The long journey through the rural areas of Vietnam allowed Ken & Gerard and Teri & Ian to appreciate the beauty of the country and its people. Gerard commented, "I'm a financial advisor. I'm always thinking for how we're planning for twenty years out, but the Vietnamese live in the day, which seems like a rough way of life, but everyone's friendly and smiling and laughing and having a good time. They must be doing something right."
Teri said, "When I've thought of Vietnam in the past, I've thought about only war. Now, when I think back on it, I think back on a wonderful society, a place that's really growing and coming into their own." Unfortunately, with only seats instead of sleepers, Flo did not have the same experience as the others. On her experience, she said, "This was a horrible night, horrible. I feel like I got hit by a truck." (Teri & Ian recap)
Teams finally arrived in Hue and departed the train. Because of Flo's emotional state, the pair decided to take the race slowly, one step at a time. Ironically, this approach didn't stop them from taking the lead in the first taxi out of the station. On the way to the Imperial Palace, Ken & Gerard passed Flo & Zach, with Ian & Teri in last place. Walking towards the palace grounds, Flo told Zach she was feeling ill, but also managed to ask if he was taking them in the right direction.
Ken & Gerard, Team Oh Brother, found the clue first in a pavilion. The brothers discovered they had to travel 65 miles to the tiny village of Nam O Da Nang and find the next route marker beside the town bridge. Soon after, both Teri & Ian and Flo & Zach found the clue. Watching Teri & Ian run from the palace grounds prompted Flo to remark, "I don't know why you guys persist on running. There's no point. I hope you get real tired out." Ian retorted, "Already tired out." Teri added, "Can't be anymore tired out, Flo." Flo simply responded, "Good."
MELTDOWN
On their current lead, Gerard said, "I feel upbeat." The brothers arrived in Nam O Da Nang first and found a Detour. In this Detour, Teams had to choose between Basket Boats or Basket Bikes. For Basket Boats, each Team member must get across the river in a traditional basket boat to the route marker on the other side. For Basket Bikes, each Team member must select a bicycle laden with dozens of locally made shrimp baskets and travel one mile down the street to the next route marker.
Ken & Gerard opted for the bikes and began their awkward ride down the road. Ken had few problems keeping his bike moving, while Gerard struggled to maintain his balance. Teri & Ian soon followed and also chose the bikes. Teri immediately encountered difficulties in keeping the bike balanced. With her helmet askew, she shouted for Ian to help her. Both Teams eventually "hired" help by offering to pay locals to run alongside the bikes and help hold them up while the Teams rode. At one point, Teri had to get off her bike and push it along with the help of locals keeping it upright. Ken & Gerard reached the route marker first, learning that they needed to travel 20 miles to the town of Hoi An, find the Boat Guay, choose a sampan, and travel to the middle of river for their next clue.
Meanwhile, Flo & Zach opted for the basket boats. Zach realized the difficulties in paddling a circular, bowl-shaped boat, saying, "This could be tricky." Zach tried to teach a frustrated Flo how to paddle the boat. Eventually, the pair began floating towards the island. Soon, though, they discovered they were paddling towards the wrong island and needed to backtrack. Flo reacted angrily, declaring, "I want out of this game! I want out!" They went back to the shore, where Flo stormed off.
Zach asked if they could talk, and Flo declined the offer. Zach tried to convince Flo not to quit the race, asking her to try the bike Detour instead. He reasoned that, since this was not an elimination leg, they could still take their time and finish this leg and continue on, rather than throw in the towel. Flo consented to this, but freaked out again when faced with the prospect of riding a basket-laden bicycle.
Teri said, "When I've thought of Vietnam in the past, I've thought about only war. Now, when I think back on it, I think back on a wonderful society, a place that's really growing and coming into their own." Unfortunately, with only seats instead of sleepers, Flo did not have the same experience as the others. On her experience, she said, "This was a horrible night, horrible. I feel like I got hit by a truck." (
Ken & Gerard opted for the bikes and began their awkward ride down the road. Ken had few problems keeping his bike moving, while Gerard struggled to maintain his balance. Teri & Ian soon followed and also chose the bikes. Teri immediately encountered difficulties in keeping the bike balanced. With her helmet askew, she shouted for Ian to help her. Both Teams eventually "hired" help by offering to pay locals to run alongside the bikes and help hold them up while the Teams rode. At one point, Teri had to get off her bike and push it along with the help of locals keeping it upright. Ken & Gerard reached the route marker first, learning that they needed to travel 20 miles to the town of Hoi An, find the Boat Guay, choose a sampan, and travel to the middle of river for their next clue.
Meanwhile, Flo & Zach opted for the basket boats. Zach realized the difficulties in paddling a circular, bowl-shaped boat, saying, "This could be tricky." Zach tried to teach a frustrated Flo how to paddle the boat. Eventually, the pair began floating towards the island. Soon, though, they discovered they were paddling towards the wrong island and needed to backtrack. Flo reacted angrily, declaring, "I want out of this game! I want out!" They went back to the shore, where Flo stormed off.
