Vietnam last post.

What a wonderful place to have a holiday. Here are my final thoughts about Vietnam.

 

The good points:-

The people

They are so friendly. They take the time to say hello and the children run up to you smiling and respond when you say hello. I am not used to younger folk, teenagers probably, saying hi and trying to make conversation. It was though they were practicing their English on us. Lovely to be away from the western phobic state surrounding children. When we went into Vietnamese restaurants, the staff tried very hard to help us understand what was on offer and most times we ate very well.

The accommodation.

Yes we had asked for 4 star or better and better is what we got. Some of the hotels or resorts looked tired with wear showing but in general the rooms were clean, the linen fresh and the beds king + size. I enjoyed a massage most days in house for way below the cost at home. These were professionally conducted in clean and fresh surroundings. Swimming pools did not have a chlorine pong and the pool side service topped off our time at the pools. Again hotel staff were polite, smiling and trying to assist where ever they could.

The food.

OK my weak stomach let me down and I suffered with runny tummy. This happened on day two and the Active bacteria pills we had fixed me up AQAP. In general the breakfast offered were western or Vietnamese with some very interesting dishes on offer. Lunches differed between restaurant from western to Vietnamese but mainly Vietnamese. Seafood is plentiful and on the whole fresh. Rice by the plate full, steamed, fried or sweet. A good filler up. The chicken and red meats eaten were well prepared and have given us some interesting dishes to try at home. Soups are very tasty and come in many forms. Pam enjoyed them more than I did having them for brekkie. We ate at road side stops, back street cafe and local restaurants and rarely did we leave food on the plate. A must experience trying the different foods.

The scenery

Diverse, awe inspiring, wonderful. We went from river plains to high country. It amazed me to see rice paddies almost in the middle of towns. To see the diversity of vegetables growing, the huge array of flowers and the lushness of the surrounding bush. We were to enjoy only a few rain days but when they occurred, waterfalls abounded. To see water spewing out of a sheer rock face, amazing. The rivers full of colourful boats, floating markets, people going about their lives. The water hyasins floating by in the canals as we are propelled along by oar, little or no sound, few passers by.

The roads and air ports.

With 30 million scooters on the roads, it does not take much to imagine the situation. The road users are polite to say the least. They let you through, move over to allow you to cross and rarely appear flustered. To see a child walking across a busy highway by just setting out and everyone moves around them without slowing. A bit scary but so organised. Many of the roads are under construction so do not expect your trip to be fast or smooth. Air ports easy to navigate with clear signage or helpers willing to assist. Again nothing appears to create friction, it just happens.

The climate.

We were here in the hot and rainy season. Rarely did the temperatures or humidity become unbearable and drive us in doors. Of the 14 days we were here we had rain on 2 days. It’s not cold so we could stand out in it and dry off when it stopped. I feel we were here in the best time as the waterfalls were flowing and the plants looked fresh.

The down side.

Litter

This would be the only disappointment we had with Vietnam. Nearly every where we went we were confronted with litter. Plastic bags, shell fish and rotting vegetation. Human waste is not common which is a blessing. To swim in the sea and have a plastic bag wrap around your leg is off putting. This caused the air at times to be rank which when on the back of a scooter is interesting. One minute the fragrance of the flowers, the next rotting what ever. Still it became easy to look past the litter and see the country surrounding.

To round up, if you have not been, this is a must see destination. We will be back to enjoy more of Vietnam as soon as we can.

Vietnam and Home

Well our last day has come and gone, we are back at home now contemplating the wonderful holiday we had in Vietnam. Since my last entry we have spend the time relaxing. We played tennis in the morning, around 0600hrs for 1/2 to 1 hour then a swim in what looked like our own pool followed by brekkie. As it is the off season and mid week we had the place basically to ourselves. Their was the same number of staff as if a crowd were in residence so most days we enjoyed the best of service. We gave the gym a shake but the room was very hot even with air con and fan on flat out. The equipment on offer very basic but still good to work lazy muscles.

