Vietnam

After so many months, I finally got to travel again. This time, Vietnam. With my secondary school buddy, Juliet and her hubby and her friend. First time without you guys la (u know who u are) ... I went for a week and when I told this to most of the people, they were wondering what I can do there in a week !!! If just to stay at Hanoi itself, I don't think I will like this country.

Hanoi

We arrived at the airport, greeted by a non-English speaking taxi driver that was sending us to our hotel. His driving was exciting. As Juliet's hubby put it, we were like in a video game, honking and swerving from left to right in the Hanoi's traffic. Hanoi in my memory will always be the city with vehicle's honking sounds, from day to night. We only spent our first and last days at Hanoi, so I guess I did not give the city a chance to show its charm. During our stay in Hanoi, we went to places like Museum of Ethnology, Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter, Water Puppet Show, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature. One thing that I notice about the building in Vietnam is they are high and 'slim' ... I still remember that I had to climb to the highest floor of my hotel in Hanoi before I can rest !!! 6th floor? No wonder there are no FAT people in Vietnam ... hehehe ....



During the visit in Hanoi, it was more enjoyable when we were accompanied by the university students in Hanoi. Juliet found Hanoi Kids, a non-profit student-run organization where the members voluntarily took us to tour around Hanoi. Thanks to Quang and Jenda !!!



Quang, having tofu fa with us at the lake side ...



Jenda was posing for a tourist at Temple of Literature. The uncle told her that she would make his students smiling at this photo ...


Halong Bay



I really like this place because it's the sea. Too bad that it was raining and cloudy on the two days that I spent there. My first time spending the night on a boat was enjoyable. Waking up looking at the sea and mountain, I would ask nothing more. The scenery at Halong Bay was like the Chinese water painting.

I was lucky that one of the couple on the boat was celebrating their 15 years anniversary. We were invited to celebrate their anniversary together after dinner. Free cake and red wine :P. 15 years is not a short time at all. Congratulations to them !!!

I guess the most exciting activity for me is to go kayaking. I was scared of water and I don't know how to swim. I was so scared that I would fall into the water. The life jacket did not give me any comfort at all. Luckily, Hoan, the guide paired me up with Uncle Mick from London. He was really good in kayaking. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the session very much, except the soar arms after that (:P). Cruising along the calm water and looking around the surroundings, the nature, the wind ....



Uncle Mick, a retiree accountant from London.


Sapa



This would be my favourite place of all. Cold weather, fresh air, etc ... We took the train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, about 8 hours long journey. I even saw China from Lao Cai. Can't believe that I was so close to the country. Just a few steps away from the border.

First day at Sapa was a tired one. Tired but I think worth it. We started trekking for few hours to see the villages of Sapa. Due to the wet weather, the trail was muddy and slippery. Luckily, the Hmong villagers help us around. During the trekking, you can see how simple is the life of the villagers, the hill paddy field, pigs walking around like your pet dogs ... SOmething you cannot see in Malaysia ... Hahaha ...



Night view at Sapa.

This is Dung's family. He was kind enough to prepare lunch for us at his house. Cat Cat Village, Cat Cat means winding. Although it was simple, we could feel their hospitality. They even prepared a BIG bottle of rice wine for us ... Hong Mong Ju !!! (Hmong language which means Yam Seng !!!) A motor ride around the village was a joy too ...

A mountain near Bac Ha market ...

OVerall, it was really an eye opening trip for me ... Definitely gain a few new experience for myself !!!! THanks, Juliet :)