It was another glorious day in Vietnam today, and the view from our home for the next few days is as wonderful as the last. We are staying at the Alani Hotel, in Da Nang, before travelling to Hoi An for the remainder of our holiday. I booked a suite on the tenth floor of this charming building, and I wasn't disappointed with the vista across the sea. It is important for me to have some inspiration when typing, so the view is important. When Darrell goes off to the pool or beach, I can sit quietly for an hour or two and write today's entry.
The flight itself from Saigon took a little over an hour and was relatively uneventful. We were sitting with our seat belts fastened for most of the journey, since there was a lot of turbulence, however, which always turns my stomach. You know what I'm like, gripping hold of the seat, for dear life, for the majority of the time we are in the sky. Despite this, as ever, we arrived in one piece, and went straight through arrivals and outside within just a few minutes.
Da Nang does feel different to Saigon; it is quieter for a start, and there are fewer mopeds on the road, which was a blessing. This part of our journey around southern Vietnam, is about relaxing, and so far it feels a lot more chilled. Having said that, I have to say, I haven't been sleeping particularly well on this holiday, mainly because of the early starts each day. We do tend to fill up at breakfast, then just eat an evening meal. This really doesn't account for the weight I have put on — I think I can safely put that down to copious amounts of alcohol. For that reason I'm not too concerned about the weight gain, it should just drop off when I arrive back home, well in theory at least.
Da Nang does feel different to Saigon; it is quieter for a start, and there are fewer mopeds on the road, which was a blessing. This part of our journey around southern Vietnam, is about relaxing, and so far it feels a lot more chilled. Having said that, I have to say, I haven't been sleeping particularly well on this holiday, mainly because of the early starts each day. We do tend to fill up at breakfast, then just eat an evening meal. This really doesn't account for the weight I have put on — I think I can safely put that down to copious amounts of alcohol. For that reason I'm not too concerned about the weight gain, it should just drop off when I arrive back home, well in theory at least.
We had a wander around Da Nang when we arrived, before we checked in, having lunch in a distinctly French café; that French influence is literally everywhere. After freshening up, we had a drink on the rooftop bar, at the Alani Hotel. The bar and infinity pool, does have rather delicious views over the bay where we are situated.
Walking along the promenade, just a street in front of The Alani, I was struck by the almost European feel Da Nang has. This seems to be the same, wherever I have gone in Vietnam; the old colonial influence is everywhere you look, around every corner and up every street. This makes Vietnam very different to any other Asian country I have been to. I can't decide whether I like it or not; Vietnam nevertheless does have a unique charm all of its own.
Walking along the promenade, just a street in front of The Alani, I was struck by the almost European feel Da Nang has. This seems to be the same, wherever I have gone in Vietnam; the old colonial influence is everywhere you look, around every corner and up every street. This makes Vietnam very different to any other Asian country I have been to. I can't decide whether I like it or not; Vietnam nevertheless does have a unique charm all of its own.
Darrell and I do tend to use our time away, to talk to people back in the UK. This genuinely is the only time we actually have anytime to do so. Our lives in Perth are so God damn busy, that we rarely have time to sit still. As soon as I get home from work, I am falling asleep — maybe that is just typical for an old man, I just don't know?
I managed to catch a quick conversation with our friend Elaine, back in Southampton, who was pleased to hear from us, and equally it was good to hear a friendly voice. Elaine is one of those rare people who has remained a friend for many years. When we moved to Australia, she became more important, as a connection to the past, that played such a significant role in mine and Darrell's time, living in the UK. We will certainly be catching up with other familiar faces while we are here!
I managed to catch a quick conversation with our friend Elaine, back in Southampton, who was pleased to hear from us, and equally it was good to hear a friendly voice. Elaine is one of those rare people who has remained a friend for many years. When we moved to Australia, she became more important, as a connection to the past, that played such a significant role in mine and Darrell's time, living in the UK. We will certainly be catching up with other familiar faces while we are here!
In the evening, Darrell and I made our way into Da Nang centre for a bite to eat. Once again, like Saigon, this place comes alive after dark and the streets have a very different vibe to them. Being situated on the coast, it is so much cooler here as well. The sun doesn't bother me too much, but for Darrell, who really hates the heat these days, it was perfect.
After dinner, I had arranged to meet an old patron and friend from my days working at The Newcome pub. Chris was a familiar face when I worked behind the bar and I have followed his exploits, as he travelled around Vietnam, with interest. When he knew I was coming to Da Nang, he suggested we meet up at the Shamrock bar, and I was particularly excited to see him.
Chris is now married to a Vietnamese lady and doesn't live too far from the centre of Da Nang. He seems so happy living in this part of the World, and who can blame him. For Darrell and I, Asia is a place we love and could quite easily live in when we retire — given the right circumstances, of course. Chris made that dream seem as real as ever, as he encouraged us to do what we thought was right.
Working at The Newcome was a really special time for me and meeting great people like Chris, left me with some good memories to take with me to the other side of the World. Despite the difficulties surrounding our departure, it is people who make us who we are; surrounding ourselves with positive, trusted individuals is part of a process, that allows us the ability to move forwards with our endeavours, wherever we are. Memories will always remain the most important aspect of my life, and I am grateful for those who are a part of it, especially today.
After dinner, I had arranged to meet an old patron and friend from my days working at The Newcome pub. Chris was a familiar face when I worked behind the bar and I have followed his exploits, as he travelled around Vietnam, with interest. When he knew I was coming to Da Nang, he suggested we meet up at the Shamrock bar, and I was particularly excited to see him.
Chris is now married to a Vietnamese lady and doesn't live too far from the centre of Da Nang. He seems so happy living in this part of the World, and who can blame him. For Darrell and I, Asia is a place we love and could quite easily live in when we retire — given the right circumstances, of course. Chris made that dream seem as real as ever, as he encouraged us to do what we thought was right.
Working at The Newcome was a really special time for me and meeting great people like Chris, left me with some good memories to take with me to the other side of the World. Despite the difficulties surrounding our departure, it is people who make us who we are; surrounding ourselves with positive, trusted individuals is part of a process, that allows us the ability to move forwards with our endeavours, wherever we are. Memories will always remain the most important aspect of my life, and I am grateful for those who are a part of it, especially today.