On one of the days I jumped on the back of a Moto (scooter + driver ) and took of into Long Hai. I was looking for a bank or ATM plus wanted to go to the local market. At first I had been told the closest of either was 10 km away but as we zoomed along we came across a bank. It was open but not for business so I asked the manager to let my Moto know where to go. A little further down the road and an ATM. Drew some funds and off to the market. At this stage i was not taking pictures so sorry none to show. The market about 1 full block with veg,fruit and live animals around the back and side. The stall holders did not push their goods at you and some were even asleep. All manner of goods on offer with tailors sowing and other merchants deep in conversation. I was looking for Vietnamese coffee makers, a small individual coffee percolator for one cup of coffee. I was told to pay 6,000 to 10,000VAD but without bargaining paid 4,000VAD for them. We set off for home with our purchases. 

Our last day saw us having brekkie early then a swim. A new French family had arrived and Pam engaged one of the family in conversation. She was 9 and of Vietnamese extraction living with her family in France. Very interesting. We then packed up and checked out. The resort had confused our check out date, they had us leaving on Friday. The resort had offered us 2 free massages and complementary laundry service but as this was our last day they did not charge us for 2 massages I had already enjoyed, very customer focused. Our driver was late arriving, 1 hour late. We became worried about meeting our plane but after a few SMS to our agent all turned out well. Mr Khahn collected us and made all speed to have us arrive a few minutes after the original planned time. It was interesting being in a hurry, dodging scooters, trucks and busses while trying to maintain a hurried pace. Most times we we where governed by speed limits of 40, 60 or 80 but Mr Khahn managed to negotiate a little more even with the traffic congestion. I was very glad he was driving and not me!

Our flight to Singapore was on Jetstar Asia so when into Singapore we had to go through customs, immigration, collect our bags and come back into the air port through security to check in for our Qantas flight home. As time was tight we had little time to relax in the lounge before our flight was called. This could be a trap for unsuspecting travellers like us who do not allow time for these formalities. Still home now and after reviewing our trip photo’s I will make a final post to this blog with our closing impressions.

Till then Chow.

Vietnam Day 11

Day 11 Long Hai Beach

We are waking earlier and earlier, this morning I was ready to fly around 4:30. I had been up during the night looking at a lightning storm over the sea. With the lights from the many fishing boats dotting the horizon the scene was Vietnam. Also so wonderfully warm but being bitten so back in to bed. Eventually we rise and head to the beach for a swim. We are put off by the colour of the water. Is it mud brown and after Doc Let’s crystal clear water a let down. Brekkie and a swim in the pool. We decide to walk some of the way into Long Hai to check out the area and buy water. The temperature is not too hot but the looks we get from the locals as we walk along the road is comical. A lot of the women on scooters are craning their necks to look at us as they go by. Not sure what they think but I am sure they are smiling. We only go 1 km of the 3 km distance and head to the beach. A local beach or for Vietnamese people as busses parked up and people milling about. We pick up our water and some beers and return to the resort. Time now to relax, swim, tennis and the gym is calling and my body is cringing. This may be the last post until we get back home as the next few days will consist of relaxing and then travel home, so I am off to the gym, OK pool but will exercise in my mind.

Vietnam Day 10

Day 10 Doc Let to Long Hai Beach.

