IT was time to take the family on a holiday of discovery, new lands, new food, new culture.

Virginia Stedman of Caniambo, chose Vietnam for the holiday with husband Trevor, sons Lachlan 17 years, Mitchell aged 15 and daughter Melissa aged 14, they were joined by Virginia’s sister Wendy McHugh and husband Scott of Shepparton.

Flying into Ho Chi Min City (Saigon) the family were amazed at what they saw, motorbikes everywhere, the roads were abuzz with traffic.

It was an eye opener for the young teenagers but they soon adapted to the local way of crossing the road, you just step off the kerb onto the roadway in front of the oncoming traffic and walk, the motorbikes just go around you.

Virginia was a bit hesitant but the rest of the group had already reached the other side of this very wide road, so taking a deep breath, off she went and it worked very well.

Next day they set off for the Mekong Delta and took a river cruise, it was fascinating to see how trading was done on the river.

Small boats would come along side to offer their wares, if they were selling bananas, one would be displayed on a pole on the front of the boat, if it was coconuts the same thing, so it was easy to barter for what you wanted.

Melissa was interested to see washing on a line on the rear of the small market boat, it was then that they realized these families worked and lived on the river.

On the banks, there were lots of houses or more like small shacks, the locals lived minimally, but the children all had smiles on their faces and were happy to see you wave back at them.

Stopping at a local orchard for lunch they were served wonderful whole fish on a plate. The food was great, the family also got to know the local pet python.

It was big but that didn’t stop Lachlan, Mitchell and Melissa from draping it around their necks.

Next day it was a chance to explore the famous Cu’ Chi Tunnels, used by the Viet Cong during the war, the tunnels run for over 200 kilometres.

The tunnels were made small, too small for the big Americans to get through, if they did, there were booby traps set along the way.

Cut on three levels, there were sleeping areas on one, cooking on another and emergency medical areas as well, it was an opportunity for the two boys and their sister to learn about the war.

Leaving Saigon they headed for Hue there is a lot of history to see and what better way to see Hue than on a motorbike.

Seven motorbikes and everyone took their place as the pillion passenger and off they went buzzing around the city, through the traffic, it was a great experience.

Virginia found it a little disconcerting as they flew past the other traffic including some big buses right on their heals, but it was fun.

Soon they were out in the countryside travelling past rice paddocks, past farms with people working in the fields everyone just loved it.

Back in Hue, they visited the Walled City, built by the king in the 19th century it is a complex of buildings for the royal family.

The highlight is the Royal Tomb, it took thousands of workers to build it, but years later when the French arrived they decided to excavate the site but the kings body was not found.

It’s believed that the king knew his tomb would be plundered so he had arranged for his body to be placed elsewhere but no one knows where as those involved were put to death along with their king.

Next Stop was Hoi Ann, a beautiful city with great beaches and incredible shopping, Virginia had arranged for another motorbike ride to explore the city and like the last one it was a great experience.

It was a hot 37 degrees with 80% humidity, it was cool on the motorbikes and after that, the cool was found in the pool at their 5 star hotel.

As evening fell and things cooled down then it was time for shopping, and did they shop!

Hoi Ann is famous for it tailors, who can measure you up and make a garment all in the same night.

Melissa and Virginia had new dresses made and the men new suits, they were there for a few days so they could take their time for fittings to get things just right.

Also during their stay they discovered some great restaurants, the food was just fabulous, everyone enjoyed themselves.

It was time to head back to Australia but their suitcases were full and they still had lots to fit in, so another suitcase was purchased just for the clothes they had made at Hoi Ann.

Everyone really loved Vietnam, the people, the food, and the endearing way the locals would laugh at you every time you tried to say thank you in their language. “Cam On” it must have sounded more like come on, but whatever it sounded like to the Vietnamese it certainly tickled their fancy.

Virginia works as a travel consultant at Travelworld in Shepparton, so she arranged the family holiday, so if you want to know anything about Vietnam why not call in and see her.

Until next time,

Safe Travel”n

Geoff Vallance