Vietnam
Motorbikes, Markets and Making Pho
As part of our holiday planning, Jo usually adds “rest” days, which are less frantic, giving us a chance to slow down and recharge. Today was our rest day, starting with a sleep in, leisurely breakfast then some low stress souvenir shopping. We are not much for souvenirs but decided to look for some uniquely … Continue reading
Ninh Binh, the Old Capital and the Dragon Stairs
Today we had an early start as we were being picked up for a day trip to Ninh Binh, the district that used to be the site of the original capital city of Vietnam, in Hoa Lu. Otherwise known as “Halong Bay on land” because of the maze of limestone mountains found there. We boarded … Continue reading
Temples, Pagodas, Literature and Water Puppets
We had a day of walking around Hanoi, with the intent of exploring temples and pagodas. Knowing nothing we thought these were interchangeable, they are not. A “Temple” is a shrine honouring important dead people – kings, scholars, prophets and so on. The Viet people are really devoted to family and ancestors, believing in you … Continue reading