Two overnight trains later...

Xin Chao!! We're still exploring and sweating and having fun... since last update, we've done quite a few things...

Ho Chi Minh City - The first day with our group we went to the Mekong river delta. It turned out to be quite the tourist trap but worthwhile nevertheless... It included seeing multiple islands, how they make coconut candies, a honey farm, a 5 course seafood lunch, and a boat ride around the river. The second day we went to the Cuchi tunnels... it started off with a pro-North Vietnam video that included phrases like "devil Americans" and "American killer awards" for the successful Viet Cong. Despite the hostile introduction, the tunnels were very neat. We even got to climb through one... it was a little frightful when it got completely pitch dark but we survived. That afternoon we went on a cyclo (an adult stroller powered by a man on a bicycle) tour around Ho Chi Minh. It was a great way to see all the highlights quickly without all the sweat. The highlight was when Brad convinced his driver to let him drive... quite a scene for the locals. The last stop of the cyclo tour was the bakery to pick up goods for the overnight train. After stocking up on bread, cheese, and water, we headed off to the train station.

The overnight train was an awesome experience. The tiny cabin for four, the questionable bed linens and pillow, the constant rattling and swaying... for some reason, was still enjoyable. We slept fairly well and were ready the next morning 6am to tackle Nha Trang.

Nha Trang was a beautiful, sunny, beachtown that also HAPPENED to be the site for the Ms. Universe pageant. The pageant actually happened on the day we arrived so we got to watch it on TV with the local hotel management... so much excitement for Nha Trang. That day we took a boat trip to go snorkeling and lay on a beach island. Very relaxing. The second day in Nha Trang we went to a mud bath/hot springs for a day of pampering all for $5. Although Brad was skeptical at first, he loved it!! We also enjoyed the beach and pool that afternoon before getting ready for another overnight train to Hoi An.

This morning, again at 6am, we arrived in Hoi An. Hoi An is the shopping paradise of Vietnam - anything and everything tailored. We spent the day checking out shops and even got some clothes ordered... we go back tomorrow for another fitting! Tonight we're going out for dinner and drinks at the Full Moon Festival - we'll see how that goes...

We have two more days in Hoi An before heading onto Hue and finally Hanoi. Our plan for the next few days is to check out the beaches in Hoi An and try a cooking class. We'll keep you updated!

Love you!