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  • Penny Patterson

Vietnam

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Phuoc Duyen Tower

    23 février 2024, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    As we leave Hue today, we took a short dragon boat ride down the Perfume River to the Phuoc Duyen Tower, a beautiful compound showcasing Vietnamese Buddhist culture and bronze casting expertise. With its towering structure adorned in intricate carvings and vibrant colors, the tower exudes an air of elegance and spirituality. Built in the late 19th century, it stands as a tranquil sanctuary where Buddhist devotees come to offer prayers and pay homage to revered Buddhist figures. The tower's historical significance lies in its preservation of traditional Vietnamese Buddhist practices and its status as a revered place of worship. Another fantastic display of bonsai gardens, I could have spent the entire day admiring the trees and green spaces. Had to add the last picture, lots of little touristy snacks right at the bus, enjoyed the Vietnamese slant on our American snack food.En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Cao Dai Temple

    23 février 2024, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    As we made our way further south from Hue down to Hoi Ann, we stopped at the Cao Dai Temple. Founded in 1926, this religion blends elements of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Catholicism, aiming to create harmony among different religious beliefs. Vibrant mix of colors, intricate details, an adopters collection of bonsai. As one of the main centers of Cao Dai worship, it carries immense cultural and historical significance, serving as a gathering place for adherents during important ceremonies and festivals.En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    My Son - Champa Ruins

    25 février 2024, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Our last full day in Hoi An, we drove an hour outside of town to explore My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These Champa ruins hold immense historical and cultural significance, offering a glimpse into the ancient Champa Kingdom that thrived from the 4th to the 13th centuries. The main building material was sandstone, so it's pretty incredible that some of these buildings were built back in the 4th century! This is a complex of monuments for worshiping the god King Shiva, located under Cat's Tooth mountain, or what the locals call Sacred Bird mountain, which is the god of peace and wealth. The structures are built from sandstone, so many are badly deteriorated but lots of work is in progress to preserve them. Many, many heads are missing from the temples and statues, as back in the day, and probably today still, they are worth a lot of money on the black market. Some in the group said they have seen some of these heads in museums around the world, so the artifacts are finding their way out of private collections and into public museums so we can all learn more about this history. One of the interesting animal sculptures is the Vietnamese dragon, with its jaw opened wide, with a long, thin tongue. These dragons always keep a châu (gem/jewel) in their mouths, which is a symbol of humanity, nobility and knowledge. Stark reminders of more recent history are abundant, with giant divots in the ground, where Americans dropped thousand pound bombs during the Vietnam war. We saw a series in a line, representing an example of a carpet bombing campaign. On a lighter note, there were several cluster fig trees on the banks of the river, which I believe we ate at the nunnery at our vegan lunch. At the time none of us at the table could believe we were eating figs because we were thinking of the figs back home.En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Beach day

    26 février 2024, Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Took a day off from seeing temples and ruins today and walked the beach. Felt great just to listen to the ocean and get our feet wet . The hotel is right across the street from the beach and we were able to walk barefoot 1.2 miles down to a craft brew place. Good beer and good people watching, this seems to be a European beach destination. Not a fancy area, there are high-rise hotels as far as the eye can see on this stretch of the beach with really high waves close to the edge because of a deep drop off. The name of the brew house is Lousiane but there is no connection to Louisiana or the Abita beer back home. Nha Trang was an important coastal city, serving as a trading post for various civilizations, including the Cham, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Nha Trang also played a crucial role during the Vietnam War as a base for American troops.En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Long Son Pagoda

    27 février 2024, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    We explored the Long Son Pagoda this morning, the oldest temple in Nha Trang. Our motorcycle trip took us through the busy city center, and then found smaller streets to wind up to the top of a hill, overlooking the city. We started with the White Buddha, standing at a height of 24 meters and made of concrete. It was built in 1963 and is a symbol of peace and enlightenment.

