CAMBODIA TO VIETNAM

Saying farewell to our wonderful hosts at Memoir d'hotel in Siem Reap we took a short taxi ride compliments of the hotel to the beautiful airport there where Gary, unfortunately, had a small tool in his manicure set confiscated. It had travelled with us all the way from NZ with no problem but here it was a definite, finger wag "no, no Mr Gary". Settling onto the plane, which was brand new, we were happy and content in the knowledge that our entry into Vietnam would be straightforward as we had, after all, arranged and paid for our visas in advance - to be collected at the airport. Sweet! The flight was unremarkable and we went straight to the visa collection station to yes  - pick up our visas and good we were the first ones there in this amazing race. Waiting at the counter with our documents and a Vietnamese young lady on the other side of the glass we were totally ignored for a full 5 minutes as the queue backed up behind us. FInally looking up at us she took our passports and our letter and receipt and threw 2 forms at us. "Fill out, fill out". Trying to explain we had already organised our visas and they were there just for us to pick up was like talking to a brick wall so we duely accepted the forms and refilled them - being the good kiwis we are. Returning to the desk, back of the queue this time, we handed over our forms and waited along with many others. Next thing our names are called in Vietnamese English and we rush to the desk - once again the first in the amazing race. Low and behold our passports are on the other side of the window laid out in front of HER. "45US$ each" she says. "No, No" I say, "we have already paid for our visas"!!!! "No, no" she says,"only letter of recommendation. 45$US or no passport". She slaps the letter down in front of me and says "go call them then and check" and turns her back on me. There is no way she is going to talk with me any more. I keep saying "Excuse me" and "hello" but she refuses to turn round. By this time everyones attention has been captivated as they realise they are in the same boat as us and a flurry to the ATM ensues. Seeing our dilemma a very nice Vietnamese immigration man approaches, explains why we still need to pay our $90US - to get our visas and passports back - so, like all the others, we pay up and once more put it down to experience. Were we the victims of another scam - we are still unsure? Passing through more surly officials, not very welcoming into Vietnam - we finally are spewed out at the other end with our baggage intact to see a welcoming sign - Mr Garry Scott. Yes, our driver is waiting for us to take us to our hotel in Saigon. Something has finally worked! So begins our introduction to the madness of roads in Vietnam and the alarmingly insane driving of the Vietnamese people. The abundance of scooters shooting every which way, the apparant lack of road rules,  the zebra crossings that mean nothing, the cars, the cyclos, the everything. It is fast, noisy and hectic but it works!!!!! Next blog HCMC and our antics there. X