Just got back up from our last dive in Thailand
Saturday 28 August 2010
Thursday 12 August 2010
Postcard1
After ten months pretty much solid hard graft at work I decided it was time for a holiday. So Sophie and I had a brainstorming session. My most important requirements were that I wanted to become a qualified diver and that I wanted the holiday to be in the tropics because I love the warm sea. Sophie's check list was beach, sun and Lara Croft-style temples. So with the help of the wonderful Christine Kimbrell and the amazing staff at Seyexclusive, we decided on a little tour of South-East Asia. Saigon, Vietnam is our first stop and we've been here now for just over a day now.
Having endured 15 hours of flying and a 6 hour time difference, we were met at the airport by our local holiday rep who's name is Dung. We spent yesterday afternoon just trying to pull it together, battling it through the jag lag and extreme fatigue from Thai Airway's cattle-class accommodation (very small seats = very little sleep).
We went solo this morning and have been for a wander around the city, taking in the War Remnants Museum, the Presidential Palace and many street vendors in between. So far though I would say that this country is simply amazing, the pound is really strong here, the people are wonderful and all in all I've fallen instantly in love with the place. It has chaos and sanity in equal measures, with a very similar air of adventure to India but without the complete lack of organisation.
Dung informs us that our hotel, The Rex was frequented by American top-brass during the Vietnam war and the Roof Terrace bar in particular was popular with American G.I.s. We're staying in the newly renovated west wing and the place is pretty special. There is history all over the place, not just from the 1955-1975 conflict but from the French occupation before that too. The food in Vietnam is pretty awesome, especially if you have a sweet tooth and if the menu says giant prawns, they really mean
We managed to keep the price of the holiday down by coming in the monsoon season but as the guide book says, this is a massively underrated time of year to visit SE Asia. It has rained pretty heavily now and again but with a steady temperature of 32ish and some fantastic sunny periods in between the brief downpours, I can't help but agree with them. And besides, even when it does rain you can duck for cover and sample the aptly named local brew.
Marc's traveller's tip: for those of you with an iPhone, iPod or iPad who might at some stage encounter wet weather or water - grab yourself some Aquapacks. They are a great travel companion, good to a depth of 5 metres and although a little on the pricey side they are far cheaper than buying replacements. Gadget of the day. 5/5.
Love to everyone at home. Miss you loads.
S & M
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