So we are in a place. Not sure what’s it’s called, however, nice hotel, awesome barber and somehow, completely unbelievably where towns like Dong Hoi have no eating culture restaurants or anything, we find ourselves in a Korean restraint getting Korean BBQ – mind blown!!

Also we all got haircuts!!

Now I know I am going to get some serious fallback from the more cultured individuals following or reading this, but I must say this little surprise out of know where has had me here for lunch two days running now.

It’s not a quaint little backpackers alley deal, this is a serious restaurant strategically placed between the Sofitel metropole and the Hilton in the ritzy part of the old quarter.

It clearly aims to attract the higher wealth bracket staying at these two locations and I suspect the higher socio-economic Hanovians judging from he small gathering sitting to my left.

El Gaucho and Argentinian steak grill. Those who know me know that one of my favourite if not, my favourite place to eat in Melbourne is the Argentinian steak grill in Myers place: San Telmos. Well, El Gaucho is no San Telmos but for a complete surprise find out of Hanoi it is simply brilliant.

Yesterday we had the beef empanadas and myself and Mitchy each had a lamb shank in red wine jus served on a bed of mash. The shank must have come from some form of prehistoric sheep as it was gigantic and cooked very very well for a place not known for specialising in their sheep or shanks.
Kim ordered and for once, instead of receiving some horrible dish that wasn’t quite right – got what she was after and enjoyed it! I cannot remember the name but it was a plate of cold meats.

We were all pleasantly surprised that for one we were served bread that was made from only flour and not a combination of equal parts flour and sugar which has unfortunately been the case for some time now through our travels.

Today I have decided to branch out but upon being asked what I would like I heard the words: “lamb shank, cheers!” Coming out of my mouth and found I was in no way disagreeable with this.

I am sitting here drenched in water as a thunderstorm decided to help me on my ride over here, sipping on my piña colada and listening to the immense thunder outside and knowing what Mitchy would say if he was here; “Jack you are the worst backpacker ever!”

Well Mitchy, backpack this!!!

I find so pleasing to be reminded in such an enjoyably tasty way of what I am missing back home and what I will undoubtably be missing for quite some time from here onwards.