Tourist trip

Yesterday the pick up was late; today it was early, 8.15 not 8.45 so breakfast was a quick box of fruit made by the homestay.

Today was Marble Mountains (as recommended by #2 son) and then Monkey Mountain. It is interesting being a tourist herded around amongst a while lot of other tourists being herded around trying to get photos over (Korean?) tourists.

It was very busy, and hot. There is a steep climb followed by another steep climb followed by a precarious climb on rock, a bit like the top of Arthur's Seat. And did I mention it was hot?

There were many Buddhas. I should do a Buddha count at the end of this trip. There were views from the top of Da Nang. We were just on the outskirts of Da Nang, an interesting place given its association with the War. The most interesting bit of the guide's spiel was that his father was based in the Marble Mountains during the war, shooting down US helicopters. Da Nang now is a Pacific Ocean resort with mega hotels and resorts and more being built. A cross between Costa del Sol and Florida and the hotels are huge.

After obligatory trip to the buying opportunity (marble) we went for an indifferent lunch in a local village. Then it was further round the bay to Monkey Mountain. Named by the Americans but there were no monkeys today. A huge concrete last Buddha, a temple and a Buddha under a banyan tree, all fairly new. Nice views of Da Nang though and the beaches look superb.

The best bit was an unexpected stop beside the fish market at the beach (we had to wait for a car). The fish were caught by the local fisherman and many we did not know the name of!

Back to the Old Town to collect my stuff at #45 and then back for a swim to cool off. So hot and sweaty.

I'm pretty tired and my thighs have had a real workout today. Ann early start tomorrow.