Day 16 – The road back to Dalat

I just wanted to leave this hotel as soon as possible. Before doing so we headed over to Nas brother-in-laws house (phew) to eat some breakfast. We stayed there for a little while before taking a taxi out to a bus stop, where our transportation to Dalat would arrive. It has to be one of the worst bus stops i have ever been at. Located right beside a busy highway, it was dirty, dusty, smelly and full of trash all over. There was a small stall next to it where you could buy drinks and various snacks. A bunch of older men was sitting on those small plastic chairs, playing cards and talking, right beside the stall.

As we waited for the bus, there were several other larger and smaller means of transportation heading in to the bus stop. They never really bothered stopping to check if any passengers wanted a ride. Instead, people just leaned out the window and yelled if anyone wanted a ride. After 10-15 minutes of waiting our bus finally arrived. It was almost full, but at least we managed to get seats next to each other. It was time for a 6 hour bus drive with 3 stops in between. As i’ve mentioned earlier i really hate riding on buses because i get easily sick and i can’t really relax. On the ceiling in front of the bus there was a digital clock staring me right in the face…like it was taunting me, knowing that it would be there to show every long and winding minute that went by, and to remind me how long i had to stay on the bus. I just took Nas hand and closed my eyes as i tried to think of happier places to be at.

We arrived at our first stop. I needed to take a piss so i went ahead to relieve myself. When i came back i bought an icecream, cold water and some bubblegum. We went back on the bus. Another 2 hours passed..i don’t know how, but they did. Stop nr.2 was up. This time we got something to eat. The place seemed filthy and unsanitary..not the kind of place any person would usually order food. But for the Vietnamese people it was a standard they were used to. There were cats and dogs running around on the dining floor. I took a peak towards the kitchen, which was more or less inside the dining room. I started to think about the hygiene, how they maybe prepared their meat, stored it etc. I started getting freaked out. Maybe its just me thats a stuck up snob who desires calm, quiet and clean interiors and a likable atmosphere when i eat..eating is important to me..it’s a small event that i cherish. I easily lose my appetite in the wrong surroundings. I can’t really remember what i ate at this moment.

Back on the bus. I think we were closing in on 4 hours travel time now. I tried to sleep, but it was impossible. I took up my camera and looked at some pictures i’d taken, showed them to Na. Another hour passed. Another short stop, just to fill gas. It was nighttime now. I saw a sign that said Dalat – 110km. That should be a little over an hour i think. The road got bumpy and really narrow. The bus driver started to get on my nerves with his daring overtakes and constant breaking. The bus suddenly slowed down, almost to a complete stop. There was a bunch of cars lined up a head and people outside shouting. Everyone in the bus stood up, except me. Na took a peak outside the left side of the bus. I saw her mouth slightly open. She looked back at me and said “An accident, someone is dead”. I replied “how do you know someone is dead?” “I can see him lying on the ground, lifeless..lots of blood from his head, his helmet beside him, blood from his legs…come and see!”. I didn’t really know what to say, but i told her to sit down and not stare. It took exactly 15 days for us to see a traffic accident in Vietnam…i’m surprised i had to wait that long.

We arrived in Dalat sometime between 2000 and 2100. Upon arrival we changed from our earlier room to a new one, with a bath tub. Wasn’t much time to relax and settle in. Me, Na, her sister and Hoai went out to eat. My appetite wasn’t much, but i managed to chow down some food at least.

It was a weird and trying day. Riding a bus for more than 1 hour makes me cranky and stressed. It was time to get some sleep.

I know this post wasn’t one of the most positive ones, but it wasn’t a very positive day. If i didn’t have my wife beside me, i would have lost my mind. I love her.
Thanks for reading. Next up…Hoais birthday etc.