We awoke early and headed to the beach for a swim. It was just after 5:15 and the beach was alive with local people. Some swimming, others pulling in a fishing net and others just having fun. Boy this place is alive. Back to the room, pack up, brekkie, sign out and await our driver. Up rolls Mr Tam, so good to see him as we know his driving and are starting to understand him better. The weather is warm and humid but dry. We have seen very little rain which surprises us as we were expecting a wet season. On the road to the air port. Mr Tam instructing us when to take pictures and stopping the car for us to get a better shot. He is also teaching us, make that Pamela, a few words of Vietnamese. Very little is new as this is the road we came to Doc Let on. Out the other side of Nha Trang is new to us as this is the way to the new air port at Cam Ranh. The air port ex American complements of the war but all the facilities are new and very flash. We are the only plane load it appears for the time being, so a small crowd milling about. Quite a mixture of nationalities. We chat to a Vietnamese lady and her partner from Taiwan. Also Russian and other Europeans. The flight quite short, about 1 hour so on the ground in Saigon and heading for our next ride. This time Mr Kahan, the same driver we had to Can Tho. Boy he never seems flustered and makes driving look so easy. We are amazed every time we go places that there are no accidents it must be the patience of the people as the wiz about. The drive to Long Hai Beach again much the same with the evidence of road works most of the way. When the roads are finished they will be very good but still not the Mitchell Freeway. We pass the turn off to Vung Tau heading east and find ourselves at Long Hai but lost. Mr Kahan stops and gets directions. This is the first time on our trip we have needed external directions. Our drivers have been amazing knowing the way around Saigon, the main roads linking cities to the back streets in the smaller cities and I have yet to see a map or GPS being used! If I were driving I would still be in the Saigon air port car park! We arrive at Anoasis Resort for our final three nights. Looks flash at reception but they think we are over night only. Having this cleared up we go to our room – cottage. Boy what a way to end a wonderful holiday, it is an elegant Vietnamese style cottage, bamboo king bed with large bath and views of the ocean over our balcony. We are in spoilt luxury, the memories form here will be grand. We wander around the resort checking out the facilities, the pool look grand, gym requires our attendance, beach has what you need to relax by the sea and hard tennis court looks well maintained. As it is late we eat in and head to our cottage for the night.

Vietnam day 9

It appears in my befuddled holiday state I have fluffed up the days, we are only on day 9, hurray!!!!

Relax day in Doc Let.

A day of prolonged periods of relax. Up relatively early, swim, big brekkie and relax. More time on the beach to swim and relax. Lunch in the hotel restaurant but the outdoor one. Again we are having a main lunch with no dinner. More relaxing and swimming, it just rolled on. Our day now ended with Pamela nearly out of reading material and I am thinking of playing patience, um something not right with this picture. This is a great place for relaxing with a beautiful white beach, good accommodation and the ever present polite people. One of the guests is from Poland, he works in the local ship yard and has been here 6 months. I may of offended him as I asked if he was Russian as we had been told a lot of Russians here abouts, whops. Tomorrow to drive to Nha Trang, fly to Saigon then drive to our last destination, Long Hai. We are relaxed and happy.

Vietnam day 8

Day 8 Nha Trang to Doc Let

We check out and await our driver. In comes Mr Tan. We are happy to see him and off we go. He takes us on a roundabout trip out of the city so we can take pictures of the fishing boats in the river, the temple of pillars and good places to take pictures of the bay and area. Just as many scooters, busses and other vehicles as before. We swing onto the main road between Saigon and Hanoi. It is busy and not as major a highway as would be expected. It is little surprise it takes up to 36 hours to go by bus between the two, a distance of some 1000 km. We see traditional fishing boats that look like wicker baskets, round but large enough for the fisherman to stand and work in. Further along rice paddies, fish farms, shrimp farms and salt crystallisers. It all here folks just look around, wonderful. Arriving at our beach resort, White Sands Doclet, met with a classic resort set up. Instantly upgraded to beach view room, might be because so few people here! Down to the beach and into the sea. Water like a warm bath and very salty reminds me of Carnarvon. We looked around the complex, looking forward to the gym but no open windows or air con so having second thoughts. Spa and massage very flash and pricey for Vietnam. Still in for a penny in for a pound. Now to relax, relax, relax.

Vietnam day 7

Day 7 Nha Trang

Well today a rest day, sitting by the pool, swimming and not much else. Pamela had a facial, best ever. No one else at the pool so all our own. Even comes with a waiter who do not push you for drinks or food, they just wait until you look at them or go to them then action stations. I went for a strolled around the area while Pamela occupied. Once you get past the smell, not aroma, smell it is great to be walking amongst the people and feeling so safe. Again the occasional hello and many smiles. Litter is evident everywhere in the streets. Watch where you put your feet as you have no idea what is there to squish under foot. The people mostly are sitting and appear to be waiting for something to happen. Lots of shops of most kinds. I could not find a shop with men’s clothing anywhere as I wanted a tee shirt. We were told this is the town of tailors but they are hard to find. More research before coming next time. Pamela back to the beauty spa for a mud pack so I go wandering again. I jumped into a taxi and indicated I was looking to go for a shave. Obviously the wrong signals as I end up at a massage place. After confirming I cannot get a shave, off to the steam room and massage. Back to the hotel and we decide to eat out. We head into the city on foot, all good so long as watching out for scooters, bicycles and mess. One place looms out of the night so in we go only to find it’s a tea house, no dinner. After walking around for 30 or so minutes we decide to head back to the hotel. Light dinner and retire for the night.

