I’m innocent m’lud, I never done nothing wrong in me ‘ole life. Been straight as an arrow, honest, never nicked nuffink from no one, it’s the truth I swears it. Wouldn’t hurt a fly, or anyfing like that. Keeps meself to meself, don’t stick me nose in nobodies business and keep it clean, you hear?
Well, clearly I’ve been tried, convicted and sentenced, as I’ll be sleeping in a prison cell this evening.
I’m intrigued by my present state of affairs: For one, this journey has cost almost 50% more than a train in Thailand and yet the bedclothes were last washed possibly when they were manufactured. In the 60s. I’ve also just murdered two cockroaches; one on the window sill and the other emerging from one of the two local’s shoes – who are occupying the two top bunks – under the sole of my sandal. The remains of a third lie encrusted to the door; I’m scared to unfold the blanket for fear of what may emerge.
Looking up I notice the local compatriot diagonally above me is locked in a stare in my direction, smiling like the Cheshire Cat; it’s a little unnerving. We’ve booked the two lower bunks in this; the overnight
soft-sleeper train from Ho Chi Minh City to Danang, and thankfully our companions for the night are friendly and inviting – offering food and sympathy as my sister and I look at each other with complete dismay. She’s already suggested jumping off and booking a flight for the following day “I can’t do this, what the hell am I doing?!”, she says laughing nervously five minutes before the 11pm departure. “Man up Jie Jie. It makes sense financially and logically to see it through, it’s only 15 hours till we alight afterall”, I reply.
Sleep comes only when your body decides it absolutely must shut down and recuperate, so be patient and await the Melatonin to be released. Don’t expect a comfortable ride though; the bunk arrangement is perpendicular to the train, and hence short to allow room for a hallway. It’ll also cause you to fall out when braking for each stop. At 5am having finally found slumber, it’s not a joyous experience, especially when greeted by the remains of squashed cockroach.
Sunlight pierces the double glazed window and netted curtains like the rounds of the M1 Garand Rifle that I fired 10 rounds from at the Cu Chi Tunnels (note to self; secure ear guards before squeezing the trigger next time). And in an instant, the realisation that there’s only 6 more hours to go passes me by. Breakfast is offered and at 30,000 Dong; it seems reasonable enough so I’ll take one cảm ơn (thank you), and see if I can get back to that interesting dream I was having.
I do hope Danang was worth the experience of the train...Have a very hot bath! Were you eating when S took picture, or have you been bitten by something ghastly?!!!????? Now you know what your Dad went through in the 50's when he went to Cyprus during the EOKA troubles and had to live under canvas in thick mud and shave in cold water!!!!!!! Mind you don't get dysentery like he did in Malta.........x
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