We really succeeded in our aim to push ourselves much harder than we did the last time we were over there, to take more risks (especially with food) and really soak in more of the culture and reality of how people live their day-to-day lives. It was well worth spending more time in less places – and more time just sitting and watching the people around you getting on with life in what is otherwise a very difficult place to live.
We got more involved in our surroundings than last time, engaged with the locals more, and tried more unusual and sometimes downright dodgy food than before. There were many times we have pulled a face as we force down a first mouthful of something new with the words “you can have the rest of that...”
We had a few moments of difficulty (the meltdown in that dark damp room on Phu Quoc), had some bad tummies (my pot-plant experience on the streets of Hoi An), was ripped off a little (the taxi drivers in Saigon), and made a few errors in judgement (choosing to ignore the taxi touts in that Phu Quoc heat) – but nothing has left us traumatised and not wanting to return.
Vietnam certainly has it all – the food, the friendly people, the cheap accommodation, the rawness and the culture shock.
We have more photos and stories not told in this blog – but what you have read here is a good summary of the highlights for us. We hope you enjoyed following it.
We will undoubtedly remember it forever.
(At least until the next adventure - if there is one)...
"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page"
-- St. Augustine
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