Vietnam day 6

Day 6 Da Lat to Nha Trang

We start the day with a lazy start. Out of bed late, brekkie then catch up on diary or relax. This has been a wonderful part of our trip. The area is so picturesque we have been spell bound at most of the time. The people are always smiling and say hello. I am not sure very many understand any English. I have noticed this with the ladies giving massage, try to strike up a conversation and they look at you very quizzically and do not reply. Also this is evident in the hotels as they look at you very strange if you ask any unusual questions. Still very polite people.

The trip from Da Lat to Nha Trang was awesome. The scenery, the road or some time track, the water falls, the people and the villages just something else. Mr Tam picked us up right on time and off we went. His English not that flash but we got by. The streets of Da Lat are on the hole narrow with the usual mix of scooters and vehicles. When we got away from the centre of the town on the mountain road to Nha Trang we encountered express busses. They do not slow down, blow their horns almost constantly and are amazing to see negotiating the other traffic on the roads. How there are not more accidents I will never know! Once into the country we were treated to more wonderful country side. The road varied from a new highway to a bitumen bush track and yes no less traffic including busses. The scenery is something that needs to be seen to be believed. I thought Da Lat was impressive, it’s small cheese in comparison. Some of the tree lined gorges with a canopy of vines looked like a picture mosaic. The water falls appearing from holes in the enormous rock faces cannot be described. Yes it was raining but I feel sure this is the best time to come here. The section of new road that falls 1500 mtr in about 100 km is an engineering feat. Rock or soil cliffs on one side, a sheer drop on the other into the gorges or valley below. Although my cold was raging, I found it difficult to shut my mouth as every turn produced more amazement. The hill people have a slightly different appearance with more curl in their hair. The people along the way just go about their business with the traffic meters away from their front doors. The houses vary between one room dwellings with little furniture to multi story palatial homes. We have been told they belong to wealthy farmers. The children came over when we stopped to look at a people bridge over the Cai river, they were not phased by us at all and said hello and ran off to play. The clothing was a little more tired but still colourful. We rolled through small towns and then into Nha Trang. Not as hectic as Saigon but the same mix of new and old, rich and poor. Our hotel on the beach. Our room looking out to the bay. We walked a km or so along the beach, men playing domino’s, younger men drinking, children in the water or playing on the beach. A noticeable lack of women. A few younger ones here and there but noticeably missing. Dinner on the foreshore then back to the hotel for massage and bed.

Vietnam Day 5 Da Lat

 

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We had booked Mr Man for a tour today, very reasonable, 600,000 VAD. He picked us up at 0830 and off we went. As we had no idea of what to expect we relied on him advice. All we wanted was to see the real Vietnam. So started by going to a local waterfall. On the way went to the post office to pick up a pre paid phone card. Mr Man did the negotiating and made the process very smooth. I am disappointed with Telstra as I was told I would have coverage in Vietnam still not that expensive, 175,000VAD including 22 minutes overseas talk time.

The waterfall is very beautiful but now commercial. Lots of people come here so a sky rail has been built to get people down and up from the falls. We walked as we had not had much exercise since the gym at Can Tho. Made us realise how unfit we are, need to watch our intake, lots of rice but not much exercise.

From here to a Buddhist pagoda. The area very popular so crowded, I would not like to be here in peak tourist time! The grounds are very well maintained with beautiful gardens, temples in the traditional Buddhist style and bonsai trees of every size. The views from here are panoramic. The hills in the back ground, a lake below and forest all around. Very pleasant I can see why the monks spend more than 3 hours a day in meditation, the setting begs it of you.

