Sunburn and Things..

TRACIE ... We took the Sleeper bus from HCMC to Nha Trang a couple of nights ago. What a cool concept, however inefficient it seems! Didn't exactly get a full nights sleep, but being horizontal was nice for the ten hour journey. I think I hadn't really thought about how much travelling we would be doing by road, but am adjusting my thinking accordingly.
Yesterday we arrived early, and after showers etc (and happening upon a USD $7 pernight backpackers complete with aircon) we headed for the beach. Sat for a few hours under what we thought was complete shade (NZD $3 each inc lounger), but actually there must have been some sunlight sneaking through because by the time we left the beach we were both rather sunburnt. Oh well.. Ate local last night at a tiny restaurant recommended on the Lonely Planet guide. Good food and not too expensive.
Today we decided to take the adventure thing a couple of steps up, and hired a motorbike for the day (US$4). Jono is driving like the locals and it's even a bigger rush than crossing the road! Tomorrow we are doing an inland motorbike tour for three days, ending up in Quy Nhon. We will have a driver each, and stop in villages and stuff. I'm a bit nervous about it but I'm sure it will be fine. We have to leave most of our stuff here, and just take the minimum (and I thought I had already done that). If we stay in Quy Nhon for a few days we might be a whole week with just our day packs! That's scary for city girls! Jono of course is looking forward to it and completely unfazed about not having shampoo or conditioner. I have put my foot down about the mascara though. Thinking about the sunburn thing and being on a motorbike for three days, today we went all out and purchased 2 x long sleved shirts - hopefully this will stop further pain. Despite the heat, many locals are covered head to foot and we can see why now.
This morning we visited the gallery of a local photographer. He has won many awards for his craft - digital and photoshop are dirty words. Awesome study of VietNamese life. All black and white. Beautiful and moving.
Soon we will go to the Oceanographic Muesum, and then head back to our accomodation to pack for tomorrow!