Hash house harriers (those 'drinkers with a running problem') are everywhere, and Saigon is no exception. So this weekend we went for a run with the pack.
Members and first timers (virgins) meet outside the very swish Caravelle Hotel, and alight the bus which departs for a destination known only to the hares. This Sunday it was in Dong Hoa (we think!) about an hour's bus ride from Saigon. 'Basil Thrush' gave us an entertaining commentary on the bus ride there, and thought M and I should be considered revirginised because we don't have a current pack. A motley collection of expats and natives arrived at the assigned place. Those with new running shoes had to drink a celebratory beer from one before the 'On On'. It looks like I'll be hashing in my Keen sandals for some time.
With a group of about 50, there were plenty of both walkers and runners, with the trails cunningly laid to cross each other a number of times. We walked through vegetable farms, orchards and rubber tree plantations, past padogas and wandering monks.
 |
| Jackfruit laden tree |
 |
| Rambutans |
On setting out I had asked one expat whether I should be worried about snakes - he looked around and said 'I have no idea what's out there.' But the presence of small children soothed my worries (surely they would be eaten first?), even when tromping through the dried leaves under the rubber trees.
We were almost out of the plantation when I heard a rustle of leaves, saw a movement, and then realised it was a snake heading very quickly in my direction. I leap forward and Big Mac, walking behind me, leapt back. And away it went. So I had the dubious honour of being only one of two people who saw a snake! Not sure what kind but it was quick!. Old hand Big Mac swore it was only the second time he'd seen one in three years.
Once all runners and walkers arrived at the hash halt, there were the usual merriments, including 'punishment' for certain member transgressions - that's what the ice blocks were for. Sitting on one of these for 5 minutes must hurt...
One notable harrier was given the ice treatment for turning up about 10 minutes after the rest of the runners - on the back of a motorbike!
On the walk home, we passed the People's House, looking splendid.
