Greetings from Kristina and David in Vietnam
Jul 5th, 2009, 03:03 PM
#26
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Smeagol- The pre-arranged visas worked out just fine! No problems at all! We now have nifty full page visas pasted in our passports.
The rain is still coming down in buckets. We get drenched every time we set foot outside the hotel. Awoke to thunderstorms this morning. Makes wandering difficult.
To all those who say, "the hotel room does not matter, I'm only there to sleep." I say, <i>"Bah!"</i>
With all the rain and an upset tummy last night, we spent a lot of time in the room yesterday and enjoyed every minute of the sat. tv (Wimbledon finals!), comfortable spacious room, free wifi and interesting view.
The rain is still coming down in buckets. We get drenched every time we set foot outside the hotel. Awoke to thunderstorms this morning. Makes wandering difficult.
To all those who say, "the hotel room does not matter, I'm only there to sleep." I say, <i>"Bah!"</i>
With all the rain and an upset tummy last night, we spent a lot of time in the room yesterday and enjoyed every minute of the sat. tv (Wimbledon finals!), comfortable spacious room, free wifi and interesting view.
Jul 5th, 2009, 03:31 PM
#27
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Sorry you're having rain and an upset tummy, but I agree with you, I always appreciate a nice hotel room where I can take refuge from (fill in the blank) crazy moto drivers, the monsoon, touts, too many shopping temptations, the cacophony of the streets, etc
Jul 5th, 2009, 05:53 PM
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Kathie, I think the tummy trouble was indigestion caused by a very strong mid-afternoon coffee. A little Pho Ga for dinner and a Pepcid helped.
Some more photos:
First Cafe Sua Da (iced coffee) http://twitpic.com/9fu7p had while sitting on tiny blue plastic chairs on sidewalk, under awning, in rain.
While having coffee saw 4 guys go by on 1 bike! http://twitpic.com/9fv4w
Chicken soup (Pho Ga for dinner) cures all http://twitpic.com/9fy2s
Some more photos:
First Cafe Sua Da (iced coffee) http://twitpic.com/9fu7p had while sitting on tiny blue plastic chairs on sidewalk, under awning, in rain.
While having coffee saw 4 guys go by on 1 bike! http://twitpic.com/9fv4w
Chicken soup (Pho Ga for dinner) cures all http://twitpic.com/9fy2s
Jul 6th, 2009, 08:10 AM
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Found the food market this morning! Awesome. One of the cleanest wet markets I've ever seen. It's called Hang Be Market, near the north end of the lake.
A woman in the market was making Banh Cuon to order. We sat down at a tiny table and had some; http://twitpic.com/9hob2 about 50 cents for the plate.
Afternoon meal; Bun Bo-rice noodles topped with beef stirfry , peanuts and fried shallots. Fabulous! http://twitpic.com/9hy3u
A woman in the market was making Banh Cuon to order. We sat down at a tiny table and had some; http://twitpic.com/9hob2 about 50 cents for the plate.
Afternoon meal; Bun Bo-rice noodles topped with beef stirfry , peanuts and fried shallots. Fabulous! http://twitpic.com/9hy3u
Jul 6th, 2009, 12:35 PM
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Kristina:
I am enjoying reading your posts and checking out the food photos. This fourth of July, while eating hamburgers and apple pie in Boston, we remembered wistfully what we were eating last fourth of July in Hanoi. Oh, for a bowl of pho right now.
As I said, I am very much enjoying your posts...Thanks.
I am enjoying reading your posts and checking out the food photos. This fourth of July, while eating hamburgers and apple pie in Boston, we remembered wistfully what we were eating last fourth of July in Hanoi. Oh, for a bowl of pho right now.
As I said, I am very much enjoying your posts...Thanks.
