Hanoi

Joined Geckos Indo China Discoverer Tour - 19 days - $1750 plus local payments.

After breakfast we did a half day tour of the city -- mainly by bus. First stop was the Hanoi Hilton jail where US POWs were held. Then on to Ho Chi Minh's tomb, though we couldn't go in. Then to the One Pillar pagoda in the rain, and finally the Temple of Learning -- an ancient university dating from 1030AD. Lunch nearby at Koko, run for and by homeless kids. Dropped back at the hotel for a free afternoon. Wandered around Hanoi in the rain, tried to get into the Water Puppets but they were all sold out. Walked around the lake, did some supermarket shopping for breakfast on the train tomorrow, then had cake and cappuccino in a cafe overlooking the lake, but you couldn't see it. Back to the room to dry off, then another ramble before a pizza tea. Left hotel, took taxis to the train station, boarded the 'reunification express' which is the quick train to Saigon. In a cabin with Jake and Craig. First class four sleeper berth with own doona and pillow. Restroom at the end of the carriage.