Beach Central, Vietnam

For several days (I really can not keep up with what day it is anymore) I have been in Nha Trang which my Lonely Planet Guide calls "Beach Central, Vietnam". It is very crowded here with thosands of vacationing Vietnamese on their Tet holiday, plus a pretty fair amout of foreigners from all over. In my hotel there is a book swap desk and there were books in Russian, German, Japanese, Chinese, French but not one in English. I just finished rereading Prizzi's Family which kept me laughing all the way through. Since I could not swap a book I bought a pirate paperback copy of Dan Browns's Lost Symbol and can hardly put it down. In my opinion it is his most exciting book yet.

Nha Trang reminds me so much of Rio de Janiero. For starters the main drag separates the beachfront walkway and sidewalk from the hotels, shops and restaurants opposite. There is a cable car ride to an island just like the one to Sugarloaf and there are many small rock islands out in the sea. (The name of this city means "decorated teeth" and I suspect that name derives from some wild imagination seeing these rocky islets as the decoative teeth of the harbor. Sounds like a good story , even if not true. ) Unlike Rio I have not seen any skimpy tangas on the beach but it is a tad coolish for sunning. I love the way at night makeshift cafes spring up on the sidewalks with baby size chairs and tables and someone grilling aromatic fish, lobster and scallops. I get more and more risktaking daily but have not taken a chance on one of these places, yet!

Yesterday was action packed. Hong and I started at a breakfast buffet which was grand---Vietnamese and inetnational food--- for $3.50 per person. I had spring rolls, Chinese rice soup, scrambled eggs, fruit, pate, pickles and lots and lots of American coffee. Having made a big pig of myself skipping lunch was easy. We then rented a motorbike and toured around the city. We went back once again to the supermarket which had been closed the day before and today it was open but only for looking. You could not buy anything! I think tomorrow it is back in action and so I hope to stock up on picnic supplies. Supermarkets and hardware stores are such a good way to see how people live away from the tourist areas.

I got to run yesterday for the first time since leaving home and enjoyed it. After running I jumped into the ocean and was knocked around by the some of the strongest waves I have ever seen that I just stayed in a couple of minutes.

I have to move to a new hotel today as this one is full tonight. I have been staying in a lovely spot with a balcony overlooking the beach for only $45 per night. I am going to miss my balcony.

Photos

1-Hong and Ed on the beach

2-View from my hotel

3-Another beach scene