Hubby and I spent mid January to mid March in Vietnam, 2011. Was a bumpy ride this year once we returned home, thus didn’t get some travel posts completed as normal on here. Late as I am, some of this may be of interest.
On arrival we stayed for a few days in Saigon. There was the usual astonishing mass of overhead wiring – dilapidated buildings amidst gorgeous colonial buildings – with any corner presenting the necessary default of producing a bit of greenery – multi shoppes with flowers for sale - well groomed and beautiful parks in the midst of hefty traffic – tiny cluttered alleyways opening to very nice places to stay - the exotic to the aggh – forever interesting. Traffic was still horrendous with the unwritten rule that the larger vehicle had the way and that was that - the Vietnamese coffee was still superb and of course so was the food. As we travelled north, the food steadily changed - right down to the bread offered.
We next took a bus to Mui Ne staying at Mai Am Guesthouse for 7-days. Was able to book on the net when still at home - a sea front room – very nice accommodation - great staff - fabulous sunsets - fabulous food – nice beach being able to walk for good distance. I was surprised to read of a traveller grumping that the bus didn’t stop near this guesthouse – but it is only the Sinh Café busses that don’t as the other bus stop is perhaps 1 block away. Odd for such a complaint tho for hopping a taxi whether 2 or 4 wheeled is VERY inexpensive if one needs to go a lengthy distance. Endlessly interesting here and very relaxing. Hiked about TaCu mountain. Had great fun going a@@ over teakettle sliding down the sand dunes -
http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2019926110041536798dRrzjd
Attended the daily fish wholesaling area -
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spent hours relaxing or walking on the beach
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Investigated many new dining spots – and as quite often happened - what we thought we were ordering - more often than not – proved to be something quite different - but still excellent in taste and presentation.
We next took a bus to beautiful Da Lat in the Highlands -
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another great place totally different from other areas – and here we walked and walked - and walked :) We stayed at Pink Villa - the place was run very well and we were very comfortable. Walked around the lake to see the new development
http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2477129900041536798LnlrhT
We wanted to take the sky tram but unfortunately it was too windy the day we walked up there and all was closed down. I look forward to trying that out another time. Took the regular offered tours one of which one was to visit minority peoples and a Buddhist monastery (female). At the monastery we were treated to a lunch entré of fried crickets..... actually quite tasty. http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2872662170041536798XBZuqZ
To be honest, I had to mentally remind myself that millions of people survive on this food, thus I can too. I was famished and the monks had kindly prepared this lunch for us - so that was an added push. The special pho noodles were great - I could eat those without having to first close my eyes LOL. Dessert was another education in itself as our guide offered us generous pieces of 8 different fruits explaining each ..... two actually tasted and were pulpy ? enough to make me think of pudding. I left hoping like crazy I didn't have tiny legs and whatnot else sticking between my teeth when I was finished but truly, it was a great experience.
When visiting Minority villages with another 6 people, I was delighted for all to realize that just because one doesn't have 'a pot to pee in'.... and definitely no schooling ... this NEVER makes one less intelligent.... for it is all in the opportunity.
This will end up as exquisite fabric:
http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2568948150041536798WkcZYk
Children and Laughter:
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Endless fresh produce in the downtown markets:
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Delighted to note that having puppies and kittens as pets instead of edibles - is now a positive change since our last trip – this little citizen came barrelling around a corner literally running into me in his haste to get away / to something – discovered that his name is Jonny.
http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2686390620041536798zTZSYb
In my much mooching about in the markets - I found it VERY difficult - to pass cages full of happy little puppies - with their not knowing that some time that very day they would be on someone's dinner plate. I had to firmly remind myself to switch gears and remember that Canadians/Europeans eat calves liver, beef heart, tripe, cute baby lamb (well some do) and etc. But I still found it difficult. All in the mind.
Of the many very good restaurants our favourite was the Chocolate Café and the Sunflower Café. There are two Chocolate cafés with our preference being the one directly across from the Sunflower.
http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2053885310041536798boIvPv
In DaLat I purchased – hot off the press – a new NorthFace winter jacket with omni shield coating and zip out liner to wear as a separate jacket for hubby - $35.00 ($385.00 in Canada). Some times it can take a bit of searching to find the tiny shops which deal with either items that 'fell off the back of the truck' ..... or literally are being presented for sale with all apropro tags, but are newly designed items not as yet ready for packaging to any other country. This happened the last time I visited, and I needed a new camera - mine going kaput half way through my travels. Found a brand new SONY in Hue, at a great price - took it to Andres Electronics once I got home as I needed some help understanding a procedure ..... only to find that they were excited upside down just to see this camera as it had not as yet arrived in Canada.
Continued…..
Edited by: liamh