I have mustered 3 words in vietnamese: hello, iced coffee and thank you. Not bad?!
so far... so wet. we're finally getting some respite from the typhoon rains that have blighted Vietnam in the past few days. Hanoi was completely flooded, we left on Friday and we had to wade out of the guesthouse. it was quite apocalyptic! Of course I whined when the water got inside the luggage compartment of the bus resulting in my entire bag drenched in mud water. But I haven't lost my home, my livelihood or anyone from my family in the floods... worse they've had since 1984 apparently. Please someone pinch me when I next complain about the Scottish weather.
However, we're now half way down the country and we're hot and sweaty, and starting to really like Vietnam! People seem gentler and not so intent on ripping you off... The tourist $ brings mixed joys that's for sure. Yesterday we decided to lower our defences and accept the invite of a local English teacher to go for a drink. It resulted in an exhorbitant bill (for 4 cokes and a plate of noodles!), that we were expected to pay... I think I have to resign myself to the fact that "iced coffee" and "thank you" won't get me very close to people who I'd like to know more about (i.e not the fake english teachers).
on the up side tho, Hue is a beautiful town with a mega river, it's full of ruined temples and other grand relics from the past. Local grub is delish and peanut sauce goes very well with tofu. Oh, and beer only costs 60p;-)
children wave a lot and laugh at our attempt to reply in vietnamese. Chili goes with fried bananas and mango too.
This morning I had breakfast on our balcony... what more can I say?
oh I know. Congrat's Mr Obama!!! It's funny we found out the results on what is for us "Guy Folks" (how on earth do you spell his name?)day. If ever there was a day for fireworks... but lightning will do instead.
hope you're all well peeps,
xx
