Phnom Penh, Cambodia to Hoi An, Vietnam

Today was quite the day!  I left for the airport with lots of time to spare via tuk tuk.  Traffic was crazy- not sure how they drive here and I didn’t see one car with a dent!

My first flight was to Ho Chi Minh, the former Saigon.  I’ve already toured the sights so didn’t need to stay again.  These poor people live in these little hovels right at the airport-

Once in the airport amongst hundreds of people in +35 degrees, I wasn’t sure if I was in the right line up for passport control, so literally crawled out of there to go towards the “transfer” sign only to be told I had been in the right line to begin with.  The very nice man took me to a place much closer in the line but it still took 15 minutes to get to the border agent.  Then something amazing happened.  I was debating whether I should move to the line beside me because there were fewer people in it- I ALWAYS choose the longest line, but opted to stay where I was and it was a miracle -  I was through before I would have been if I’d jumped lines.  That never happens to me!

I already had my visa so in no time I was back going through security to wait for my flight to Hoi An which was delayed a bit.

I had a few dumplings which were very good-

and watched the Netflix movie First They Killed My Father which is about the genocide in Cambodia.  It was very good.  

I flew Vietnam Airlines and the seats were big with lots of legroom.  They even gave us free water!

Upon arriving at the very new and shiny Da Nang airport which serves Hoi An, I was hoping to catch a bus to Hoi An but couldn’t book one ahead of time without knowing exactly when I would arrive so after exiting door A4, didn’t have a clue to where to even look.  The taxi men are animals so I ignored them, then started to book a Grab when the taxi guy said I could go with them for cheaper.  We settled on a price of 350,000 and I told him I had no money, that I had to pay with credit card.  Yes yes yes he yelled at me then explained things to the driver.  Away we went yet the driver didn’t even know where we were going.  All I could think of was I should have had the homestay pick me up and / or I should have booked a Grab.  It was a long way and then I saw the meter!  I told him I was only paying 350, he kept saying meter, meter, meter.  I told him to stop and tried to get out of the car but I was locked in.  He showed me 450,000 on his phone.  I kept arguing with him.  Now I didn’t want to give him my credit card because who knows what he might do with that so I got out $14 US which was about 350,000.  We got to the right place and he was still arguing with me.  I took a picture of his liscence plate and a photo of him, gave him the $14 and walked away.  Lesson learned - should have taken a Grab- they are so efficient and you pay via the website on your credit card.  It’s so easy and there are no shenanigans.

He dropped me right at the Phuc Bao Center Homestay-

The woman at the front desk is very nice and talks a mile a minute.  You never know if they understand you or not because they always agree with what you’re saying.  She took me to my room.  I was expecting this-

and got this-

You never know on booking.com what you’re going to get although more and more hosts are labelling the rooms so there is no doubt.  I’m paying a lot too and after a discussion she said after two nights she can move me to a better room for the same money as I paid but I had to cancel on booking and she would rebook me.  WTF?  I had a no cancellation booking so am I going to be out the money and have no where to stay?  Anyway, I asked to cancel and it was approved which means they don’t have to pay booking fees but can get my money anyway so it’s the same to me but better for them.  I don’t have a problem with that and we will see if the new room is better.  It won’t be the room in the picture as that’s booked out long term but whatever.  

I walked around a bit and it is sooo busy!  I had an excellent burger then came home.  I was exhausted and fell asleep the moment I shut my eyes.  Being so tired doesn’t help when you’re in a new place and a bit overwhelmed by taxis and room disappointments and crowds but I know once I have a good sleep things always look better in the morning.  I’m here 6 days to get some clothes and a couple pair of shoes made.  Looking forward to the final product!