    As we carefully made our way down the stairs, we found the Reclining Buddha: This 14 meter long statue is a representation of the Buddha during his final moments before reaching nirvana, which is the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice. There are a few Jewish women in the group who pointed out what looked like swastika on various statues and monuments. There are two very prominent signs on the bottom of the Reclining Buddhist feet, but they are completely different. In Buddhism, this sign is considered to symbolise the auspicious footprints of the Buddha. The left-facing sauwastika is often imprinted on the chest, feet or palms of Buddha images. It is an an iconic symbol for the Buddha in many parts of Asia and homologous with the dharma wheel.    En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Rice & Weaving

    27 février 2024, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    As we continued on from the White Buddha via motorcycle, we stopped at a rice field to get a close look at it. Just beautiful, a sea of green, with the local farmer's house behind. Way off in the distance, you could still see the White Buddha. A moment of comedy as we pulled up behind two gentlemen transporting the Virgin Mary on their scooter. We made a stop in the village to watch a demonstration of two ladies weaving grass into textiles like placemats and runners. Vibrant colors, very cool to watch and I got to practice for a bit.En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Mr. Huang

    27 février 2024, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    Continuing on our motorcycle trip, we went deeper into a village to have a chat with the Chief. As usual, Young completely undersold this event. Mr. Huang served as a paratrooper in the Vietnam war, a Red Beret. He started by getting all of us involved in making a local drink: muddled mint, lemongrass, and lime in the glass, with a mixer of hand squeezed lime, 7Up, sugar, topped off lemon grass stalk with a crushed end. We did the work, he directed us, so the mood was quite festive... Until we understood who he was and we became quite somber as he shared his story. He had fond memories of his American counterparts who trained him in the 5th battalion in Airborne. The men had 4 cigarettes with each meal, and he would smoke with his fellow military partners. But he went on to describe the hardship of when the 'Americans left .' He spent 6 months in a re-education camp and knew of others who were kept 5-10 years. Bottom line, he shared his opinion that we never should have gotten involved, as this country has been dealing with internal conflict for centuries.En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Vinpearl Harbor

    27 février 2024, Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Well this day took a turn! Young had pointed out Vin Pearl Island as we came into town, and he said it was a big amusement park. We didn't think anything more about it but then earlier today he said there was a promotion going on about taking a cable car out to the island. He said he didn't think it was really open, and there might be a few shops to look at. The entire group said we would go, and off we went. Wow... It is the largest over ocean cable car in Asia, and this island is part of a mega complex , with a resort, amusement park, and this last bit that is still under construction is a shopping district called Vin Pearl Harbor. Some of the group said it reminded them of Disneyland. Completely over the top, looked like a fantastic place to come spend an evening...had a DJ, people dancing, shopping and food. I looked it up online, it's a destination where the entire family could play for a weekend or a week. Even our guide was surprised, he had not been there before. Making a note for future travels. It wasn't crowded at all, and it first we thought that this was another example of a big expenditure that was not going to be profitable. However, we are in off peak season right now, with the busiest times being May through August for the summer break, and then major holidays like Tet, National Day, or Reunification Day.
    Here's a summary from ChatGPT: Vinpearl Island, located in Nha Trang, Vietnam, is a stunning getaway that offers a mixture of natural beauty, entertainment, and luxurious accommodations. Here is some detailed information about its history, construction, and attractions:

    History:
    Vinpearl Island, previously known as Hon Tre Island, has a rich history dating back centuries. The island has been inhabited for a long time, primarily by local fishermen. Over the years, it has witnessed significant developments, transforming from a quiet retreat into a bustling entertainment destination.

    Construction:
    Vinpearl Island's transformation began in 2001 when Vingroup, one of Vietnam's leading real estate development companies, acquired the island. They decided to build a world-class resort and amusement park complex to attract tourists and enhance Nha Trang's tourism industry. The construction process involved transforming the island's landscape, building luxurious resorts, creating a water park, and introducing various entertainment facilities.

