E hatisitsoe: 21.01.2018
Today (01/21/18) we checked out of the hostel. Yesterday we had a beer, a Red Bull, and a water that was in the room. We never drank anything before and were never asked if we had anything to drink. So we assumed it was free. But today she asked us if we had anything to drink. We cheated and paid only for the Red Bull. So quickly off we go :D On the way to the train station, we were afraid that she would follow us, but that was not the case. We decided that the Vietnamese have cheated us so many times, we can do it once too :D Then we had Pho on the way to the train station. But it was too much :( Then we boarded our old friend: the train. This time we had other people sitting next to us in our four-seater and to make matters worse, cockroaches were crawling out of every crevice. We probably have some of them in our luggage now. It was so disgusting!! After a short time, a woman approached me. She wanted to improve her English. So we talked a little about Vietnamese culture and I asked what the Vietnamese people carry on the train. Huge, heavy sacks. It's supposed to be rice and vegetables for their children. After a few rounds of SKIP-BO and some cursing about the discomfort, we approached our destination Dong Hoi - civilization! The train literally passed through the jungle and partly through rock caves. No matter where, deep in the jungle there are huts everywhere. People actually live there. Kilometers away from the nearest city. No idea how they do that! Then we got off, got a taxi. This time with Google Maps open so that the driver takes the shortest and correct route and doesn't cheat us. We arrived at the hostel and it's very nice right by the water with a park and palm trees. A real vacation. Then we had dinner at 7th Heaven. It really felt like seventh heaven. Tim had Garlic Bread and Lemon Chicken and I, as a cultural barbarian, had a burger with fries :D But it was divine after 6 hours without food! Now we're sitting outside, having a beer and enjoying the breeze on our faces!
Best regards to everyone and PS: Carmen, the scarf I have from you is worth its weight in gold! Really versatile :D