14th
Felt exhausted, slept on and off till about 4 p.m. With hindsight I think I had heat stroke. The hoteliers had tied a puppy to a tree and he whined all night, poor thing. I went for a stroll, most places are shut due to Tet. I find an internet cafe and the owners download Skype so make a couple of phone calls, nice to hear my brothers voice. I havent eaten since the day before so go in search of food. Near the hotel I find a place and order anything they can get. Long dark hair, being brushed, slim, the face is that of a man though. He comes and sits near me then moves so I can see him, then points to himself and says Boy, I already know. He goes on to make gestures of what he cando for me. I am trying to have my coffee while waiting for the noodle soup, feeling a little awkward and grateful for the old man owner of the shoeshop next door coming out and sitting nearby. The Boy seems to behave herself then. I get my soup, nothing special, out of a packet. Afterwards I walk up the street, buy some water and then notice a phone shop, she guides me to another place a little further up where I can buy the Sim card I want which may work in the next few countries I am visiting. They are friendly and even give me a can of beer and we wish one another happy new year a few times and as I leave, Come Again, they say this a lot  even though you may never pass this way again. I contact Su who comes and takes me on the back of the bike to some frineds of his, another gathering for food and drink and I am as usual the honoured guest and get lots of attention but take it easy on the alcohol. I forgot to say that Su always tends to tell me to take it easy or not to worry about anything, I usually dont. Then a lift to his parents house to say goodbye to his mother and grandfather, really sweet old man.

three bikes then head out for coffee, I am a little disapointed that we go back to the hotel for the coffee considering my experience of the staff. on the way there I am told by Su from the back of another bike to cross my arms in front of my chest (instead of holding onto the hand grips) and not to worry, oh well, good fun, they are all a little drunk though I am certain. I have noticed that Vietnamese guests to talk what appears to be quite harshly to staff at restaurants, hotel staff appear a little less self-assured with their own countrymen. Su offers to see me off in the morning. Not a very good night as far as sleep is concerned and no sleep after 5.30. I have repacked and things fit a little better. My blue jeans have rotten and fallen apart, wore them a few days earlier as they were clean but it was tearing like a piece of paper, I get rid of them, down to a single pair of trousers/Jeans on me. Su is prompt, I have some variety of coins which I offer him, apparantly he collects them, so I give him couple of fresh $ bills too. The night before one of the boys had given me New Year Money, its a tradition. Su helps me downstairs with my bag and to my surprise there is a group waiting for me round a table. some of the friends, Sus two brothers and mother, the uncle (with whom I stayed the first night and came to wake me when I screamed in my dream!). Such a lovely surprise, they have come to see me off, got a warm and fuzzy feeling. They appear to be selfless people, there is little of resentment and expectations I have come across in the West, people do their bit/duty and since everyone knows and does their part things work well. Su comes with me when I settle the bill, 160k VTD, for two nights, I have paid as much for a single night in the past, think I got the local rate due to being taken to the hotel by Su. They wait for me to strap my bag on and say goodbyes, I have felt really part of a group of friends/family for two days.