Hip Hip Hue
Trip Start
Jun 21, 2007
1
6
20
Trip End
Jul 22, 2007
Hue, Vietnam
Friday, June 29, 2007
I also spoke for some time with a mom from Australia. Did I already tell you how I see more children on this trip than I've seen traveling before? Families about in Asia.
Hue. Hoo-AY. I could've skipped this town. I found my way to a very nice guesthouse, and talked my way to the upper floor. I met Thuen there, who talked me into taking a tour around town only $10 and I could see everything
01. Ramen Breakfast!
. We went to a pagoda where some monks could be seen chanting before their lunch. I felt like kind of a creep watching them and taking pictures of them just trying to live their lives but I guess this happens every day to them. I wouldn't like it if tourists came to take pictures of me every day while I chanted about thanks for the food. We got to the tomb yard, where Thuen told me the ticket was $5. I told him I thought everything was included in the price of our tour and I decided not to go inside. Thuen was upset, telling me that these prices are never included. I said I must have misunderstood, that it wasn't a big deal.
Thuen spent the rest of our tour trying to convince me to ride with him on his scooter down to Hoi An the next day rather than taking the bus. It was like having a six-year-old repeatedly asking for ice cream. Just when I thought he'd given up, he would say "I don't understand why you no take ride with me. Is better for you. We stop many places. Is better. Bus no good." Thuen no good! We went to lunch and he took out his pictures of the places we'd see if he gave me the tour. He had a journal in which other tourists had written about how great he was and how wonderful the journey with him had been. He wouldn't talk to me when I finally said there was no way I would take the trip with him
02. Tofu Goo Breakfast 2!
. He silently drove me to the last two locations and sulked as he sent text messages on his cell phone. I was ready to cry. I love this place and the people are wonderful but I am so tired of everyone wanting to get my money and not taking no for an answer and adding to the cost of everything, like an entire nation of car salesmen. I understand they are all very poor and I should have more patience.
I met an old woman at a museum near a place called the Japanese Bridge, who silently pantomimed using the objects in the museum, like a rice shucker (I'm making up names of objects here), a boat, a plow, a mill, etc. She was very sweet and her teeth were stained red from something she was eating. How did I know that? She kept smiling!! She really made my day and I gave her a big tip for being so nice to me.
Back at the hotel I lathered on the insect repellent and headed out to a local bar - the DMZ - and played pool with the waiter, who called himself Long Life. He was a trip, telling me how he loves himself but hates his job. I met a few travelers there too, and got some tips about Thailand.
Next morning was the bus to Hoi An!
