Wednesday 29th February

(Cont from Page 12).....but directly opposite there is a small family run establishment which seems cozy enough. I am more than happy to sit it out here if need be. I’m still not interested in food. I am restricted to fruit juice and mandarin oranges all day. Illness has weakened me physically and mentally. The night passes peacefully and in relative comfort.

Thursday 1st March

Tour postponed........The morning starts with a bout of diorria but by mid morning I venture out and try some food. I provisionally book a tour of the battlefield for the afternoon but my system still won’t accept food and still feeling tired I cancel it. I re-arrange it for the following morning but as things turn out this was my last chance to keep the tour alive. The infection in my leg gets worse.

Friday 2nd to Monday 5th March

Hospitalisation........I awake in the early hours in some discomfort. It’s now quite clear a need medical attention. By mid morning I have informed the hotel owner and a taxi is arranged to transport me to the hospital 5 kms. away where I will be admitted for treatment. With the weekend looming there will be no review of my condition until the next Monday. In the meantime I keep a mental note of events and conditions which I describe in a separate article (...............).

Monday 5th March

Escape from Vietnam........When the doctors appear on Monday morning they still cannot make a diagnosis and with the condition no better they prefer to transfer me to Hanoi for more thorough tests. (Cont on Page 14)