Almost north of the DMZ....
Hello friends, I'm leaving the former Imperial city of Hue tonight for Hanoi. I went to the old Imperial City this morning and to the tomb of one of the old emperors. It was really cool. Unfortunately a lot of the city was bombed in the war (the VC held this city for 25 days during the Tet Offensive), so a lot of the historic areas were destroyed.
The tomb was beautiful. There was a pond and some forest, etc. I thought it looked a little bit like Lakewood Cemetery. It thought it was interesting that natural beauty seems to be universally enjoyed.
I went with my new Canadian friend Christina to get a massage this afternoon. She's had really nice ones in the past, but we got scammed. It was really upsetting. We paid for an hour massage and got 15 minutes of uncomfortable poking. We tried to get our money back and they wouldn't budge. It was frustrating.
We had a fabulous lunch in a little street cafe that I don't think ever gets any foreigners. It was one of the best meals I've had here so far--all for $1. I've had some crappy food for a lot more than that. There was a piece of pork on top of delicious rice. The pork was marinated in something sweet and salty that had formed a gooey crust on the outside (but in a good way). It was terrific. The ladies let me take a picture of their "kitchen" and we all had fun trying to understand each other.
I bought a plane ticket to Saigon today for December 28. I don't like backtracking, but I'm trying to go easy on myself. I didn't know when I started that I want to spend time in Malaysia more than in Laos. So, I'll get to Saigon and take a 6 hour bus ride to Phnom Penh. Phnom Penh to Siem Riep to Bangkok to lots of fun, fun, fun.
I'm really happy I'm here. I'm also really happy my horrible homesickness was short-lived. I know it'll be back, but I think I know how to deal with it better now than I did before. I'm excited for the other things I'm going to do in Vietnam, but also to move on to other countries.
For some reason I'm having some trouble viewing my blog and comments, though I'm not having any problems with posting. I don't know why, but it may be a few days before I can read your comments.
XOXO!
Lauren
posted by Lauren at 4:42 AM
6 Comments:
We continue to be able to access your blog without problems and are appreciative of your almost daily itinerary reports. Your Canadian friends sound delightful. Having a couple of enjoyable companions to share your travels with enhances your own enjoyment of the sights and other experiences of your trip and we trust that you'll find similarly enjoyable friendships along the rest of the route. Now, if only you could run into someone you could discuss base trim and mitered corners with......
Stay well!
George
6:44 PM
For a unique high-end experience, book passage aboard the Emeraude -- a copy of a French steamer that once plied these waters in the early 20th century. Certainly the largest boat at 55m (180 ft.), the elegant Emeraude has 38 cabins, a fine-dining outlet, and plenty of room to stretch your legs. The luxury trip comes with a price tag, of course, but the 2-day, 1-night cruise is well worth it.
Leaving Hanoi at 8am, you'll check in at the private Emeraude pier and be shuttled to the boat. Before checking in to your cabin, you'll enjoy welcome drinks and a quick orientation. Compact, as ship cabins always are, onboard rooms are decked out in hardwood, with nice fixtures like air-conditioning, a private reading lamp, slippers for shuffling about the decks, and a tidy, compact bathroom area with toilet, shower, and a separate room for a small sink stand. Everything onboard is retro, which means pleasing hardwood, brass, and fine linens. The oversize wicker chairs on the top deck are cozy, and you'll find shaded areas as well as sun-worshipping space. A casual, friendly atmosphere pervades, especially when the corks start popping.
Dining onboard is a delicious buffet, and most guests find themselves sharing a meal with new friends. Lunch on day 1 is followed by a stop at the Surprise Cave, then an afternoon of cruising and great views of the islands. The boat docks in a quiet harbor and guests have an opportunity to, on their own or with a guide, explore nearby Trinh Nu and Hang Trong, the Virgin Cave and the Cave of the Winds, or take a dip in the bay. The back of the boat is low in the water and there is a sturdy ladder making it easy to get on and off (the adventurous will join the crew for dives off the upper decks). Dinner is a sumptuous affair of fine local cuisine (heavy on seafood) and good Western options. Enjoy drinks on the upper deck as you watch the moonlight glisten off the bay.
Day 2 starts with tai chi classes on the sun deck as a brilliant sunrise paints its colors on the arching canvas of high limestone peaks jutting from the glassy waters. Blissful. After your exercise, tuck in to a hearty Western-style breakfast. The boat returns to the dock by 9:30am, and a direct transfer finds you back in Hanoi by lunchtime. The trip is quite memorable, and a ride on this retro ship, outfitted to the nines, is unique to Halong Bay. The price for the overnight cruise is $290 for a luxury cabin for two and $490 for the one-suite room, but discounts for larger groups are available. Transfer from Hanoi costs $100 for a four-seat vehicle. Check the website at www.emeraude-cruises.com or call the offices at the Press Club in Hanoi (tel. 04/934-0888; fax 04/934-0899).
11:12 PM
Whaa??
We have blog-marketing now? What is this world coming to?
r
7:05 PM
LORENA, LORENA!! Aha!! I found you and you are in ASIA!!!HOORAY
I was going to email, but thought Id blog instead!! (Ha, ha, get it?)What better way than to cure any travel blues than to know that friends are nearby, or at least on the same continent?! AHHH!!!! This is all so exciting huh? Im wondering if my blog/techno ignorance has led me away from any proposed plan of action you may have, or some vague sketch of an itinerary? Perhap we can cross paths?? Or shall I say we must!! We will be heading Northward toward Laos and Vietnam in maybe 5 weeks or so?? I dunno? India?? AHHHH!! Joy of all joys!! So glad you are well, amazing that you are digestively sana!!! Keep up the writting, its awesome. See you soon!! AHHHH!!!! Love, Core
P.S. YOU MUST SCUBA IN THAILAND!!!!
5:27 AM
Hi all. It is possible that Lauren posted the cruise comment by anonymous. She called home Tuesday AM and said she would be out of touch until Friday because she was going on a short cruise. She sounded well. She daid again that she is having trouble reading comments so if you want to write you can also uuse her e-mail. laurenemilywinter@gmail.com Nancy
11:31 AM
Thanks for that clarification, Nancy. It just struck me as some unknown person who trolled blogs looking for a some reason to sell something. I feel better now that I've calmed down!
Rynda
9:26 PM
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