In pictures... Vietnam

"Ok, enough with the photos..." I hear you cry.  Don't worry this is the last set.

Then you'll have to start getting used to stuff about South America and New Zealand.

But before all that, here's a snapshot of our travels in Vietnam.

We started with a grand old dame, Hanoi, whose streets used to be
crowded with bicycles, but now motorbikes are all the rage.
Crossing the street as a pedestrian is an interesting experience: you  just step off
 the pavement, look determined & keep moving. Somehow, the traffic just flows around you.

Confucius - and long facial hair - is still in style...

... and John could still get a decent haircut on the street.

In Vietnam, old ways of life are still ever-present,
but the life of a street seller is very hard...

... and you take whatever rest breaks you can,
wherever you can.

Early morning exercises around the city's Hoan Kiem Lake
are a joy to watch, with many people, mostly of middle-age and above,
taking part in routines that vary from delicate gymnastics... 

... to something resembling the Vietnamese equivalent of line dancing...

... and even ballroom dancing.

The country's conflict-ridden history is re-told at Hanoi's war museum...

... and the city's excellent Women's Museum is a
useful reminder that everyone played their part.

But for all Ho Chi Minh's anti-capitalist fervour, he's the one wrapped in
 plastic at the soda-sponsored gift shop, and it's clear now the dollar is king.

Our next stop was an overnight junk boat tour of Halong Bay...

... whose name literally translates as ''Descending  Dragon Bay', named after
the thousands of karst mountains that jut dramatically out of the sea.

We also visited the wartime tunnels at Vinh Moc...

... which makes for a head-bumping and claustrophobic experience.

Heading south, our journey continued by
 overnight train, on the 'Reunification Express'.

We both love train travel, particularly for its romance, which thankfully
wasn't too evident given that we shared our compartment with a honeymoon
couple from Hanoi. We did share a beer with them to celebrate though... 

... while we all enjoyed the passing views of life in the countryside.  

We sojourned (doesn't that sound posh) for a few days in Hué,
a beautiful old imperial city, with a historical citadel at its heart...

.. as well as beautiful shrines...

... and elegant funereal temples where emperors were laid to rest...

... to be watched over by eternal guardians...

... or kindly others who are just getting on a bit.

In Hué, there is history and colour everywhere....

... as well as a timeless sense of style.

I mean, really, this woman was sweeping the street
dressed neck-to-toe in golden silk for goodness sake. 

We did our best to find time for tea...

... as well as a beer or two. Believe it or not, this a funky floating bamboo bar,
seemingly one of Hué's best-kept secrets, hidden in the heart of the city.

A scene from Saigon which sums up Vietnam - always on the go, but always in style.