Next to view the farming and boy is this something to behold. The farmers have utilised every space they can. With open growing and glass houses everywhere. You can be driving down a street with houses all around when up pops a vegetable plot. You name it, it grows here. The produce available to buy looks and smells so fresh. Flowers are now becoming a very large industry. Many farmers turning to flowers as more money. Interesting farmers do not have to pay taxes so some becoming quite wealthy. Flowers are sold locally and surrounding countries but not into Europe or Australia. China the furthest away and during times of shortage purchased from China. We rolled on to see a flower nursery. As it belonged to Mr Man’s cousin we were able to go into the hot houses and get amongst the roses and other flowers. The roses grown on white rose root stock then coloured roses grafted onto the root stock. They flower year round so very profitable.

Back to town for lunch. The usual mix of scooters and cars/trucks all going where they want to go with what appears to be chaotic abandon but no accidents seen. We ate in a small but popular local restaurant full of local people so we were confident of having local dishes. Again such good food and heaps of it. Cost minimal, 214,000VAD.

Last stop back into the country to see a park. Golden Park, full of flower gardens, water ways, bonsai and a lake at the bottom. The area is very tranquil and beautiful, it is an area many of the wedding couples come to take photo’s and it’s no wonder they do. The many flowers growing here are testament to the areas ability grow just about anything. Flower we thought only grew in colder climates are flourishing as are plants from hotter climates. Imported plants from France and Australia were evident. Many wonderful sights.

Back to our hotel through the farming areas, still in awe of the views, so manufactured but so natural. We settled down with a steam bath and sauna with me having a massage to follow. Decided to wander out for dinner but all the places we looked at were top line or doubtful so back to the hotel and Vietnamese for dinner.

Vietnam a late day 4

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Day Four – Can Tho to Da Lat including floating market.

Today we were up early, ready to go at 0730. Why? To go to the floating market. Our guide was ready to meet us and off we went. We thought we were going by car but no, by boat. Our cruiser was awaiting at the pontoon along with other boats. All very organised, it never appears to be an issue. The trip to the market showed us life on the river, we viewed people working, washing clothes or themselves, loading and unloading boats and people moving from place to place. Not many westerners about as out of season. At the market we were greeted by an incredible array of fruits and vegetables. To see the way they advertise their wares is ingenious. They attach the items they have for sale on a bamboo pole and hoist it aloft so you can see which boat to go to. The way these boats are powered is interesting. They attach a motor be it a single cylinder diesel or a four or more cylinder petrol engine onto a frame, attach a prop shaft, stick it in the water and go like crazy. Don’t worry about noise, straight out or limited exhaust pipe but definitely no mufflers in site. As people live on these boats we also can see their daily lives before us. Fighting cocks, dogs, children all living in harmony.

Next off to see rice noodles being made. This is a cottage industry run by the family. They produce around 200 tonnes a month. The process appears simple but no doubt is a learned skill. Mum, dad and daughter were in the production with a son working elsewhere. Rice husk are used to fire the oven showing full use of the rice. If in Australia they would be shut down but the product looked fine, i guess the proof would be in the eating.

Just to make sure we see it all now off to a frog farm. As ever many fruit trees, this time fig. Black pepper growing on palm trees as they are a sucker plant. Monkeys is a cage, very few monkeys or other native wild life as they have been eaten! No conservation here! The frogs are grown in a shade cloth enclosure with lilies for company. They are fed fish food, the same as is fed to the fish in the fish farms, all looks very clean.

Now back to the Victoria and on the road back to Saigon. Stopped on the way for lunch, as both Pamela and I were feeling a little off we were very careful about what we ate. A very good spread with multiple dishes and very well presented. Check in at the airport and our flight to Da Lat. Vietnam air lines plane appeared very new and a pleasure to travel on, only 30 minutes air time so no food offered. Mr Man met us at the airport for the 35km journey to Da Lat. This is one area well worth the visit. Checked in at our next hotel to again be greeted by old but luxurious surroundings. A light western meal then bed.

