Moving On

Steven left me this morning to begin his 38 hour trip back to Atlanta. It has been a dreary day in South Vietnam, perfect weather to contemplate my new solo status and not lament time spent in internet cafes and my hotel room planning the rest of my trip.

I just found out today that my brother will be joining me on the 22nd of July, which is very exciting and I'm sure he'll have his two cents to add to our adventures. Until then I am on my own and I've decided to take advantage of the booming tourist industry in Vietnam, as much as I disparaged tours in Thailand. They just make it so easy here, it is hard rationalize bothering with the details yourself.

I will spend July 4 on a $6 one-day tour of the Mekong Delta which I've heard is too short, but since I only have 19 days, I've opted for the whirlwind tour, knowing that it will be touristy, but vowing to appreciate it for what it is. On the fifth, I embark on the first leg of my $24 "open tour" bus ticket, which lets me visit five predetermined destinations (and surrounding areas) on the way up to Hanoi for any length of time I desire, only requiring me to book the following leg one day in advance. I chose the bus with the most stops: Saigon - Mui Ne - Da Lat - Nha Trang - Hoi An - Hue - Hanoi.

I am going to read up on each place, but I don't want to have a set schedule, as it will be more fun to take it a day at a time and enjoy myself.

I hope you all have a wonderful Forth of July. I will miss friends and family and outdoor BBQs as I don't think they celebrate the Forth in Vietnam. ;)