The train from Hanoi to Hue

At 8 pm Monday night, we all boarded the train for Hue, (pronounced "H-way"). We had heard many stories about this train, and we were not to be disappointed.The toilet was a hole in the ground, to be shared by all in the carriage. Subsequently, I went for 14 hrs without relieving myself.

There are 15 of us on the Challenge, and each cabin takes 4, so I ended up in the cabin of 3. On our arrival, we found a young Vietnamese woman breastfeeding her 8 month old daughter. She was to be our fourth passanger. We were not very happy about that; after all, the baby was a baby, and they are infamous for crying at night in strange places. The cabins were tiny, and after we all fitted our luggage in, there was little room to move. Most of the cabins in our carriage were occupied by young Australian adventurers, and they turned out to be a rowdy lot. Leanne even met someone from her fellow town of Geelong, and he gave her $25 towards her challange. Drinks were a plenty, and it was the Australians who made the most noise through the night, not the baby; she slept through without making a peep!

Us 'older' Aussies kept each othe rcompany swapping stories until we crept into our new silk sleeping bag covers, bought in Hanoi, and attempted sleep.

Early next morning we were happy to see that our scenery was rice paddies, as we rolled into Hue, sorta ready for our first ride....

Hanoi

The flight took us 13 hrs, and we finally arrived in Hanoi, the Capital City of Vietnam.

There are `15 people participating on the ride. Three have Parkinson's. Here's a group photo; Catherine was busy and missed out being in it.
We were met by our guide for the next 10 days, "Hilly"
in the morning we had a briefing, and were driven to our 1st destination; the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh.
Ho Chi Minh (1890 - 1969) was a very revered leader, who the people attribute Vietnam's independence to. Like his Russian equivqlent, Ho Chi Minh was embalmed on his death, and is on display in a mausoleum. there were huge crowds of Vietnamese and tourists lining up to pay their respects to the great Communist leader. We filed solemly past his open tomb.... amazing...his actual body, looking like he is sleep. We spent some time walking around the grounds where we saw his house, his palace, and a museum dedicated entirely to him.
Later on, we saw a tradtional and unique Vietnemese Water Puppet Theatre, where, to traditional Vietnamse music, dragons spewing smoke, fish frollicking and birds dancing in water are manipulated by their puppeteers who are hidden throughout the performance, and reveal themselves at the end.
Monday was a free day, so Claire and I decided to walk around and see some of the every day sights of Hanoi.

There are two things that stand out in our eyes; the traffic and the wiring. The traffic is a never ending procession of push bikes, motor bikes and cars, all merging together without stopping. The sound of horns beeping can be heard continuously. It is really quite scary; especially considering that we are here for a bike ride... though we will not ride in the big cities. Our guide, Hilly, told us, "Do you want to know about the road rules? There aren't any!" More on the traffic later.

And the wiring? There are multiple electric wires going alll ove rthe place; some dangling down, trees and plants poking through. We wonder how on earth anyone would know which wires to attend to in case of an emergency.

Less than a week to go!

It has been a roller coaster of a last 10 months. The fund raising, the training... finally the trip is looming.
Claire and I have just been to the Anaconda Sale, and purchased last minute items, such as GEL seat covers, gloves, a day backpack, and a travel towel. we have also been to the supermarket to buy tuna snacks and trail mixes, as we hear there are not many 7/11 stores around. We are not looking forward to 2 weeks of total vegetarian food that does not include salad (washed by local water...if we are lucky), or cut up fruit. Like Claire said, "Eat like a Lubavich!"

I must thank all of the wonderful people who have supported me over the past 10 months. I cannot list everybody, but you know who you are. You are the people who have donated money, bought tickets to my film nights, helped with the garage sale, riden bikes with me, and generally encouraged me throughout. Since I joined up in May, I have been overwhelmed by the support of family, friends, and even strangers who have helped me raise my targeted $6000. I have now raised over $8000 towards Parkinson's research. I couldn't have done it without YOU! I would like to give a big 'thank you' to some particular people.

*My husband, John, (Yon), for his infinite patience, love and generosity. I shall miss you terribly, but don't worry; I always come back!
*Fred Van Ross, and his wife Chris, who inspired me to go on this trip. Their original goal of raising $12,000 seemed so daunting in the beginning, but they are now over the $18,000 mark. Fred has had infinite patience in helping me and the team in every way, from participating in bike rides, supporting our fund raisers, and helping with his computer expertise. He is a true inspiration!
*Leslie Aldor for the wonderful hybrid Gitane bike that I have used to train with. It's been FANTASTIC!
*Mark and Sharona Ruttman for their generous donation.
*Ingrid Brouze, who has trained and encouraged me with my riding; I couldn't have got where i am without her.
*Magda for letting me use her garage for the garage sale, and for organizing the James Bond movie night.
*Yvonne for hosting a magnificent brunch for her friends, with donations going to Parkinson's Victoria.
*Claire, Peter, Helen S-B, Lynda A, Ruth P, Suzie G, Linda J, Michelle K and Friederike, who have kept me company on my rides.

*The staff and children at the GBH and FKI branches of Mount Scopus College, who have had a 'Ride to school day' and raised money towards Parkinson's research.
*The Challange Team for their support by emails, and riding.
*Judith Mooney from Parkinson's Victoria for being there at all times to iron out queries, and turning up to all our functions

A Special Ride with a Special Person.

A special ride with a special person; On Wednesday, February 18th, I had the pleasure of joining Sarah on her ride from Sydney to Melbourne. When I heard that Sarah was riding at the same time as I was driving along the coast (in opposite directions), I could not pass up the opportunity. Those who know me well, will not be surprised! After all I happened to be in the area, with my bike on tow..

Now, I have not sighted rain in about 10 weeks... i mean RAIN, not those unfrequent showers, but no sooner had John and I crossed the NSW border, down it came...in buckets!

John was not happy about me riding in the rain, or on Princess Highway, but I was determined.

I met Sarah at Quaama, and we rode 34 km to Bega; mostly uphill! In the rain! I must say I enjoyed the rain, but not the hills.... John was amazed that I could make it...what does he ethink I've been doing the pst 10 months?

Sarah is riding from Syney to Melbourne to raise awareness for Parkison;s in honour of her father.you can follow her progress on http://www.pedal4parkinsons2009.blogspot.com/.

She is truly amazing, and the 2 hrs spent with Sarah and her partner Adam were too short.

I'm glad I had the experience. Sorry, Yon for ruining your day, but it was too wet to paint or birdwatch anyway!