Da Lat March 28

We planned our extra morning in Da Lat with the aid of the "Lonely Planet Vietnam" guide that I had downloaded on my tablet. Wonderful how technology and the WA library system can make travelling easier. With the advice of our very helpful hostess who had generously given us a 2pm checkout time we set off for the Railway Station. There one of those serendipitous moments occurred. As we arrived the local tourist train was about to leave for it's 30 minute trundle up to the nearby vlllage. I forgot to  check the name, I will have to put it in the photo collection.
We scrambled to get tickets and were ushered aboard. There were three of the original French era carriages: 1st Class, Soft seat Benches and Hard Seat Benches. We were in the middle. Our experience with hard seats in Myanmar never forgotten.
As we left the fringe of the city the market gardens and the green houses began. Every inch of ground seemed to be planted or covered with plastic sheds. Along the edge of the railway track edible bits and pieces were growing. We had been encouraged to try a dish of Morning Glory at the restaurant the previous evening and yes it is the same purple flowered vine that grows at home. It is rampant here as well and although it was definitely edible we won't list it as a favourite vegetable.
We struck up a conversation with a fellow Aussie on the train who is from Tassie. He told us he was on a Wendy Woo tour and his companions were in the hard seat carriage. As we left the train for the one hour stop over we saw them being led up the street by their guide. After photographing the train we ambled after them and discovered an amazing temple complex and museum down a side street. The buildings must have been developed over many many years as the ornamentation and complexity were amazing. We happily browsed for the time available and then rode the train back to town. A taxi back to the Central market allowed me to post my aunt a card and then we headed to the Crazy House. This is the creation of an architect who is also the daughter of a former political leader. She has the position and power to carry it off. It is a work in progress and is constantly growing. The construction must really challenge to builders. One photo of the Ocean Room was included in my hastily posted and undecribed photos just before we left for the airport to fly to Da Nang. The arial walkways are almost intimidating and  it is difficult to work out where they will lead you. But at the heart of the house are small ensuite bedrooms where you can stay and a very comfortable living, relaxing area.
We then taxied back to our accommodation and walked up to the nearby bakery to buy "bah minh" which are delicious crunchy baguette rolls filled with meat, salads and herbs. We couldn't inquire too specifically due to language limitations as to what the meat was but it looked fairly typical cold meat so we took it on trust. We sat in the entry porch of our Homestay to eat watched by our hostesses hopeful dog. There was just time to do some last minute emailing then it was off to the airport for the flight to Da Nang. The plane was late arriving and we thought we would be very delayed but after an amazingly quick 15 minute turn around we were taxiing down the runway. From Da Nang we were colllected by our Hoi An hotel transport and then met up with Ingrid and Elise. They had arrived at 10-30 am so had had time to catch up on some sleep and do some exploration. We caught up while Bob and I ate a late dinner then it was early to bed.