July 17 Nha Trang

We were up bright and early to catch our flight to Nha Trang. This time, thankfully, the flight had very little turbulence (we didn’t want to go through another flight like the last time any time soon). Upon arrival we were dutifully picked up by a driver (no guide) and whisked off to the Yasaka Saigon Hotel. As our rooms weren’t yet ready we headed out.

Outside the hotel, there were local kids of all ages playing soccer on the beach. Ryan jumped into the action while Brendan and I administered first aid to a bleeding player - he had ripped his toenail off playing barefoot.

For lunch, we went to the local centre of the dive universe, the Rainbow Divers. We met some incredible travellers and had fun sharing travel stories. We met two guys in their thirties who are travelling for two years and writing a book about their adventures. They were unbelievably crazy and had gotten themselves into some wild situations. They have one picture of themselves with the General of the Cambonian army (they had been invited to go with them and do some practice target shooting with AK47s!). Their stories kept us entertained for well over an hour. Judging from their antics it’s going to be quite a book!

Later on in the afternoon we swam for an hour then went out to the Texas Grill for dinner. We choose westerns places whenever we need someone who speaks English to look after Brendan. Wayne and Richard, the two Americans who own the restaurant, didn’t disappoint. They treated Brendan (and the rest of us) like royalty and soon we were feasting on declicious BBQ ribs and chicken. We met some expats at the restaurant who were in the furniture business here in Vietnam and the time just flew. We have a ‘free day’ tomorrow – we’re looking forward to exploring Nha Trang and the area.