101 Challenges:

Location: Dalat - Vietnam

We arrived in Dalat yesterday afternoon and Lee quickly reverted to his usual Scottish moaning of “oh it’s cold, I hate rain” and Lindsay acted like a victorious Red Indian rain dancer. Yes the central highlands of Vietnam were very similar to Scotland on arrival. Lindsay welcomed the refreshing drop in temperature which allowed him to get wet from the rain rather than his usual body waterfall of sweat. It was sooooo good to be cold (it was probably about 24 Degrees Centigrade).

Lee had lunch by himself as soon as we arrived, in probably one of the most expensive restaurants that can be found around these here parts. Well, we say by himself but Lindsay was there. He decided not to purchase anything other than a tomato milkshake (it's an experience) as he remembered that he was a backpacker. Lee on the other hand, ordered Deer, Fries and Beer still imagining he's a lottery winner away from home for a year deciding what to do with the £42000000 he won. Silly boy, it'll all end in tears, or bankruptcy.

Lindsay, being very bored with nothing to do with his fingers, decided to take an arty photo and then distort a picture of his elder brother;

On opening our eyes this morning, and realising we were still alive, we had a look out of the window - both hoping for a little sun so we could enjoy the day. The sunshine was back with a vengeance and both of us were sweating profusely before we even had breakfast. We hired two mopeds (hoping the breeze at high speeds would cool us down) for the day and set out on the mountainous roads that climb, descend, and twist precariously for miles around.

We headed to Datanla Falls. This beautiful waterfall was unfortunately set down a steep hill and involved walking. In the intense heat and again sweating seconds after stopping the motorbikes the last thing we needed was a walk, so we prayed. Then we saw it, a sign saying rollercoaster.

Unbelievably the Vietnamese had built a bobsleigh type contraption that transported you to the bottom of the gorge in the most exciting manner. We purchased our tickets and were not disappointed. We flew down the mountain at break neck speed and are not ashamed to admit a little fear.

The bobsleigh type thingy was not automated (on the way down), you were in full control. The device just used gravity and you had a hand brake to stop you going too fast. The cornering at times felt like you were going to be thrown from the ride like a rag doll and since you were strapped into your vehicle, it would be flying with you too. Thankfully we made it down safely.

The beautiful ambiance of the water crashing over rocks and the sound of the rain forest in which the waterfall was located was thoroughly enjoyed by us both. We climbed up it a little for a photo opportunity but the heat was getting too much for us and the fact that dark clouds were forming in the distance, we decided to head back to the bikes. Sadly, we just missed Frank, he phoned us and said that he visited the waterfall with a bunch of Norwegian Play Girl's;

Luckily the so called rollercoaster could be hired for a return journey and so we were whisked to the top, this time without feeling scared as puppies in a sack. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Hitting the road like Eddie Kidd (Lee) and Evil Kinevil (Lindsay) we headed for a lake higher in the hills. All the way there, the clouds grew darker and increased in size. On reaching the lake we took in the remarkable resemblance to Scotland and felt home sick. We didn’t really. Even though we moan about certain things from time to time, we're glad to be out here. So, we took some pictures before the inevitable rain started.

With the wind picking up and the rain thrashing the land we headed to a near by cable car place. We planned on getting the car over the mountains for a pleasant view but, like a lot of our plans (when we plan) it went belly up. We were met with “Sorry sir, closed because rain. Ride open when rain stops”. It never stopped. It never opened.

So, after a delay of an hour waiting on the heavens to close we gave up and headed back to town in the now pouring rain. But the rain didn't stop Eddie and Evil driving like stunt men around the mad roads back to Dalat.  The heat that had been melting us earlier had truly been ripped away and the coldness of the wind and rain was again reminiscent for Lindsay and a horrible reminder of the past for Lee.

Arriving safely home we grabbed some food and hit the sack as Saigon beckoned first thing in the morning. This time Lee kept his spending under control and had something cheap(ish). Well, that's technically a lie. Lee took us both to probably the plushest hotel/bar in Darlat but thankfully, the prices here proved a little too much for his little Scottish wallet and so Lindsay managed to bring him back to backpacker-land, cheapville, sensibility. His lottery winner lifestyle is now a shattered dream;