Vietnam day 8

OK so a few days late in adding to the blog. In Da Lat tried to connect to the WiFi but took out computer and lost WiFi for three days. Asked at the desk and told issues all over Da Lat so did not worry. In Nha Trang became too lazy so now catching up.


This is a picture from the trip to Nha Trang, it rained and put on a few wonderful waterfalls for us. This is definitely the time of year to be here as it is warm and the rainy days are few but spectacular.

Sun rise from our bedroom in Nha Trang. This is the gold coast of Vietnam.

Now in Doc Let, will add more from Da Lat and beyond in the next episode.

Vietnam Day 3.

Day 3 has come to an end. We have traveled from Saigon to My Tho and on to Can Tho. On the way we went to the coconut island, eaten fruits with bees dying in our honey tea,had Elephant ear fish for lunch, experianced the beuty of the Sigon river, been part of the never endng flow of scooters, and at last checked into the Victoria resort for the night.
OK not enough info? Boy this place humms. It's Sunday and still things are alive. Our guide has been filling us with info, top man, well worth the extra. Leaving Saigon and heading towards the Mekong Delta there are new highways. These have only been open a short time and are way better than the old roads. Still the pass overs to the many canals are exciting as the road all of a suden lifts sharply then drops away as you leave the cross over. Our driver was slowing down then speeding up most of the time. New bridges built by Australia, Japan and Russia are works of art, very picturesk. Allong the way we ahd the chance to view local people going about there daily tasks. It looked like work as usual, many shops open. One thing I have noticed, the people are patient and little seems to put them in a flap. lots of people sitting around waiting for something to happen. A slower pace of life, wonderful.
My Tho is a smaller Saigon, scooters, scooters and more scooters. We have been tols 86 million people in Vietnam and 30 million scooters so no wonder they are every where. A few accidents but it is surprising not more as they dodge and weave all over the place. As it is on the river more transport type activities. The majority of boats have eyes painted on the front. This is to ward of the crocodiles that used to live in the river. All gone now as are most of the other natural wild life.
Over to coconut island. We tried fresh made coconut sweets, now this is a treat. Then on to a tour of the island on horse drawn dray. Stopped for smoko. 2 pythons in a cage. Did we want to put one around our necks? Not!!!! Drinking honey tea with the bees who made it swiming in it was interesting. Tried different fruits, Pamela enjoyed, not to my liking. No surprise there. Back on hte boat and over to another island for lunch. An elephant ear fish very well presented for lunch as well as 6 or so other courses, need the gym too much food. Then back to My Tho.
Trip down to Can Tho was more of the same, scooters and up/down roads. Still interesting and the new bridges very impressive. Tummy started to play up but had to wait until at hotel, um.
Can Tho another big city but much the same. Made it to the Victoria resort and parted with our guide. We looked around the resort but as it was late only skimmed the surface. Swim, hit the gym and massage, light dinner and bed. Well very soon.
No pic this time does not want to down load
Till tomorrow CamOn for listening.

End of day 2, Vietnam.

We are at the end of day 2. Ready to tuck up and sleep.

Day 1 started well, packed and away in good time.

At air port caught again with toothpaste in too large a container. Forgot the rules to get out of Aus.

We got upgraded to business so trip to Singapore wonderful. Worth the extra on a long flight.

Mess up with our booking on to Saigon as it appears we are now booked on Jetstar. Ended up our booking not confirmed so in row 30. Still only short flight but no help from Qantas or most others at the air port. Still got to Saigon where we found our visa was not complete we required more photo's so long delay and extra cost to sort out. On we go made it to our hotel. Driver from air port very plesant as traffic still hetcic at 2300.

