South through Vietnam

We were now entering a tropical landscape, leaving the wet monsoon weather behind us with palms and cloudless blue skies ahead.






















The train, although a soft sleeper, was really rickety and slow, very different to the modern fast trains in China. Station platforms are non-existent, you have to walk around the end of one train to get to another; some people don't bother and crawl underneath the carriages instead.




The train meanders southwards along the beautiful coast, and we break our long journey in Nha Trang. Here we catch our first sight of the sea since leaving Sunderland 6 weeks and 9000miles ago, beautiful turqoise waters and sandy beaches.














We shared our trip with two old ladies, very interested in us and in having their photograph taken. They were strangers, but it was interesting to observe the intimacy between them.




















We all enjoy a swim in the crystal clear waters of the South China Sea; the balmy temperatures are a long way from the icy Urals and Siberia, and our down coats and winter layers are now securely packed at the bottom of out bags.





















The relentless heat and fresh seafood takes its toll, and Jennie rests while Kate and Jon explore the town.

It's been a gruelling journey and a punishing schedule and we are all feeling the effects and are rundown despite taking care and popping vitimins each day. There are mixed feelings at the fact there are only a few days of our journey remaining.