Vietnam-Goodbye Dalat and Hello Uncle Ho

Yesterday, I had breakfast and left the hostel in Dalat. I was only in Dalat for one night, but I didn't plan on being there longer. The ride from Hoi An to Ho Chi Manh would have been more then 20 hours long, which would have been too long. One night in Dalat seemed to be enough. The city was interesting with it's Alpine trees and hills-but most folks at the hostel we're into hiking, motorbike riding. I am more of a city person.

So at 11:00 am yesterday, I took a van to another sleeper bus to Ho Chi Manh-my final overnight destination on this trip. Once again, I was on the top row of sleepers. While it was uncomfortable, It was different on the bus during the day. I was able to read, and didn't sleep too much. i saw how agonizingly slow the bus was going-behind trucks, scooters, etc.

After two rest breaks, the bus stopped at 6:30 pm, and I transferred to a small mini bus, which took me to a bus station which was supposedly across the street from my new hostel. The bus actually dropped me about 4 blocks away, but by using the address I was able to find the hostel.

The new hostel was a party of hostel, it seemed. They had a barbecue for about $4.00-because I hadn't eaten all day, and it was all you can eat, including a mixed drink-I partaked and pigged out on meats, fish, shrimp, etc.

After dinner, I walked around a bar street just behind the hostel-there was loud music blaring from clubs, girls promoting massages, etc. I got tired and returned to the hostel about 11 and read a little bit. Most others we're planning on heading out-since many British foks we're here to watch their team on the world cup.