    Attractions:
    1. Vinpearl Land: This amusement park, spanning 200,000 square meters, is the crown jewel of Vinpearl Island. It offers a wide range of attractions, including thrilling rides, water slides, roller coasters, a 4D cinema, a massive aquarium, and a variety of shows and performances.

    2. Vinpearl Cable Car: The cable car connecting the mainland to the island is one of the most iconic features of Vinpearl. With a length of 3,320 meters, it was once the longest cable car in the world. The ride offers breathtaking views of Nha Trang Bay, making it a memorable experience.

    3. Vinpearl Resort: The island boasts several luxurious accommodation options, including the Vinpearl Resort & Spa and Vinpearl Luxury Nha Trang. These resorts offer high-end amenities, private beaches, world-class restaurants, and relaxing spa facilities.

    4. Vinpearl Safari: A unique attraction on the island is Vinpearl Safari, a wildlife reserve showcasing a diverse array of animals. Visitors can embark on an exciting safari tour, where they can observe various species up close and learn about conservation efforts.

    5. Vinpearl Golf Club: Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the Vinpearl Golf Club, a beautifully designed 18-hole golf course offering picturesque views of the surrounding area. It provides a challenging and enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels.

    6. Vinpearl Beach: Vinpearl Island features stunning stretches of white sandy beaches, complemented by crystal-clear waters. Visitors can relax, swim, sunbathe, or engage in various water sports activities, such as jet skiing, snorkeling, and kayaking.

    Overall, Vinpearl Island has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its exceptional resorts, thrilling rides, wildlife encounters, and beautiful beaches. It offers a well-rounded experience, combining luxury, entertainment, and natural beauty in one picturesque location.    En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Dalat!

    28 février 2024, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Overland to Dalat today, wound up the mountains to a beautiful town where the downtown has many examples of French architecture, including Art Deco and French colonial alongside traditional Vietnamese design. The natural landscape and temperature reminded me a lot of Big Bear...started seeing pine trees and the air was definitely cooler. Lots of waterfalls on the way. Outside of Dalat, we started seeing the greenhouses.

    Located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, Dalat was founded by the French in the late 19th century during the colonial period. Historically, Dalat served as a retreat and summer resort for the French colonialists due to its cooler climate and picturesque landscapes. The city was meticulously designed and constructed to resemble a French town, with villas, gardens, and boulevards. It became a popular destination for both the French settlers and the Vietnamese elite during the colonial era.

    After a 4-hour bus ride including the stops, we had a very civilized lunch with a wine list which was a big bonus for many in the group. A local tribal family came to talk to us, played some local instruments, and got us all up to dance. Then we headed to the hotel, dropped our bags, and hit the streets.    En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Crazy House

    28 février 2024, Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    We stayed at the Sammy hotel which is right around the corner from a famous landmark, the Crazy House. Our guide warned us that it was very steep with lots of steps and he was not kidding. Super super cool, and the creator Lady Nga actually still lives there, she is 84, and you can stay there as a hotel. A bit of history:

    The Crazy House in Dalat, Vietnam is a unique architectural attraction that holds significant cultural and historical value. Created by Vietnamese architect Đặng Việt Nga, it stands as a testament to her artistic and creative vision. The house, officially known as Đà Lạt Hang Nga Guesthouse, is renowned for its unconventional design and fantastical elements.

    The Lady Đặng Việt Nga, a daughter of Trường Chinh (a former President of Vietnam), envisioned the Crazy House as an embodiment of her passion for art and nature. Inspired by the works of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, she aimed to create a harmonious blend of architecture and environment. Over a span of several decades, starting in the late 1990s, Nga brought her unique vision to life.

    The Crazy House's design draws inspiration from organic forms found in nature, resembling giant trees, spiderwebs, caves, and mushrooms. It features winding staircases, irregularly-shaped rooms, and whimsical details that challenge traditional architectural norms. Nga aimed to create a surreal, dream-like experience for visitors, merging the boundaries between reality and imagination.

