Getting nowhere fast

After a couple of relaxing days spent visiting temples and cooking different ingredients in oil before eating them, I was hankering to get into that fitness centre and get some exercise. Undaunted by the lack of cycle equipment, I went strolling on the walker (set on incline!) for a good 3 km.

Masterchef cooking class

After assisting Thu with the purchases at the market we adjourned to yThao Garden to have our cooking lesson.

After donning our aprons we were described the succulent dishes that we were going to prepare.

Spring roll, Hue pancake (with prawn and pork), banana flower salad and grilled beef.

Eva was challenged in wrapping the mixed pork in the rice paper and I found the pancake making hard going. More heat, please.

We had a great time but are now too exhausted to tour the citadel but Phoung is here and we have to go.

Hue Cuisine

Whever in Hue, Eva and I always visit Biet Phu Thao Nhi Restaurant,  just down the road from the last emperor's tomb.

Eva kicks off with shrimp and rice noodle soup while I have the rice noodle soup with beef.  We enjoy a Festiva beer.
Second course is their signature dish: shrimp in passion sauce with french fries accompanied by mini spring rolls.

We celebrate the steamed mackeral in banana leaf with a second beer. Tbk it is to assist in the digestion of the fish. A new idea hits me: fish jerky. I dont know where it comes from.

Some may think that the third beer glass was for absent friends. Tbk it was to rinse the sludge out of the bottom of the glasses that we were drinking from.

Saigon Morin Hotel, Hue

Built at the start of the previous century, this place reminded Eva of Raffles. We had a quick meal on the courtyard before retiring to our suite "with river view".

They should have also mentioned the "horn happy commuters with suicidal tendencies" who are now making their chaotic way to work. Even I would not drive on these roads.

An unexpected meeting

After ordering a pre-flight coffee and seeking a quiet place to sit, we find the best quietest corner already taken; by Mary Donaldson and Jim Hayes! Off to Vietnam on our flight.  Staying at Hoi An when we'll be there. Chance or coincidence? Blooming scary.

After an uneventful flight we got here (HCMC) and then spent several anxious minutes trying to locate Eva's luggage.

Whilst sitting in the departure lounge at HCMC I observed how it also serves as an Asian grocery. How convenient.

Atmospheric Asia

Statues of Buddha, smoking incense and the melodic tones of foreign tongues...
And that was just in the taxi to Tullamarine Airport.

We apprehensively welcomed the wave of sub-continental mysticism that washed over us. And gagged all the way from the time the door closed until we arrived at the terminal curb.

Fortunately, we weren't going to India.

Vietnam was our destination. And then more.  We were going up river. Way up river. About three kilometres up river to the next village where the locals were going to show us traditional skills and offer us original artefacts (read: ripping off the tourists.)

(Tbk: Anne is awarded a safe driver award and a good neighbour badge, with cluster, for getting us safely to the airport.)