Motorcycle trip

Twelve motor bikes and twelve drivers were waiting for us as we got outside the hotel this morning. It was drizzling with rain and rather cold, our first cool day since arriving in Asia.
Also outside was a troupe of performance artists doing a traditional mythical creature dance to celebrate the new year.

The drivers strapped a helmet on each of us and with all drivers and passengers shouting something that sounded like '1-2-3-RIa!! off we went!
Huy had told us that New Year's Day was the only day we would experience no traffic in Vietnam - not so, everyone seemed to be out, and we soon headed out in convoy to the countryside like hundreds of other bikers.

Some of the route took us through back streets, some on major roads, weaving in and out between cars and other bikers and pedestrians. Some of the tracks we went through were cross country and the tracks got more and more narrow. I felt fairly safe with my driver, he seemed content to stay in his allocated place in the convoy, not so Mike's driver, who seemed to be in competition with the others and if he lost his place in the convoy would race to get back in line in case someone would try to overtake him. Add to that, he seemed to only have one good eye as the other one was a bit Marty Feldman like.

Our first stop was at a village where we saw the only other covered bridge in Vietnam, the first one being the one in Hoi An. There was also a rice museum, which displayed the tools used for sowing and harvesting the rice and the methods that still are the same today.

Our second stop was at the home of a woman who only has one arm and makes cone hats. We took our shoes off as is the custom when you are invited inside and were given tea and sweets, whilst she showed us how she makes the hats. Mike bought one and will probably have to wear it from now on as it is not going to fit in the rucksack....

Back on the bikes for our next stop which was for a photo opportunity at the Perfume River and a group photo of us all with our drivers.

We also saw a king's tomb and an arena used until 1904 for ritualised fights between elephants and tigers, but with only one clawless tiger to five elephants these were rigged to make sure that the elephants who represented royalty would always win.

Lunch was at a pagoda where the nuns had prepared a typical banquet lunch for the weary bikers. Some nuns were a bit concerned that we weren't eating enough and 'helped' to pile up the food in our bowls and plates with instructions on how to eat it. A slow process for me as only chop sticks were provided.

A ride in a dragon boat took us to the Thien Mu Pagoda, the 'pagoda of the celestial lady'. Legend tells us a king would come to build a tower here in gratitude to a lady he had met and is the oldest pagoda in Hué. The site also houses a massive bronze bell, said to be audible for 10 km away when struck. There is also to be seen the biggest marble turtle in Vietnam.

With traffic continuing to be heavy through the city, our drivers got us all back in one piece to the hotel. Everyone agreed it had been great fun.