    Nga's primary motivation for designing the Crazy House was to break free from the constraints of conventional architecture. She wanted to challenge the concept of a "normal" house and create a space that unleashes creativity and uniqueness. Nga also aimed to promote art, nature, and individual expression through her creation.

    The Crazy House has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world. Its cultural and historical significance lies in its representation of artistic freedom and non-conformity. The unique structure stands as a symbol of Nga's rebellion against the rigid architectural standards prevalent during her time, while also showcasing the beauty and possibility of embracing unconventional ideas.    En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Dalat Market

    28 février 2024, Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Tonight is our home hosted dinner, so we headed out to explore the central market for last minute gifts to bring. Fruit, vegetables, and flowers everywhere. Lots of strawberries. I think our guide was worried we would eat too much at the dinner, so we had a local specialty, avocado ice cream. It was condensed milk, coconut, ice cream, and avocado. Very good, and very filling. The market mainly has food products during the day, restaurants will shop for their menus later that afternoon, and then the clothing vendors come out at night.En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Dalat Agriculture

    29 février 2024, Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    We headed out for an agricultural tour and started with a greenhouse just outside of town where they grow roses and Gerber daisies. They explained the different types of fertilizer they use and we watched while a farmer was tilling lime and fertilizer into a patch where they had just pulled out lilies. They use goat poop for roses because it doesn't stink like the cow poop. He also gave us a great trick on how to pick Gerber daisies, and you should never cut them, but simply pull them at the base of the plant which will then allow the flowers to stay fresh for 10 days. Two main industries in Dalat: Tourism, with South Korea being primary, and agriculture. Dalat is referred to as the "vegetable garden" of Vietnam. The hillsides for as far as you can see once you get out of town, are covered with greenhouses. They grow flowers, fruits, tea, coffee, and vegetables.

    A bit of history....
    The Dutch East India Company, also known as the VOC (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie), played a significant role in international trade, including Southeast Asia. The main purpose of the Dutch in Vietnam was to establish trade relations and acquire valuable commodities such as spices, silk, and other goods.

    While the Dutch did have a presence in the southern parts of Vietnam, including areas such as Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), there is limited historical evidence to suggest a significant Dutch influence specifically in the development of agriculture in Dalat.

    Dalat's agricultural development owes more to French efforts during the colonial era. The French recognized the region's fertile soil and suitable climate for agriculture and initiated various agricultural projects in the area, including the cultivation of coffee, tea, vegetables, and flowers.

    Under French colonial rule, Dalat became a center for experimental farming and horticulture. Research institutions and agricultural schools were established, introducing modern farming techniques and the cultivation of new crops. The French encouraged local farmers to diversify their agricultural practices, leading to the city's reputation as a prosperous agricultural hub.

    While the Dutch did have a historical presence in parts of Vietnam, including agriculture-related activities, their direct involvement in Dalat's agricultural development is not as significant as the French contribution. It was primarily the French who played a major role in shaping the agricultural landscape of the city and establishing its reputation as a center for high-quality produce.    En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Weasel coffee

    29 février 2024, Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Our agriculture tour continued with a visit to the weasel coffee operation. Not what I was expecting... I thought the weasels loved to eat the coffee beans so much that they would stay close to an open air grove of coffee trees, but that is not the case. They're in a giant enclosure, kind of like a greenhouse and they're each in their own individual cages. Perhaps that's easier to collect the poop. Coffee trees were beautiful and some were in bloom with three different varieties: Robusta, Arabica, and Moca (small tree, big flower, big flavor). I ate a bean off the tree, of course, and I swear I thought it made my tongue numb but apparently that is in my mind. Coffee bean flowers smell amazing. Our guide walked us through the proper way to have a Vietnamese coffee as we sat out on the deck and looked out over the hillside. There was live music in another section of the facility and it reminded me of wine tasting in Oregon or California.

