWEEN PARTY TONIGHT.
6.40PM...SWEET AND SOUR PORK...A BIT SWEETER THAN I WOULD LIKE.
8.00PM...PARTY!...BUY ONE GET ONE FREE...NU IN ECSTASY...LITRE BOTTLES OF BEER...17p EACH.
9.00PM...DANCING TO BEEGEES!...CHATTING...DANCING...CHATTING...DANCING...THEY WERE CHANTING MY NAME...MR.WILLIS...MR.WILLIS...MR.WILLIS!
10.20PM...CHATTING WITH SOME SWEDISH GIRL...KEPT NODDING... BUT NOT TO SURE WHAT THE CONVERSATION WAS ABOUT...MUSIC TO LOUD.
11.55PM...MANAGED TO FIND NU CHATTING TO SOMEONE IN CORNER...AGREED IT WAS TIME TO GO...I WAS DANCED OUT...QUICK EXIT REQUIRED.
1.11.07.
10.30AM...CAN'T BE BOTHERED...NEED MORE SLEEP.
11.10AM...NU REMINDS ME WE GOT A FEW THINGS TO DO TODAY...CAUSE WE ARE LEAVING TOMORROW.
11.55AM...MADE OUR WAY TO QIAN MEN...JUST OFF TIN SQUARE...IT AS BECOME OUR LOCAL EATERIE...BEST FOOD GOING...FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST PLEASE/MUG OF TEA...WELL RECIEVED!
2.00PM...POSTED SOME ITEMS BACK TO ENGLAND...HOPE THEY GET THERE.
3.00PM...SORTING TAXI FOR AIRPORT FOR TOMORROW...ALL A BIT QUIET...WEATHER OK...LOOKING FORWARD TO VIETNAM HEAT...REALLY ENJOYED BEIJENG.
4.55PM...WELL TIRED...CAN'T STOP YAWNING...OFF TO BED!
HOLD ON TIGHT TO YOUR DREAMS.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
10.00AM...DIDN'T RISE TO EARLY...NU SEEMED UNCONCERNED.
11.00AM...WALKED THE BACK STREETS OF BEIJENG IN SEARCH OF POST OFFICE...YOU HAVE TO GET LOST TO SEE THE REAL CHINA...NU AND I ARE GOOD AT THAT!
1.25PM...HAVING ENGLISH BREAKFAST WITH FRENCH/AMERICAN COFFEE!
2.30PM...NU OUTA BRANDY...GONNA HAVE TO GET HER SOME MORE...BLESS.
3.10PM...READING SOME OLD MUSIC MAGS...INTRODUCED HER TO ISRAELI/AUSSIE FRIENDS...LIFE IS GOOD.
OVERALL VIEW.
Go to china,but don't go on a organized tour like with Travelsphere etc.Its a rip off...get a return flight from Heathrow.Book accomadation via net.They'll write your hotel/hostel address in chinese if you want.Jump in taxi on arrival,show taxi driver address...20/30 yuan...you will only see the true China this way.If you wanna move on to another part of China,internal flights are cheap and easy to get...about 80 quid...get your next address sorted via net and off you go...its so simple!You might spend the same as going with a tour company,but i guarantee you'll see a whole lot more doing it yourself...don't get ripped off!
5.40PM...CHICKEN CURRY...ORANGE JUICE.
7.25PM...WALKED SLOWLY BACK TO HOSTEL...DIMLY LIT STREETS...SUN SEEMED TO GO DOWN EARLY THIS EVE...EVERYONE WANTING TO WELCOME US INTO THIER SHOPS...VERY PLEASANT.
31.10.07.
8.00AM...ALARM.
8.15AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
8.35AM...GOTTA GET CRACKING...PICKING UP VISAS TODAY.
9.30AM...HAILED TAXI.
10.15AM...VIETNAM VISA OFFICE...ALL OK!
10.45AM...AIRLINE OFFICE...GOT TICKETS...FLY 3.30PM FRIDAY 2ND NOV...ALL OK!
11.50AM...TIANNAMEN SQUARE...TAXI DRIVER REFUSED TO TAKE US TO DOOR OF HOSTEL...HAD TO WALK HALF KILOMETRE.
12.20PM...RESTAURANT...PIZZA ANGEL[EVERYTHING]...ORANGE/CARROT JUICE...SHARING...WAITING.
12.55PM...PIZZA FINALLY ARRIVE...WORTH IT...WONDERFUL!...WONDERFUL WAITRESS APOLIGIZE...BUT THERE ARE MANY CUSTOMERS.
2.15PM...BOOKED HOTEL IN HANOI...WAS GOING TO RITZ...BUT DON'T HAVE OUR DATES AVAILABLE...SO GOING TO BAGGOTA...JUST AS PLUSH...MAYBE PLUSHER!...MONEY SPINNING OUTA CONTROL...NU NEEDS COMFORT...GUESS I'LL HAVE TO PLOD ALONG WITH IT...3 NIGHTS WON'T HARM.
3.10PM...BOUGHT SOME HONEYCOMB...I GOT VERY LITTLE...NU'S A DEVIL...WALKING SLOWLY BEHIND ME...MUNCHING...HOPING I DON'T REALISE!
3.20PM...BOUGHT MYSELF SOME MANDARINS...HOLDING'EM TIGHT!
6.00PM...HAVING A BRANDY OR THREE...HALLOWEEN PARTY TONIGHT.
6.40PM...SWEET AND SOUR PORK...A BIT SWEETER THAN I WOULD LIKE.
8.00PM...PARTY!...BUY ONE GET ONE FREE...NU IN ECSTASY...LITRE BOTTLES OF BEER...17p EACH.
9.00PM...DANCING TO BEEGEES!...CHATTING...DANCING...CHATTING...DANCING...THEY WERE CHANTING MY NAME...MR.WILLIS...MR.WILLIS...MR.WILLIS!
10.20PM...CHATTING WITH SOME SWEDISH GIRL...KEPT NODDING... BUT NOT TO SURE WHAT THE CONVERSATION WAS ABOUT...MUSIC TO LOUD.
11.55PM...MANAGED TO FIND NU CHATTING TO SOMEONE IN CORNER...AGREED IT WAS TIME TO GO...I WAS DANCED OUT...QUICK EXIT REQUIRED.
1.11.07.
10.30AM...CAN'T BE BOTHERED...NEED MORE SLEEP.
11.10AM...NU REMINDS ME WE GOT A FEW THINGS TO DO TODAY...CAUSE WE ARE LEAVING TOMORROW.
11.55AM...MADE OUR WAY TO QIAN MEN...JUST OFF TIN SQUARE...IT AS BECOME OUR LOCAL EATERIE...BEST FOOD GOING...FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST PLEASE/MUG OF TEA...WELL RECIEVED!
2.00PM...POSTED SOME ITEMS BACK TO ENGLAND...HOPE THEY GET THERE.
3.00PM...SORTING TAXI FOR AIRPORT FOR TOMORROW...ALL A BIT QUIET...WEATHER OK...LOOKING FORWARD TO VIETNAM HEAT...REALLY ENJOYED BEIJENG.
4.55PM...WELL TIRED...CAN'T STOP YAWNING...OFF TO BED!
HOLD ON TIGHT TO YOUR DREAMS.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)