Pictures from Vietnam
What a wonderful time we had in Vietnam. First of all, what a beautiful country. And second of all - what amazing food. We went to Hanoi, sailed Halong Bay and visited the mountains of Sapa. It's great to be back in Singapore now though. I'm looking at my photos (both my cameras gave up on the way to the third part of the trip) and I wanted to share some of them before going to bed.
Hanoi was the first place we arrived to in Vietnam. I took some snapshots on the way in and while walking the city later in the day. I remember you just had to walk into traffic (and hope for the best). Noone waits for anyone, the traffic flow is neverending. People here are brave; we had to be, too.
We saw local women start the day with calming tai chi by the water, went to the museum of female history, visited beautiful temples and other cultural sights.
In need of a refreshing break we went to a secret café I had read about; with a huge cat guarding the reception desk! Enjoyed the terrace lake view and ordered iced tea and coffee drinks.
We had locally brewed beer for 5000 Dông (2 SEK / 20 cents), went to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, relaxed at a charming Spa and met with local students volunteering as guides to get more insight and cultural exchange.
We had cocktails at nice hotels a couple of times and we ate the best food! Vietnamese food was really my favourite out of all while traveling during my semester in South East Asia. I loved the lemongrass chicken and catfish springrolls we had at the amazing restaurant Highway 4. Or the best phở (soup), which we enjoyed at a lunch spot where they sat everyone on simple plastic chairs, and the memorable owner put the cash into the neckline of her top. :)
We also visited the mountains of Sapa to go hiking and see something completely different than Hanoi. We took an overnight train, drinking gin from cups feeling very much like in the classic movie "Some like it hot". :)
Then we went to Halong Bay. We got a ride from Hanoi and three hours later we were at the harbour ready to board the boat. Saw a hot captain, unfortunately not ours :D Stayed in a comfy cabin each and had a few days of sailing Halong Bay ahead of us.
This was such a great trip. A tranquil journey on a vintage wooden boat, no haste, plenty of time to read and enjoy solitude or conversations. ♥
We ate amazing seafood, stopped at quaint spots to go swimming, visited a fishing village and did fun stuff like kayaking. Thank you, Vietnam! What an amazing vacation! ♥
Now I am back in Singapore and this weekend is going to be one of true student spirit. I'm going on an excursion to various cultural spots of Singapore doing some research for my Managing Communication Campaigns course project.
Vietnam, September 21st-27th
Gone off to Vietnam!
Travel plans
Finally we have some more travel plans. ♥ Nothing depresses me more than plans that never turn into action, so this evening has been a real energy booster! Today I have booked my tickets to spend recess week (rest and study time before mid-terms) at the end of this month in Vietnam as well as a weekend stay in Hong Kong (and Macau 40 minutes from there) in november. Wohoo!
