Since we left Hue, we have pretty much been on the road. And let me just say, what a road to be on! So as to not overwhelm all of you following this (thanks moms), we will break up the journey into tasty bite-size morsels.

On leaving Hue to head to Da Nang, we decided to to the longer, more scenic route known as the Hai Van Pass. This is also referred to as the Ocean Cloud Pass that transverses the Annamite Mtn Range as it hugs the South China Sea. The BBC’s Jeremy Clarkson also referred to this as “-one of the best coast roads in the world.” (Thank you Wikipedia). It separates North and South Vietnam, and historically has been a strategic road. The road itself climbs high into the mountains with views overlooking the sea. You go around numerous, very sharp, twists and turns to get what is a most spectacular view. What is NOT written is the first hand account from the Vets of traveling this road at night during the war as it was the only supply route.

Roads that would make James Bond envious:

We could see bunkers from the First Indochina War (the French Vietnam 1940’s-50’s) dotting the terrain:

Luckily, there was a “rest stop” with a scenic overlook. We were able to stretch our legs, take pictures, and get some ice cream (mung bean and tarro flavored, of course). A few vendors occupied this prime spot on the top of the Hai Van pass, and showed us their marble & jade figurines as well as their South China Sea pearl collection. We were told the pearls were not only real (as demonstrated by holding a flame to them), but the same ones as worn by Michelle Obama.