Uprights just aren’t the same

So I indulged a little on a four star hotel, but I can; so I will. A cyclo man stops to instigate business just outside the hotel; I’ll chat, but for now am keen to simply walk around the city. It’s hard-sell here every time and sometimes difficult to refuse the business – he knows I’m half interested and after negotiating 120,000 Dong for a ride around, I board and am cycled around the city at snail’s pace.

From 24 Mar 2010

I stop for food, my driver waiting for me patiently as I eat – and shortly after we’re off around the river banks and eventually to the market. It’s an interesting, if sweaty experience and has the opportunity for some photography, assuming you select the correct shutter speed of course.

With a few more hours to kill, I’m off in search for a bank – they far prefer USD to their native currency here and give preferential rates for it. Stumbling across the Musik Coffee I am drawn to it like a Bear to Honey due to the “Free WiFi” poster and on entering I notice something fantastic in the corner – a piano. It’s only a Kawai Upright and in desperate need of a tuning, but I’m happy just to be able to play. The three girls serving are more than happy for me to sit down and practice and as they sit silently watching, I feel somewhat like a performer on stage. As of now, it’s clear there’s one thing I certainly do miss – perhaps I should have learned the Clarinet.

From 24 Mar 2010

From 24 Mar 2010