    What is weasel coffee? In our guide's words, it is weasel shit coffee. Vietnam is the 2nd largest coffee exporter with 1.5M tons annually . The trees thrive in their red, volcanic soil. Me Linh coffee garden is definitely a great place to spend an afternoon, just pass on through the tourist gift shop and make your way out to the cafe with the live music.    En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Farming Village

    29 février 2024, Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Continuing on from the coffee farm, we stopped at a village that represents the housing provided to the farmers after reunification. We took a Dalat limousine....which is a trailer pulled by a tractor. The farmer had his baby in a sling while driving and his dog followed us along. Beautiful vistas, and then much poverty as we moved into the village. Visited a church, a demonstration of how they dry rice and corn, and then a local weaver. Crazy.... She stretched the loom by looping part of the thread behind her back while stretching the rest with her feet. Talk about yoga poses.... She was working on baby slings, needing to fill 3 orders.En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Peppercorn & University

    29 février 2024, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    As we were making our way down the mountain back to Dalat, we pulled over to inspect some pepper plants! Very cool, they are vines that are trained on old trees or poles.

    Pepper is primarily grown in Vietnam's central highland regions, such as Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Kon Tum, and Lam Dong provinces, where the favorable climate and soil conditions are suitable for its cultivation. Pepper plants typically start bearing fruit after three to four years of planting. Farmers harvest the mature pepper berries by handpicking or using tools like shears or knives. Apparently black, red, and white pepper are all the same berry, just different stages of drying in processing! That was a fun fact of many from today! I of course had to pop a couple of green peppers in my mouth and holy bananas, super spicy!

    The day ended with us going to the University of Dalat, to hear one of the lecturers talk about this small provincial college. We left the lecture room and a swarm of 20-year-olds gathered all around us and two chose me and off we went to practice their English. It was really fun, and another example of how they are teaching English at a very young age to the Vietnamese children here, but they don't have significant opportunities to actually practice with a native speaker. We had a leisurely tour around campus and talked about their nightlife and school life. High school and college kids who live in the dorm have to take military classes, in their words " in case there is another war". Living in the dorm is a challenge, because they close at a certain time, and many of the kids need to work in the restaurants that are open late. Phyllis and Rebecca are in apartments but can't work because some of their classes are late at night. Very small offering of courses, so they are going to school morning and night. I made a note to look into how I could get on a zoom call with some of these kids and help them practice their English when I get back.    En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Saigon!

    1 mars 2024, Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    Up early to fly from Dalat to Ho Chi Minh, then headed straight out to the post office which is a well preserved example of French colonial architecture. We then went to the War Remnants Museum....which was very difficult. Only took one picture, seemed grossly inappropriate to be snapping photos. All the descriptions and exhibits were from the Vietnam perspective of course, which I appreciated to counterbalance my understanding from the American perspective. Some in the group dismissed the information as propaganda......yet the pictures were taken by American photographers and a good portion of the quotes and articles were from American congressmen and journalists. The Agent Orange portion was particularly hard. Dow and Monsanto supplied that chemical to defoliate the jungles. Would recommend going through this exhibit with the audio tour and budgeting for 2 hours and a pocketful of issues.

    On a lighter note, here's a great example of the sidewalk life..    En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Mekong fruit farm

    2 mars 2024, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 33 °C

    Took a boat up the Mekong to tour a local's fruit farm. He was given the land in 1975 after reunification and it was just a mangrove swamp. His family dug trenches to prevent flooding and provide irrigation. They then planted crops that are commercially viable and to provide for his family. Jackfruit, Vietnamese versions of apples and pears, cocoa, etc. Of course I ate a fresh cocoa bean as soon as he popped the fruit open... can't say it tasted like chocolate but it was very sweet and delicious. His grandkids collected fruit as we were walking around, which they then served to us on his back patio. His wife was super cute, and she follows the local tradition of making rice crackers which she offered for sale. They were really yummy, the taste of the coconut came through. We all worry so much about our perfect gardens and weeding back in the States, and this guy has irrigation tubing lying everywhere, handmade trenches, trees all over the place, not in any kind of organized pattern, and produces enough fruit to make a living. Full of fruit and crackers, we continued on our journey back out to the delta and on to lunch.En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Lunch at Mien Tay