Jul 6th, 2009, 02:26 PM
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Kristina, great pictures. I am sorry you are having so much rain. Both of my trips to Hanoi were in Jan. so rain was never a problem
Must tell you this story. My traveling friend and I saw an ad for Lipton tea in a small restaurant which being tea drinkers from the South we were ready for. The people who owned it never came to us,but sat down and ate their dinner. Finally we left. Never did figure that one out.
Seeing the pic of the guys on the bike I rode behind my friend, guide, on one of those through the streets of Hanoi. Don't think I would do it again.
Keep us posted.
Must tell you this story. My traveling friend and I saw an ad for Lipton tea in a small restaurant which being tea drinkers from the South we were ready for. The people who owned it never came to us,but sat down and ate their dinner. Finally we left. Never did figure that one out.
Seeing the pic of the guys on the bike I rode behind my friend, guide, on one of those through the streets of Hanoi. Don't think I would do it again.
Keep us posted.
Jul 6th, 2009, 05:19 PM
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Thanks! Glad you all are enjoying the food photos. Believe it or not, we are doing more than just eating, but I'm saving that for the real trip report.
On our way to Hue today. Any tips for seeing the sights there? I've read the typical tours can be not so great.
On our way to Hue today. Any tips for seeing the sights there? I've read the typical tours can be not so great.
Jul 7th, 2009, 11:29 PM
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Hello from Hue!
Yesterday we went to the Inperial Palace and today we went to see three of the largest royal tombs here which are outside of town.
Before we left I tried to investigate the options to go out and see the various tombs. They seemed to be via cheap group tour, motorbikes, or boat tour, from which you still need a moto to get to the sites. All of these run $5-10 per person. Another option was a private tour via a company like Exotissimo which I think was about $70 per person.
None of those appealed. So, this morning, booked a private car though the hotel which was surprisingly affordable. The cost for the car was 400,000 dong (about $23). For that, we went to 3 temples in about 3 hours. It was VERY hot and humid and nice to have an AC car to go back to between the sites.
Yesterday we went to the Inperial Palace and today we went to see three of the largest royal tombs here which are outside of town.
Before we left I tried to investigate the options to go out and see the various tombs. They seemed to be via cheap group tour, motorbikes, or boat tour, from which you still need a moto to get to the sites. All of these run $5-10 per person. Another option was a private tour via a company like Exotissimo which I think was about $70 per person.
None of those appealed. So, this morning, booked a private car though the hotel which was surprisingly affordable. The cost for the car was 400,000 dong (about $23). For that, we went to 3 temples in about 3 hours. It was VERY hot and humid and nice to have an AC car to go back to between the sites.
Jul 8th, 2009, 03:23 PM
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Shanghainese-We stayed at the Villa Hue, a hotel connected to the Hotel Management training school. It's nice and the students are earnest and eager.
If anyone wants to see more detail on the food from Hanoi, I've posted the first day in Hanoi on my blog.
http://formerchef.com
If anyone wants to see more detail on the food from Hanoi, I've posted the first day in Hanoi on my blog.
http://formerchef.com
Jul 9th, 2009, 07:47 AM
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In Hoi An now.
Had a full day today. Drove from Hue, stopping at Hai Van Pass (clear day!), the Cham Museum in DaNang, and Marble Mountain where we did a little cave climbing (NOT part of my plan).
It is SO HOT here I've been sweating more than I have anywhere, ever. Been battling dehydration which seems to sneak up on me in about 10 seconds. One minute I am fine, the next not. I know, I need to be more careful. I just can't seem to drink as much water as I'm putting out!
A little hotel drama too, but that will have to wait for the trip report!
Had a full day today. Drove from Hue, stopping at Hai Van Pass (clear day!), the Cham Museum in DaNang, and Marble Mountain where we did a little cave climbing (NOT part of my plan).
It is SO HOT here I've been sweating more than I have anywhere, ever. Been battling dehydration which seems to sneak up on me in about 10 seconds. One minute I am fine, the next not. I know, I need to be more careful. I just can't seem to drink as much water as I'm putting out!
A little hotel drama too, but that will have to wait for the trip report!
