Monday ...

Monday, 23rd Sep

We had plenty of admin to do, making payments and working out who gets what, also planning the rest of our stay.

In the afternoon we were invited to the Hope School. A special dinner was prepared, just the teachers and us. It was a beautiful feast ... Matt took plenty of photos, which we are unable to show, see below. 
Later on Ha stopped by, a student who had left the school. It was so good to see her again and to hear what she is doing now. She is doing vocational training to become a hair dresser and beautician. Ha looked great, nice hair style ... after all she is 18 years old!!!

It was about 7 pm when we arrived at our hotel. Later, about half past eight we went for a walk, get some bottled water and yoghurt for breakfast. 
Crossing De Tham Str Matt got attacked by two guys on a motorbike. The passenger grabbed the camera strap and tried to steel the camera. Matt resisted, but the sheer force of the speed of the motorbike was too strong.

Brand spanking new camera ... lucky this lens was not on camera at the time.

In the struggle the camera hit the ground and part of the lens was damaged, which we found out later. Lucky Matt did not fall, so no injuries, which is most important. We went straight back to our hotel, devastated. Mr. Nam gave Matt a hug and said we should go to the police. We were not interested, but then we changed our mind ... went back to where it happened, 150 meters from the hotel. We found some glass and part of the lens on the road.
Mr Nam then went with us to the police station. Everything was recorded and we went back, bought some water ... a very very sad story. After six years and 8 trips ... All in all we spent over 42 weeks in Viet Nam over the years. Picked up the signed and sealed police report the next morning. 


Now we have to look forward, find our positive spirit again and continue to enjoy the country and people we love so much.