Mariann und die Informatiker

The trip so far: Ha noi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An....

Some highs: Cruising and swimming in Ha Long Bay and staying overnight on the boat watching the moon rise, the delicious Vietnamese food and of course Vietnamese beer. There are several different kinds from the North to the South, all tasty and all very cheap. We are happily drinking our way through them and taking photos of each one. The cheapest beer was in Hanoi on the street for 2000 dong or less than 20Rp.! To be tasted either in the middle of a crossroads while choking on the motorbike fumes or in a dark side alley, sitting in the middle of beer canisters small tables and rubbish all the while getting curious stares from the locals. Naturally I'm taller than most of the men, H. must seem like a giant :)

Some lows: The traffic. Crossing the street is actually not a problem, as long as you walk slowly, but the fumes and the constant honking is. The Vietnamese specialise in a form of honking I call preventive honking, just to let you know that they will be coming. Motorbikes are the kings of the road. Guess where the pedestrians are...... Hanoi was also very, very messy. But most annoying:Being pestered with "You want cyclo" or "You buy, you buy" ALL THE TIME. Tourist equals walking piggy bank. After awhile you start to get really blase and say no to everything, which is a pity, because sometimes the people are really nice. For example yesterday at one of the bus breaks, two people asked us for Swiss coins and showed us their collections. The kids are also really really cute, and always shout hello and wave :) Or we were invited into a home by the waitress and at the bus station here in Hoi An we meet some really nice hotel people, who also gave us good tips where to get some clothes made. I bought a suit, a skirt, two dresses and a shirt for 150 USD. We go for a final fitting in an hour. Then if we're happy with it, we'll send it home per post. I feel so luxurious! :)

We've got one more day in Hoi An, then we go on to Nha Thrang, so H. can do some diving. I'm not sure I want to yet. Im definately up for beach time. Its very hot and humid and so sightseeing can be very tiring! Speaking of time for a nap :)