Operation Hanoi

Sorry about the long delay - i am back in Tas so should catch up on my Blog for those wondering what the hell I have been doing....

I scrapped the motorcycle diaries and limped off the train into Hanoi hoping to find Tuan - a family friend and local tourist agent. I caught a motorbike to the address scrawled on scrap paper hoping that Tuan would provide some salvation as my leg was getting more infected and I was feeling feverish - unfortunately all I found was a closed shopfront in a street that didn't quite seem on the tourist trail - from the shreds of English provided by the locals I could not tell whether Tuan had closed shop, moved or died ... I sat against the roll a door in the Hanoi heat unsuccessfully trying to get antiseptic and a phone from the locals (half of whom were variously trying to sell me boat tours, motorbike rides accommodation and, most likely, marijuana and opium) ... fortunately no one was close enough to hear me pleading for my mum under my breath. Tuan and his troupe returned - apparently from an extended/late lunch break and the shopfront was reopen - this was soon followed by accommodation at a doctors home (albeit a doctor who had trouble understanding "hello" - ask Tim - but a doctor none the less) - he cleaned up my leg and had me feeling like I may be able to walk one day.

The local antibiotic cream didnt work the wonders I had hoped so after spending most for the following day in bed I headed to the International hospital to be told that my dream of having an operation in a foreign country was to come to fruition the following day - fortunately i was under general anesthetic so i didn't notice the removal of my other kidney and although depth perception is a bit of an issue, having only one eye does have its benefits (reduced dust ingress for one). Actually the operation seemed to go well and I hobbled out with an Asian length crutch, a big blue splint and one more scar for chicks to dig. Reduced mobility and requisite checkups limited the rest of my trip to Hanoi and stunning Halong bay - affording me the time to observe the maelstrom of tourism and local activity that define these two unique and beautiful places.