Day 4 - Storm before the calm

Happy Birthday Michelle!!

One of the many workers at the 27-7 Handicraft Company

The 27-7 Handicraft Company show room

Mr Binh, our passionate CuChi Tunnel tourguide

Michelle 'Rambo' Staff enjoying her birthday dropping a few targets at the firing range with her AK-47

Life on the Saigon River

Life on the Saigon River

Life on the Saigon River - "The Haves"

Life on the Saigon River - "The Have Nots"

The birthday girl with her impromptu mini black forest birthday cake

Michelle's birthday and our last full day in Ho Chi Minh City saw us on our trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. We departed by bus and worked our way through the different districts of Ho Chi Minh before arriving at the 27-7 Handicraft Company, a factory for the handicapped and war invalids that produce a variety of artworks and pottery using eggshell and mother of pearl. They were absolutely fantastic to watch them work, the detail on their work was so intricate.

Another 45 minutes up the road saw us arrive at the Cu Chi Tunnels where Mr Binh (our veteran tour guide) showed us around the much visited site and home of the Viet Cong in the area during the Vietnam War years. As part of the tour, Murray and Michelle both hit the firing range to try out the AK-47, weapon of choice for the "bad guys".

After Cu Chi, we hit the water for a fast boat ride back to Ho Chi Minh. The trip was very relaxing and showed all aspects of river life and culture along the way. It was apparent on the trip that even in Vietnam, there are the "haves" and the "have nots". It was a real eye opener.

Our half day tour took most of the day and upon our return to the hotel, we found that the Elios had left a small gift in the room for Michelle which surprised both of us. We visited the bakery a few doors down the street and grabbed some mini black forest cakes to celebrate her birthday.... Nice!

We will leave Ho Chi Minh city tomorrow after a hectic but enjoyable 4 days. The staff and service at the Elios Hotel were fantastic. They really look after you and nothing is too much trouble for them, however we are looking forward to relaxing at Hoi An. See you all there!