A serious shock to the system this morning - our bus actually arrived on time. Still don't believe it as normally you have to add at least 2 hours onto any estimated time of arrival. We didn't quite know what to do with ourselves when we were standing at the bus stop at 11.30 this morning with so many unexpected hours to use. Stunning bus ride as well as it went along the coast road. Passed some places we recognised from the Top Gear special as well.
It was actually very fortunate we were so early as the only buses to Hanoi were tomorrow or Tuesday. So instead of hanging around we decided to whizz through the sights of Hanoi and will leave tomorrow on the sleeping bus.
So we checked into another gorgeous hotel and popped into the lovely, lonely planet recommended cafe opposite. Had a cheeseburger and chips for lunch and booked a moto tour with the lovely Thu who runs 'Cafe on Thu Wheels'. If anyone is ever in Hue you want to book into the Phong Nha Hotel, head to the cafe and not really move from there :)
Moto tour was $8 and our four lovely drivers took us around all the sights. The Citadel, the main Pagoda, the Japanese bridge, monks praying at a temple and the Tu Duc Tomb (apparently the best one). Then up to a mountain to see US bunkers and watch the sunset on the river which was just beautiful.
Back to the cafe and I was starving so ordered beef and fried rice AND spring rolls. They were completely delicious (yes I am seriously enjoying the food). Am now contemplating a pancake for dessert as it's only $0.50.
Tomorrow I have booked (from the same cafe) a tour of the Demilitarized Zone. Apparently there's not much to see but I thought zack would never forgive me if I came back without a good few photos of some blown up tanks! It workds out really well actually as the bus gets back to Hue at 6 but my bus leaves at 5. But Thu has arranged for the tour to drop me in a place the bus stops to pick people up just north of Hue. So its all good :)
Onto Hanoi tomorrow then. Of course will try to blog. Am going to book the boat to Halong Bay as soon as I get there and I'm already really looking forward to it.
Anyway I have resisted the temptation to have a pancake for long enough. Pancake and a lemon juice (which is so SO yummy) and then an early night as I leave at 6 tomorrow.
Lots of love to everyone! XXXXXX
