Hacking Cough and Leaving Serenity ...

I woke up with a hacking cough (sigh).  I really am not so unhealthy but you wouldn't be able to tell reading this particular travel blog.  A was a bit nauseous when she awoke due to motion sickness i think...  We had a nice breakfast (eggs, soft white toast, fruit and coffee) and then took more pictures on the top deck. 

We were supposed to check out of the room and then go visit a floating village.  But the tour group messed up again - for some reason the small boat that was supposed to pick us up never showed, so they let us hover and wait for an hour ... didn't really say we weren't going to the village, but just started cruising again.  This is something we've noticed during our stay here.  I think they think it's better to tell you what you want to hear, agree with you .

.. even if it's a flat-out lie.  It can be a bit frustrating when all you want to hear is the truth.  If you visit, make sure that they affirmatively say what they are going to do, instead of asking them and just having them nod and say ok.  They'll "agree" regardless if they understand you, or if they can do it. 

Anyways, we just sat and enjoyed the view and napped ... until lunch time.  I wasn't hungry at all but of course managed to eat the fried shrimp, beef, veggies, fish that they served.  Oooo they also served fried corn - very simple but tasty - and besides, I loooove corn. 

After lunch we docked and got shuffled and resorted on different vans to head back to Hanoi.  We had spent all morning sitting around, and now we were going to sit for another 3 hours.

  You'd think with all the sitting around, we'd be well-rested, but alas, we were exhausted!!!  My hacking cough started up with vigor during the trip - I always feel bad for the other people around me, but there's nothing I can do about it ...

When we got back to the hotel (Hanoi Elegance 2) we got a different room - on the highest floor with a gorgeous view of the city.  It was nice to be back in a normal hotel room with air conditioning.  We rested up and went out to buy a few more gifts; and then headed to the Press Club for a simple meal.  My stomach wasn't up for trying street food today - instead i opted for a tasty tomato and basil soup and a steak sandwich on baguette with delicious french fries.  It was quite nice - I was surprised it wasn't really busy, but perhaps people eat later than us.  :)

Tomorrow we fly to Siem Reap.  Another day, another country.  It's the tail end of our trip.  I'm excited to see Angkor Wat, but I have to admit I'm missing home (and my fabulously comfy bed).