My cycling has been minimal. I rode to Cat Ba island, just under 200kms from Hanoi. Then off Cat Ba to Ha Long, about 40kms, where I stayed for 2 nights. I’m now in Uong Bi about 40kms out of Ha Long. The rain has been torrential and this has facilitated me to be able to lie up for a few days.
Being ill while away in a country that minimally speaks English fills me full of fear. I am alone and that in itself is a tough gig. I stayed in my room most of my time in Hanoi and now i am nearly confined to my room due to the rain.
Every time I breathe I hear and feel globules of phlegm in my lungs. I have followed instructions to clear this and each day its getting better. I have also restarted my Wim Hof breathing exercises which are definitely improving. I don’t feel particularly ill or weak and when riding I have felt good.
I am struggling to find food that is palatable. Pizza seems to be winning, I know classic Vietnamese food. Tourist areas are best because of the variety.
Noise is incessant constant traffic horns blowing. Of course I’m close to a road. I have been inefficient in getting to quieter roads.
My research told me that this period is usually cool to warm and dry. I looked at a satellite run for the next few weeks and it seems there is rain, and lots of it, all the way down the coast. Up north is wet and colder.
Further north is the Sapa region and areas around the Chinese border. Beautiful hill towns, terraced rice fields and some of the most beautiful roads in South East Asia. Sadly I feel I will be missing them this time. 😢
I think tomorrow may be more rain. 🤷♂️
A Couple of Days Ride Outta....... 