    2 mars 2024, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 34 °C

    As we continued our journey through the Mekong Delta, we stopped for lunch at Mien Tay and then watched a side operation make coconut candy. The Delta was really cool, it reminded me of the Atchafalaya swamp down in Louisiana with one main river and then countless side rivers, tributaries, pathways that lead to people's homes or interests to villages.

    We took a sampan, a traditional flat bottom wooden boat, from the fruit farm through the mangroves to a dock. Then walked down a beautiful path lined with coconut trees to get on a Xe Lambro, a three-wheeled vehicle similar to auto rickshaws in India. Lunch was fun, we sat right on the water and reserved a whole fish, which luckily the gentleman picked for us to put inside spring rolls with greens, herbs, and pineapple.    En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Night out in Saigon

    2 mars 2024, Vietnam ⋅ 🌙 30 °C

    I came on this trip super judgy about people that come all the way over to this country and don't eat their food. I was going to eat pho every day and try absolutely everything. If there was a hostile nearby, we would frequently every pass an Italian, Mexican or American place I would just turn my nose up. However, I got there today..... I simply could not eat another piece of fish or shrimp. So we went to the craft brew place around the corner, had a flight of locally brewed IPA and Stout. After tasting a selection of six, decided on a half pint of Jasmine IPA that was delicious, then proceeded to have hand cut sweet potato fries, and a hot Nashville chicken sandwich. Complete heaven. To top it off, Mark spotted a speakeasy around the corner so we proceeded up the dark stairwell to this dimly lit room and had a quite civilized cocktail.

    The bartender climbed up on the bar to literally get the top shelf scotch that Mark wanted, Spring Branch. Very cozy, definitely could not get drunk because you would kill yourself going down the four flights stairs, but it is right around the corner from our hotel. Dark, quiet, sexy and we had a nice, deep conversation about what we had learned from our travels so far. Then went down the stairs, immediately were hit with the smoke from the raw chicken cooking over charcoal on the sidewalk outside the door, trash on the other side of the door, loud music, people eating and partying everywhere around us. It was like we had a small vacation from Vietnam and then we were back in it 🙂    En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Cu Chi Tunnels

    3 mars 2024, Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Explored the tunnels today, including actually duck walking through three separate ones. Totally crazy. 248 km of tunnels built and used 1948-1974. Located in Cu Chi District, about 40 kilometers northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Tunnels were originally constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters (Viet Cong) during the 1940s against French colonial forces. The complex network of tunnels was expanded and improved over the years, eventually becoming an important stronghold for the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

    The first layer underground was for medical and other large meeting rooms, with two sub levels where people could live during large bombing attacks. They had air holes disguised as termite mounds, and had even dug a well. One of the tunnels connected to the river and they alternatively could escape that way. When they cooked, they devised a three thatched roof ventilation system with palm fronds and cotton filtering the smoke so that when it was escaping, it simply blended in with the fog. These tunnels were the main protection from airstrikes, artillery, and ground attacks but also used for storing supplies.

