It is difficult for the Vietnamese to comprehend a man my age being single and even harder, never being married. On hearing the news (because they all ask) they respond with a heart-felt ‘oh so sorry’. Initially I tried to explain that this is a very good way of life for me but they don’t understand. For them it is culturally so important to marry and have children. I don’t try and explain my contentment any more, just nod in acceptance of their concern. This concern is then followed with advice about how I could easily find a wife in Vietnam. Is it really that easy? Perhaps I’m more handsome than I know!! Hero, my guide on the bike tour, seriously wants to get me married to a local. He is going to select the best 10 women he can find for me to choose from! Women who are single, either through loss or missed opportunity, and are over 30, find it difficult to attract a local husband. Even my travel agent here has a sister in Hoi An looking for a husband. The idea of marrying and living in Vietnam is not un-appealing to me!
It’s an easy day today. Breakfast then another massage. Lee is a beautiful young girl who runs a massage and spa. She is the daughter (adopted daughter i think) of the lady who runs the travel agency next door, and cousin to Nguyen and his wife who run the cafe where I breakfast and caffeinate. The three shops are a family affair and they work so hard. They’re open seven days to 10pm. I’ve had two massages at Lee’s spa and she insists on giving me a free one. I want to pay but she insists. I sneak back hoping to get some money to her friend but that didn’t work out. I leave Lee a stuffed kangaroo with Aussie flag (made in China of course) as a gift and she is delighted, now proudly displayed in her shop. I mentioned I wanted to buy some real vietnamese coffee makers so she took me on her bike to a locals shop to get them cheap. She’s beautiful.
After a near 4-hour bus ride I arrive in Hue at 6pm. I’m picked up at the bus and taken to my hotel, all organised by my friendly travel agent in Hoi An. I live this country.
angusmccoll 
You sounded like you are really enjoying the people and cultural. Maybe you will come back with a wife!!