Day 2 good brekky then out on tour. Our guide good english so easy to understand. Driver also new how to remain calm and make his way through interesting traffic. Motor bikes every where and dodging and weaving. Went through the tunnels. Very interesting how they made them work and no wonder they confused the allies. War museum very sad. All the waste of human life and energy all for nothing. Both side very cruel but the museum dedicated to atrocoties against Vietnam as you woulod expect. On to the pallace. Wonderful buliding and history. Not really being used now, such a shame. Notre Dame Cathederal amazing, only got there on closing so quick look. Other buildings from the period also wonderful, the city has amazing history. Over to the city market next, not interested in buying but huge array of things on offer. Came away with new socks, will wait for other markets to buy hats and so on. Back to hotel. I went to find the swimming pool and found spa, massage, suna and pool. $9US for a massage. Had to have one. 1 1/2 hours later very relaxed and feeling marvelous. They know how to massage, walk allover you, crack the old joints just fabulious. Dinner in local cafe, about $5AUD for both of us. Now heads on pillows and prepare for tomorrow. I will try a different projram to add pics as they appear to only go on top. So no more this blog.

Last Day

Last day today. I have had 13 good months here. Some times a bit frustrating other times not so busy but over all good times. I am leaving a good crew. Time to move on.

Last night out with the "Old Boys" tennis group. We had our winter outing, a fine dinner of Italian fare followed by apple pie. To say we had a good night with good company, good food (a bit too much of it) and good fun speeches and readings of verse would not do justice to the evening. The verse was from old Australian writers who knew how to put down a witty verse. These were presented very well by Allan, an older Aussie himself. Jerry also entertained us with his own poems, again clever Witt.

We both have the makings of a cold. Pamela is sort of over her infection but mine brewing. I hope it holds off until I am in Vietnam as I am sure the heat will melt away any viruses. Not long now and I will have OS pictures to post.

Count down

Time is counting down. Tomorrow last day here. Today is slow as all projects now handed over, all budgets set, all schedules in place and the paperwork handed over.
Tomorrow lunch provided. Farewell cakes for afternoon tea then say goodbye to all.

Good news, one day closer to the air port.

Not sure about taking wads of cash on the plane. Our tour operator wants US$ in cash on arrival. I do not like to carry heaps of money but looks like I will have to this time.

Last day drawing near.

Well my last day on this contract is drawing near, three working days left. I will be going from this office -

To this office -

Our trip to Vietnam is coming up so quickly. We are looking forward to our adventure with time in the sun and the opportunity to relax.

This week I went up to view a dredge mining operation. Very interesting and the size of the gear is impressive. Very cold up there as it was when we had the coldest days in Perth for a long time.

This is frost on our front lawn. I was late getting up so the sun was up and it had started to melt but none the less not the norm in Perth.

Been to the knee doc and off to have a bit of a scrape next month. I am looking forward to being back to full mobility and enjoying tennis more.

All for today. Enjoy and God bless.

Time Drags On

Well it is one day closer to our trip to Vietnam and one day closer to the end of my work contract.
Not sure which is stiring me up more, the uncertanty or the expectation. Either way life is good. It's so good to be where the weather does not get to cold or to hot. Now winter and still over 10 most days with sun to warm our backs.
On the work front, a few approches but nothing in concrete. I approach employment opportunities with a positive expectation. I enjoy calling the agencies and chating to the recruiters. In geneneral they sound very up beat and offer to call back when CV is in hand or to progress forward with applications. So sad that it appears all talk, very little response from any of them. When I call abck, they are in meetings or not available, strange! Still we press on.
I have been looking at other Blogs for travelers in Vietnam. So far very few with negative comments. Some of the pictures are magic, so looking forward to our days on the coast with sun and time on our hands.
More to follow.

Sunday drive

A lazy Sunday. Church to feed the spiritual person, home to catch up on a few items then off to Little Creatures in Freo.
The cider is very good. A light feed then a walk along the water front. Home and more relaxing.

Since moving to WA I have given away live game hunting. I have tried but found it a bit to easy so no challenge. yes I suppose if I went after camels or pigs that may be different. I like to take home what I harvest and enjoy eating it.
Anway out to the range yesterday and shoot a few paper foxes. Sights still out, shooting low. Still foxes 1 Hugh 4.

Time to move into the next melinium

Well here I go joining the future. Not sure about this Blog thing but willing to give it a go.
soon we are off to Vietnam. I will try to add pics etc of the trip to this blog as we move around.