NamBusters III is a go!

Well after much waiting, planning and even more waiting we are finally down to day 0.  Time to remember all that stuff I forgot to pack, chuck some more bits in the suitcase 'just in case', hug the wife and kids then get going.

Delboy, Joe-Joe and Phil have already landed, having travelled out on Tuesday on Vietnam Airlines excellent new Dreamliner.

L-R: Phil, Del and Joe meet up at Heathrow for the outbound flight.

Vietnam Airlines Dreamliner (apparently?)

Landed at Hanoi, pictured with Bella who runs the excellent Hotel Tirant in the old quarter near Hoan Kiem lake.

At Flamingo saying hello to the staff

Myself and Bryan fly from Manchester to Heathrow early tomorrow morning, then on to Hanoi from there after rendezvous with Jim and new Nambuster Roger.

So finally....we're a go!!!

Snow in Vietnam!!

Ok, so I'm a week or so late, but recently there was a fair covering of snow in Vietnam!  In many places, this was the first snowfall in known history. Unfortunately it has also impacted crops on which much of Vietnam relies. It was particularly heavy in mountainous areas such as SaPa.

Snow in Vietnam!!

I'm pleased to say that since this news article things have warmed up enough for the country and crops to recover.  Temps in Hanoi currently seem to be approaching 10C and climbing each day.  By the end of the month when we arrive, it should be low-to-mid 20's which is perfect for motorcycling.

I also noticed this artlicle on the same website, about an enterprising chap who has started making bicycles out of bamboo!

With just 2.5 weeks to go now until we fly out, I'm starting to get itchy and really just keen to pack and get out there. I've started gathering my kit together, putting things aside that I'll need for the trip and will most likely start packing within the next week or so.