Day 57 - A Mui Ne Paradise

That pool was small, but definitely worth it.

Day 57 - 19th August

So the bus to Mui Ne was ready to collect us. We had a spot of eggs with bread and then left Mr Peace in peace (sorry, I couldn't resist). Mr Happy gave me a GIANT hug when I left and I quickly disappeared down the street to board the bus.

My first mistake of the day was wearing my thick, long sleeve shirt. The heat this baby can store is unreal and I was soon sitting on a poorly air conditioned bus, sweating many parts of my body off. When Julie wanted to take a nap, using me as a human cushion as she has done since Hoi An, I felt like I'd been plunged into a lava pit. She seemed to sleep peacefully as I roasted so at least someone was happy.

When we arrived in Mui Ne just after lunch, we were greeted to a bright blue sky, the sound of waves rushing on the shore and tropical looking beach eateries which I knew we'd be exploring sooner rather than later - we're with Sèbastien remember!

We made our way to the hostel and I could already tell it was going to be great. From the lobby, we overlooked the pool and the villa type rooms. The staff were really friendly and helpful and we booked up to go duning the next day.

Our lunch spot!

So our first day in Mui Ne was relaxing. We took to the seafront to have lunch. It was a nice little place, with good food and pancakes. We all sat around and discussed the plans for the day. Everyone just wanted to chill out, sunbathe and sleep. Anyone who knows me will tell you I can't sit still on a lounger for too long because a. I get sunburned b. I get too hot and c. it's boring. 

However, I decided to embrace a little relaxation and lay on a sun bed with Jordy and the girls. True to form, within two minutes, I was writing my blog and a chapter of my book. I didn't want to waste my downtime.

The lads went into the pool for a whilst I filled out some postcards and talked to some newbies. Another Dutch guy, Eloy spoke with us as did two girls from England. 

We then headed back to the room late afternoon for showers. I quickly popped out for magnets and a postcard and then readied myself for the evening.

A meal fit for a king.

We went to the same place for dinner and indulged in more food. I swear I've lost weight since being here but I'm eating so much more than I normally would at home. Julie took to flicking water all over me as usual and Sèbastien dipped in to everyone's dish as was custom at many dinners with him. He's a food man.

We all were pretty tired but chose to pop over to the live music bar on the other side of our hostel. It was run by a Russian woman with Vietnamese staff. That was a strange dynamic but we managed to order a three litre tube of beer between us so all was well.

Julie was disappointed not to get a Piña Colada but enjoyed a beer with us. I then had a great talk with her about her life and mine. It was interesting to hear about how her life had unfolded and now I've found a Danish buddy for life - don't worry Lady, your secrets are safe with me!

After a long day, we all retired and rested up for a day of duning and quad biking!

Day 48 - Hoi An suits me!

The many lanterns in Hoi An.

Day 48 - 10th August

I woke up early on my first day in Hoi An. 7am and I was out of bed, dressed and ready to go. I've never been up that early on a Monday morning, when travelling or at home, so I was pleased.

My first stop was the post office, to send my Nanna her postcard from the last three legs of the trip. My normal city magnet search failed miserably but I knew I had a few more days to spare to find one.

When I arrived back, the others were still sleeping, but soon after, we were having the free breakfast put on by Sunflower. Imagine my surprise and delight when they announced to me that it was a buffet! I bounced up off my chair and loaded up on pancakes, bananas, noodles and omelette. The Vietnamese coffee was very good with pineapple juice. Three plates later and I was ready for a day trip out somewhere.

I headed out to the Coconut under the Tree hostel by the beach to meet an old travelling buddy from Hanoi. Dutch man, Matthijs was in town and ready for some beers to catch up. He'd done some crazy stuff and I filled him in on what I'd been up too.

We had lunch by the beach with beers and laughed at Dayana's struggle trying to eat crab. A particular highlight of my trip to date! After a few hours of more beer drinking and laughter, we bid each other fair well and made our own ways back to our hostels.

I visited Kimmy's and BeBe's with Sèbastien and Jordy and we started to decide what we were going to purchase. I'd already eyed up a blue three piece and a charcoal grey three piece. I was excited to see how they came out but I'd have to wait two days.

We rendezvoused with Matthijs again and we four guys went to an Indian restaurant. The meat thali was pretty good although I wasn't too keen on the yoghurt mixture they put on the side. It was chunky and thick and not something I wanted to accompany my beer with.

Crazy place!

Julie and Anne Banana were at Tiger Tiger. They been drinking cocktails since late afternoon so when we got there, they looked pretty chilled out. We played pool and beer pong and indulged in a little dancing. As the bar closed up, we moved to Why Not bar. It was packed and soon, the girls were asleep either side of me.

It was home time. 

Jordy stayed on but Sèbastien and I walked back with the girls. On the way, we saw a dead cat laying in the middle of the street. Despite me not being a huge cat lover (I'm more of a parrot kind of guy - more interactive), and a group of 21 year old English people telling me their dad's were vets and some taking photos (sick buggers), I pulled it from the road and gave it a more dignified resting place on a bed of flowers on the roadside. 

We all did synchronised teeth brushing and then went to bed.