Allison has been made an honest woman of - it was the only decent thing to do. After all, she's followed me half way round the world for the next chapter of life's great adventure. The series of leaving do's had left us somewhat jaded and we needed a holiday. So, we headed off to Viet Nam and a pretty little lump of rock called Whale Island (north of Nha Trang). We arrived after a 30 hour journey from Reading which had left us knackered. It was an emotional farewell to all but we were glad to be on our way. The sun had set before we arrived at Whale Island and it was very hot. We could see nothing but only wanted to quench our thirst in the bar before hitting the sack. I'd already laid down my plans for the day after. We would get up and I would propose over breakfast. Actually, I waited until after lunch as my nerves got the better of me. I did make it onto one knee - well, actually 2 knees really, as we lay on the beach burning at a rapid rate and sweating furiously - very romantic.
Of course, Allison was certain that I was pulling her leg, but when I produced the rocks the realisation hit her and she shed a few tears whilst commenting about how sweaty she was and that I should be on one knee rather than slumping over her like a beached whale. However, very happy we both were. Of course, she did say yes! Thanks for all of you that have sent congratulations; it will mean a lot for us if you keep in touch whilst we are in Viet Nam.
Of course, the next big task is for Allison to arrange the wedding. I suspect this will be difficult but she will no doubt get lots of help from the family. Nothing to grand please - my wallet can't take it! I hope Allison realises that I fit the stereotype of a Yorkshire man perfectly, i.e.: tighter than a badger's arsehole! Perhaps it will be a long engagement....
With that task out of the way, some serious relaxation began. Whale Island is a quite beautiful place although not the best I have seen. But very comfortable and just what the doctor ordered for us both. We spent most of our time lounging on the sun beds, drinking at the bar or sleeping in the lovely beachside hut. Lots of seafood for lunch and dinner and lots of reading.
I read 'The Quiet American' (Graham Green) and 'The Spy Who Came In From The Cold' (John Le Carre) in just 2 days. The food consisted of 3 courses of seafood for lunch and dinner which got a little boring but it was ok. We went snorkelling a couple of times which was ok. The resort is an eco-reserve and they've worked hard to bring back some life to the area. There was lots of evidence of dynamite fishing but the corals were recovering well. Some nice small colourful fish but the most exciting specimen was a menacing lion fish. I look forward to some more extreme diving in this region with Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands being the holy grail for next year.
By the time we arrived in Ho Chi Minh city, we were ready to get started on all the practical issues with settling in a new country but Whale Island had been well worth it and a gentle introduction to Viet Nam.
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