    The Cu Chi Tunnels stand today as a symbol of the Vietnamese people's resilience, resourcefulness, and determination in the face of adversity.    En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Lunch with Viet Cong

    3 mars 2024, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 34 °C

    Had lunch today with three Viet Cong, very emotional for many of the group. Young was able to interpret the stories they wanted to share with us and then have several questions that we had answered. I had two main takeaways. First, one of them said they have been in conflict for generations, internally with themselves, then the Chinese, and French, so our short intervention was not significant in terms of their history. That matched up with the history that I studied before I came and have been wondering about. Secondly, time heals all wounds. He shared that the younger generation coming up is interested in technology, the economy is focused on growing, innovating, and tourism. Seemed there are similarities between the younger generation coming up in the states being disconnected from their family with their devices and what is happening now with his grandkids. All three men served in the war, one of them was injured and spent 6 months in the tunnels. Didn't take many pictures as it not seem appropriate, but they insisted on a group photo.En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Last night in Vietnam

    3 mars 2024, Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 34 °C

    Today was a hard day after having lunch with the Viet Cong and exploring the tunnels. Many people cried throughout the day, and Sally and I took some time to ourselves to have a beer and debrief. We rallied, got cleaned up, and went out for our last dinner before we fly out to Cambodia tomorrow. As we walked to the pedestrian boulevard, a group of students mobbed us and asked if they could practice their English with us. It was really cute and we proceeded to do just that, ending after several minutes with a group photo. They said that they learn English at an early age in school, but they do not get the opportunity to practice it. This is the year of the dragon, and the boulevard was decorated with these giant bamboo woven dragons and was quite the hot spot for the evening. Uncle Ho of course was overlooking us in front of a French colonial building.En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Cambodia!

    4 mars 2024, Cambodge ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    Had a civilized noon flight out of Saigon today, so we got to sleep in. Check in and immigration took a really long time but we were there early so no stress. We found the lounge so we know the layout for when we come back through on our final trip home. We hit the ground running with a pickup with our new guide Jack, who did a nice job of filling the time during transport to the hotel with Cambodian geography and an overview of our itinerary. After a quick late lunch at the hotel, we jumped in our remorque and went for a tour of the downtown. Very much like a tuk tuk, which is an auto rickshaw, a remorque is a trailer that is attached to a motorbike. I like tuk tuk better so I will continue to refer to it as such. We bought lotus flowers for offerings at the temple in the Royal gardens. On the way he pointed out the thousands of bats that live in the trees right above our heads and the park. They are fruit bats and you could see them all hanging in these super high canopies.
    Next stop was an area that they close down to motorized traffic in the evening so people can get out and about, have a drink, have a massage, and a bite to eat. There was a shopping area, too but few of us were feeling that. But now we have several options we can go back to as we're here for a few days. Back into the tuk tuk for a trip out to dinner, at the beautiful restaurant Mahob with indoor and outdoor seating. We were the first to arrive and thought we had the whole thing to ourselves, but two glasses of wine in, and we looked around and the entire thing was filled. Even saw a Viking bus parked outside, so this really was a fancy place 🙂    En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Monastery & Angkor National Museum

    5 mars 2024, Cambodge ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Our first stop this morning was Wat Kessaram, one of the many killing fields that serves today as a monastery. We met with a monk who chose this temporary life because he came from a very poor family. The monastic life provides him with food, a roof over his head, and a discount on university tuition. The monks here are very different from the Buddhist monks and nuns we visited with in Vietnam. They are not allowed alcohol, sex, or personal possessions. I think that is why this monk looked very unhappy the entire time we were there.

    We then toured the national museum, which was very impressive. Lots of well-preserved artifacts, and I appreciated the artistry in carving the lentils and different statues. Lots of Hindu influence, as well. All very male dominated, almost all the statues were men.    En savoir plus

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  • Penny PattersonVietnamVoyageur

    Apsara Dance

    5 mars 2024, Cambodge ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C

    A lot of people were fading in the heat, so our crew took a short detour to the spa for a break in the action. Then we went out for dinner and a show, taking a tuk tuk and a lot of trust out of the main central area to a beautiful restaurant. Apsaras' dance dates back to the 7th century, part of the Khmer culture with roots in both Hindu and Buddhist mythologies. UNESCO recognized this dance in 2003 as a masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage of humanity.

    Each dance represented a different tale and we enjoyed following along as they did a great job demonstrating each story without words.    En savoir plus

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