It seems when travelling the ubiquitous topic of conversation is finding the “real” ________ (insert country here). Well, I can’t say that the tour bus was the “real” experience, but I would say discovering the source of the wet sensation on my foot was pretty real. It seems the cheeky little girl sitting in front of us could no longer hold it and proceeded to release the discomfort all over the bus and onto my foot. I didn’t get the full brunt of it, but I suppose the volume doesn’t matter. Here I am, Vietnamese girl urine and all.

I arrived in Dalat today and am happy to report it’s much cooler than Ho Chi Minh City. Much cooler. In fact at a mere 80 degrees faranheit, I’m actually cold. It seems I have become used to the hot and humid weather of Vietnam. But, cold at 80 degrees means Seattle summer may mean sweatshirts and slacks. I had some suspicion that this would be the case, but I couldn’t quite believe it. But, upon arriving in the Vietnam highlands I have discovered that my inkling is true. 8 hours on an air con bus was a bit of a body fuck, since air con kicks the shit out of my allergies. Two hours of sleep didn’t really make the trip more enjoyable, but it’s gorgeous up here so I can’t complain. And after spending the night in an oven, I’m happy to not be sweating my tits off.

Vietnam isn’t treating me too badly, it’s a nice change, though a bit hectic at times. I’m hoping to lose count– or at least forget– the people that have some sort of grievance against Vietnam and want to persuade me towards the same view. I shouldn’t even bother going North? Just leave now, the whole country is the same, eh? God. At least lie and tell me it’s great, why try to ruin my trip. I don’t know that I’ll be extending my visa to stay here, but it is lovely. I’m waiting to be blown away by some Vietnamese cuisine– maybe cook a bit myself. I am definitely looking forward to not being hassled to buy something or ride a motorbike the second I step out of my guesthouse. Vietnam wears on you a bit. The constant stimulation can be exhilarating, but it’s also hard to think that I can last in the face of it for as long as I have in other areas. Who knows. I’m quite liking the bit of a faster pace in places, as I’m able to keep seeing new things.

I have now discovered that what I need in a place is: good coffee, good books, dancing or other form of physical activity that I can partake in on a regular basis–cycling, good food is helpful, the list might go on. Good coffee though is such a deal maker. Good beer or wine is nice as well. Wow Seattle, it seems you’re doing pretty well for yourself, aren’t you?

I’m totally brain dead after no sleep, air con, and a long bus journey. Later my friends.