Vietnam uses the Latin alphabet, but with all sorts of little "squiggles" in various places on some of the letters, changing the meaning of the word. It might right as well be Chinese as far as I am concerned! It does help with recognizing towns on signboards - only problem, there are hardly any road signs. Google maps are doing a pretty good job though. Fortunately, I also have a good paper map, which I use when my iPhone wants to take a break due to "sunstroke".

After a "coffee da" at Café Photo & Bike in Bao Loc, I was ready to tackle the road to Da Lat - a much loved destination by all, as it is situated in a mountainous area with pleasant temperatures.

I happened upon a fantastic resource for all types of information about traveling in Vietnam - especially on motorcycles. You can find it at www.vietnamcoracle.com if you want to know more. Vietnam Coracle described a route from Bao Loc to Da Lat which sounded very interesting. The road took me through huge areas of coffee plantations in the mountains. It's springtime here, and it was a wonderful experience driving my little bike through the hills with the scent of budding coffee plants in the air!

After a 4 hour drive I reached the outskirts of Da Lat, and stopped at one of the many coffee houses for a fresh brew. They really take their coffee seriously in this place. You would think that the population here lives on coffee alone. The menu card will show you 30 different types of coffee, but nothing whatsoever to order with your brew. With your coffee you will always be served a glass of hot green tea - whether you like it or not!

Da Lat is really a very likable place. Surrounded by pine forests, a lovely lake in the middle of town, hundreds of places to eat and drink (coffee!) it is easy to understand why it is so popular.

Tomorrow should be another great ride from Da Lat to Phan Rang on the South China Sea coast.