Crossing the random border into Vietnam..

Wednesday 8th April - crossing the random border into Vietnam

Was feeling just a tad panicky earlier - I had gone through the entire day - a 2 hour motorbike trip to the border (with my big backpack) which hadn't yet made it into my lonely planet guide! - into the unfamiliar and from stories slightly scary territory of Vietnam, and 2 local buses plus all the places inbetween and walking around a busy town in the evening - without A SINGLE other westener. I managed to get all the way to Ton Cum in the same day as leaving Rathinikiri, which is in the central highlands of Vietnam and had been recomended to me by a couple I briefly met at the tree top guest house in Rathanakiri. I waved goodbye to Don not really knowing what to expect, bravely setting off into virgin territoy...I had no dong (Vietnam currency), and little way of knowing how I was going to continue my journey upon arriving at the border. Reckless some might say, but at least I had the good old US dollars, which came in handy on one bus ride as a waved a dollar at the lady who proceeded to laugh in my face. But the driver was happy to pocket it as an extra bit of cash and I breathed a sigh of relief; my smiles and helpless facial expressions had worked..!

Before the bus, I had journeyed with some excitable male youths who picked me up at the border and who wanted 5 usd for the short journey, I got em down to 3 which I had learned from one of the security men was the norm for locals if it was indeed a proper bus which was debatabl. We seemed to stop all over town before actually heading off, they were delivering lumbur - or something, anyhow, it brought a lot of insects with it which coupled with the lady sitting behind me transporting birds, was an alternative experience if nothing else. ..

Wow I've just found wireless. In my bed of all places. This is getting better and better. Helps cushion the blow of spending 6 dollar on a room all to myself. I've spent the last 2 1/2 hours uploading photos to facebook while I have a good connection. People better bloomin view them! But also its a practicality. If my laptop was stolen, the thought of losing all my photos would make me want to cry for the rest of my life!! And I think I felt a bit fearful of entering Vietnam because I have heard so many stories of thefts ie a whole gang of motorbikes surrounding you and making off with your stuff. The people riding them that is ;)

Have to say as good as it is sharing the cost of rooms with others, I may look forward to more nights of my own company. Being under my cover with my laptop has a familiar feeling of home about it and a nice way alternative way to chill out or spend an evening in front of the TV. People tell me Im brave doing this on my own. My friend Christina even said I would make a good missionary because I dont mind taking risks. I dont know though. I am a controlled risk taker. Some might think Im a bit reckless but truthfully ive never got in trouble for it yet. But maybe thats the big guy upstairs protecting me. It has occured to me Ive been in vulnerable situations since Ive been alone. Bit nothing yet where I've felt genuinely afraid. Think you have to keep your wits about you and trust your instinct.

I really like this place, probably because it is not at all touristy. There are loads of street stalls and markets and everything is cheap ha ha.

By the way, today broke the record - there were no less than 7 people on one moped!!! A guy was driving, with what I presume to be 5 kids sitting behind him and one facing him straddling the front wheel. If I hadnt been balancing so precariously myself, I'd have taken a photo...

Money spent: Breakfast and drinks 5 dollars, moto to border 15 dollar, buses 3 and 1 dollar, accomodation 6 dollar TOTAL: 31 dollars