Lucy Clark

Sorry, I haven’t written earlier. It’s been mad since we got back.

I just wanted to say how much of an awesome time we had with you, Digby. The whole trip was fantastic.

I was a bit freaked out about the off-road stuff at times, but I certainly learned more about riding a motorbike in those seven days than I had in the year I upgraded from a scooter to gears. Al was in his absolute element, and his smile got wider and wider as the terrain got wilder. I fell off heaps, mostly in mud and in front of locals, but all part of the adventure.

You were great. I boiled up a chicken to make pho today, and now we drink our coffee strong with condensed milk. Vietnam has left a lasting impression.

We spent the entire time in either determined concentration, fast, exhausted sleep or laughing our heads off at the bewildering sights around every corner. Such a special trip, and we have such great photos. Somewhere in the hills, a little girl has a postcard of a kiwi on her wall.

In Minsk we trust – we certainly did!