Day 18 Dong Hoi to Ho Xa



 A nice leisurely start with a mere 44 miles to do, and without the expected rain our spirits were high. The concierge wanted to take a photo of us leaving as she had enquired about our journey. She had also asked me my age and I was taken aback when she informed me that most men in her country were dead by my age!! Isn't that a comforting thought.

We wanted to visit the citadel in Dong Hoi  first so we headed in that direction. We followed our dear friend Google but on our passing through the ceremonial arch, there was no clear evidence of an ancient fortress - so we visited the somewhat newer museum. Though we couldn't read much of it what we could read told the story of the Vietnam war. It was story of good over evil and the oppression of a population by a foreign power. It was also a testament to the will of the people and a true David and Goliath success. Looking at the photos, many areas were backward and had been razed by years of US bombing- truly horrific. I can honestly say that the investment in its people puts our country to shame - new schools, new roads and looked after public spaces. Don't get me wrong it's still a developing country but its economic and social development is staggering. The people also seem at peace with themselves. Our country could learn a great deal from these people (or should I say our leaders- our people are good and they are led by bad faith actors who exploit or goodness for their own ends). Sermon over.

The road today was not a great experience, it was busy with trucks and other vehicles and much of our journey was along this road. We did however make great progress with a very strong tail wind pushing us along. Ho Xa is not especially nice and the hotel is very basic. All the hotels seem to have one thing in common though - the mattresses are rock hard whether your paying £6 or £12 a night.

When we arrived at the hotel I actually looked up the life expectancy on an adult Vietnamese  male, it is 69. So I've decided against emigrating here. Apparently they have however made great strides in the past 50years since independence and life expectancy is rising year on year as they improve their healthcare system. In the UK over the past few years it has started to fall. Anyone guess why?

**Addendum

Just had a scrumptious simple meal in what looked like the least salubrious restaurant - let's hope there are no repercussions 

Comments

  1. BruceJanuary 24, 2024 at 7:16 AM

    Good to hear the country and the people have recovered so well from the destruction of war

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2024 at 3:00 AM

    We felt just the same about the people and the re growth when we visited 7 years ago.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2024 at 3:01 AM

      Not sure why I’m anonymous, but it’s Cheryl here. Glad you are still able to do WWF Jenny!

      Delete
    2. AnonymousJanuary 26, 2024 at 1:49 AM

      Thought for min you meant the world wildlife fund

      Delete
  3. Dr FeelgoodJanuary 25, 2024 at 3:46 PM

    You'll rumble on forever Pete!
    Hope you are both still enjoying the adventure (and no ill effects from last night's meal!)

    ReplyDelete

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