Dining in Danang

Tonight's my last night in Vietnam. I'm in Danang, central Vietnam, which is as far south as I've been motivated to venture, baring my flight via Ho Chi Minh City tomorrow morning. It's pretty disturbingly hot here most of the time, and I just didn't have the tourist juice left to attempt a visit to HCMC in the far south. I've come to the conclusion however, that if the guidebook really does a hard sell, attempting to convince readers that a place is more interesting than it first appears, well, it's not a good sign. I'm in Danang because it has an airport, and really, that's it.

Danang's Museum of Cham sculptures is the tourist desination of interest. I spent about a half hour there this afternoon, but the fact that I was starving and tired somewhat impeded my ability to really revel in all the history it had to offer. At least I tried.

So I've come to the poshest restaurant in Danang - partially because it's super close to my hotel and mostly because I felt I deserved an excellent final Vietnamese meal. While I did it completely unconsciously, I find it ironic that instead I ordered sushi and Singapore noodles - food from the two countries still on the 'to do' list on this little adventure.

The wasabi was like, completely over-the-top and snot inducing (sorry about the graphic nature of that), which I think is appropriate given so far Japan's been a pain in the butt to plan. Finding a cheap flight was like the bane of my existence for a week straight. And I've just realized today that I've left it a little late to book accomodation in Japan, given it's high season. I'm so past dorm beds in hostels at this point in my life, but it appears they're the only easy accomodation to book.

I know absolutely zilch about the food for Singapore. Well, other than I'll obviously have to have a Singapore Sling while in town. And according to the expensive new tv commercial campaign currently on all English language tv stations, courtesy of the Singapore tourism board, the city also has some to-die-for desserts. I've done absolutely zero research on Singapore - the joys of staying with friends from home. It's positively decadent to travel to a country (or city state, whatever Singapore is!) and not have to make any plans - I feel spoiled! Anyway, while I don't think Singapore can boast of internationally revered and distinct cuisine like some of the other countries I've visited, my Singapore noodles were satisfying but somewhat lacking in punch. (Which is sort of how I envision Singapore, but I'll have to report back.)

I find I measure countries by how comfortable I am dining out on my own. Paris, for example, is a city that I just can't seem to dine alone in comfortably. I'm constantly self-conscious and feel like I'm inconviencing the wait staff by wandering into their restaurants and expecting to be fed. I didn't quite feel it in Thailand either. That may have something to do with the fact that Thailand seems to attract more than its fair share of two demographics - a) 21 year olds determined to drink their faces off and, b) young couples in their 20s travelling together for the first time, testing whether their love can handle so much quality time together. Vietnam has rocked in this regard (and in many other ways). I've met lots of great, independent travellers to hang out with and share a plate of fresh spring rolls. And even dining on my own, it's fantastic. So I ordered my sushi and noodles and relaxed over a lovely glass of Aussie red, closely watched by two attentive wait staff. Even if Danang is a bit of a dud, good food and drink can cure a lot of things.