Tuesday 25 October 2011

Day 55 - Mui Ne

Still here, for one more day at least. Was supposed to leave yesterday, but between Seb's ilness, and the chilled out pace of life here, we haven't budged. Jeany left this afternoon, so back into the dorm with the others again, though Brigitte has been spending a lot of time with some other Dutchies. She's abandoning her plans in order to fly to Bali, sacrificing her time in Australia - freedom!

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Did nought today. Breakfast next door in Joe's with Jeany. Joined by Stefan, and his friend Lee. Then saw Jeany to the bus, and decamped to the beach. Reading Gulliver's Travels - one chapter, then swim. Repeat. Got a bit of burn on my back yesterday, so slightly pink today.

The weather today is overcast - it's the first time there hasn't been a blue sky since we arrived. It's far more pleasant, especially with a breeze. I have to live beside the sea. The sound of the breakers, battling playfully with the waves while swimming. Fiona would love it here.

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It must be a holiday destination for Russians - plenty of the local restaurants and tour agents have signs in Russian, and a couple in German. I suppose one can get the train all the way from Russia. Or perhaps there's cheap flights. Can't blame them for making the giant journey here - so beautiful, relaxed and peaceful.

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RWC final - Weepu (NZ) missing two penalties and a conversion, and gifting France the ball for that try. Donald (NZ) coming on to groans from his own supporters, only to score a penalty. A NZ player running into touch with the ball. France's inspiring moves in the second half, and their defence in the first. NZ constantly attacking.

The NZ supporters - vocal, but friendly with the table of French beside me. Celebratory in black. Seeing both parties around town later, on the dunes the next day. Smiles and nods of recognition. Kiwis deserved to win, and probably by a greater margin.

Also, I had a swim at half-time!

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A note on the Golden Lingua - worshipped by the Khmer of Ankgor Thom, it was looted by Thailand during a war. They have it still, as part of the crown jewels. I asked Paean about it - if Cambodia wanted it back, but he just said that they would take t back if they could, and right now they couldn't, so they didn't want it. I wonder if it's like the Elgin Marbles. Must look it up.

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