Nha Trang April

April 30th 1975 is when the Northern Vietnamese Army ousted the Americans from Saigon, with the last American being airlifted off the roof of the American Embassy. So it comes as no surprise that this is a national holiday in Vietnam. May 1st is also a holiday here, National labour day. With both falling on a weekend this year Mr. Hoan, my boss, decided to give all school staff a four day weekend. Anna and I had wanted to go to Lagi, a small town about 80kms south of Phan Thiet. Anna spent about ten days fighting with a Vietnamese hotel booking site to get us a room and in the end all they could offer us was a room in a hotel 30kms away. I got on the phone to Denise in Nha Trang and said we were coming to visit her, could she get us a hotel room. She really came through for us, so it was off to Nha Trang. We got a bus there, but when I say bus I mean a 15 seater transit van. Getting out of PT was OK and then we picked up more passengers and the air conditioning wasn't working. To improve matters the road hasn't been repaired since it was washed away in the rainy season. Whole stretches are just gravel, which our driver didn't feel should slow him down in any way. At one point there were three vehicles going in the same direction in one lane of traffic, as we were on the hard shoulder I have no idea what was in the lane coming the other way. At one time I was so terrified I started laughing in sheer horror, I didn't think I was going to see my next birthday.
When we did finally arrive we asked about tickets back to PT. One of the office ladies had gone to Nha Trang the previous year for the same holiday and had got stuck there. It was good advice, all the buses were full until the 5th May, we would have to find another way back. The hotel Denise had booked for us had not been open long and the interior decoration was great with a really nice shower. I was really happy with it, especially as it was in a great location. We had lunch across the street and Denise met us there. Anna and I decided that we would go and get brazilians and since Denise didn't have anything else to do, she came to watch. I am very self concious and have issues with my body being on display, so I held up a towel over my waist, which was lucky. Denise started off taking photos and then took a video. Anna was not having a good time, I think she was finding it very painful and I couldn't stop laughing. Then Anna said that her lady was being very thorough and Denise chimed in that yes she was, there was nothing left. At this point both Anna and I scream "What?" and jump up and take a look. I didn't have a brazilian, I didn't have anything down there!Can you believe it? This is my second waxing incident in Vietnam where I have had more than I expected taken off. At least no one but me will see it!! The rest of the afternoon was spent with a bottle of wine in the beauty salon, having our nails done. It was a good start to the weekend, there was a lot of laughter. Denise is in the midst of breaking up with her fiance, so I am doubly glad that I am staying in a hotel.
Anna and I had dinner together before going to Guava Bar, where Denise now works three nights a week. She was working and so hooked us up with some free drinks, it was great. When she had finished work a group of us headed over to the Sailing Club. I had an awesome time, I flirted a little with a few guys, danced up a storm and stayed out until 3am. I haven't had such a good time in ages. I still don't think that I have got my mojo back but I am getting there. Other people think I look great, but I don't and I certainly don't feel as if I look great. I don't know what's wrong with me. Whatever it is, I hope it stops soon. Sunday was spent on the beach at the Sailing club, during the day it's a restaurant / beach bar with sun loungers for rent. I got a little more sun that I had expected and ended the day looking like a lobster. That didn't stop me getting dressed up and heading out for another evening. A group of Denise's friends and Anna and I started with dinner and then moved onto an expat bar called "The Rusty Nail". The drinks were great, the insect infestation was not. Us three girls headed to the Sailing Club for another night of fun. I am so glad that I don't live in Nha Trang, as Anna said, I would be poor and fat. I would eat and drink too much, all the time. And probably get myself into a lot of trouble, I think I have the capability of becoming a cougar. The Sailing Club is a bit of a petting zoo!! Denise's analogy, not mine but it's spot on.I finished the night at three am again, which is awesome. Recently I have been the first to go home, I like being one of the last to go home.
Monday morning was my lie in morning, finally. Unfortunately Anna had had her money, camera, phone and shoes stolen when she was at the Sailing Club the night before. Apparently the club is a well known spot for this kind of thing but that doesn't make it any easier to handle. We spent the morning replacing Anna's phone and doing a bit of shopping. Carrie and Denise met us for lunch, it was a real girl's lunch, which was lovely. Anna and I spent the afternoon in our room, Nha Trang was so hot. I am sure it's hotter than Phan Thiet or at least more humid. Anna napped while I watched a "Glee" Marathon. An awesome afternoon. We had wine and dinner with Denise and Carrie at Denise's place. And it wasn't a late night, I don't think I can handle three late nights in a row. We got to the train station at about 07.20 the next morning, our train was supposed to leave at 07.42. It was not to be, we ended up being delayed by 90 minutes. At least the trip back was uneventful and a lot safer than the bus ride to Nha Trang. The train station is at Moung Man, a small village about 15kms outside of Phan Thiet. I was curious to see where it was as this is where I will catch the train to go to Hanoi. Tuesday afternoon was spent by the pool at Novotel, then I had drinks with Anna, Jan and his friend Stephan followed by dinner. It wasn't a late night and despite having had a four day weekend I wasn't looking forward to the week ahead.