Tubing

Tubing yesterday was pretty cool. I met up with Matt and Ollie at 11.00 and we headed over to the start at about 12. We were the first people there but only for a few minutes, it soon filled up. It is basically 5-10 bars on the riverside each with a swing or zip line into the river. When you are done at the first bar you just head a few metres down the river to the next one.

Naturally I decided that I was going to do an amazing jump on my first go. It turned out to be the second biggest swing and I let go right at the top. Bad idea. I went flying through the air and was so shocked by how much air time I had my jaw dropped open and I chipped my tooth when I hit the water! It doesn't hurt, I dont think it is bad, just annoying. The day went on like that drinking a beer at each bar and doing jumps into the water untill people moved onto the next bar. It is just a huge piss up with swings into the water, certianly not the safest combination but definatly good fun.

I am determined not to get stuck here though. I will go tubing today and then leave tomorrow. I wanted to get my Vietnam visa for tomorrow but it is a national holiday so I have to wait till after the weekend. While it is tempting to stay here, I feel that as long as I have to spend more time in Laos I should see another part of it. So I am thinking maybe go to Luang Prabang tomorrow and have a proper look around there [not getting hit my bikes]. Maybe go farther to north if I can cope with the horrible roads.

I met a guy last night who has given me loads of info on Vietnam and the cool stuff to do. I will write it down here incase I loose my piece of paper.

Hanoi:

Hanoi Backpackers - The best place to stay, meet loads of people instantly and they organise great trips to Ha Long Bay for a few days and trips to the snake village.
Snake Village - A place that you go ina group of 6 or so, organised by Hanoi Backpackers. They cut a cobra open, put the heart in a shot glass with rice whiskey and you can feel the heart beating as it goes down. Then do the same with the bile. It sound horrible but should be an awesome experiance!

Hue: Dont go, nothing good is there

Hoi An: Just really beautiful, no tourists and very quiet. You can get cheap tailor made clothing here. I tihnk I will definatly get some things made, everyone I have met got something and wishes they got more.

Nha Trang: A party town, go to Sailors club on the beach and Why Not bar which is open till late.

Dalat: Another beautiful town with great landscapes, quiet but nice to relax.

Saigor: Go2 bar! Chu Chi tunnels is a sort of trip where you learn about the war and get to fire an AK47 or M16 at the end for a small fee.

It all sounds so good I am very excited about it now. I was a bit apprehensive before but Dan has given me confidence and alot of advice! I will probably take 3-4 weeks for Vietnam most people seem to think that is fine.

I am going tubing again in a minute, definatly going to try and spend less money than yesterday!