Greetings from the beautiful sandy beaches of Na Trang, about 5 hours North of Mui Ne Beach, where I left you last. We arrived here Friday night, expecting it to be much the same as Lazy Mui Ne Beach. Well we were wrong- The beach is about 10x bigger and looks alot like Surfers Paradise but more paradisy. The sand is whiter, there are coconut palms running the length of the beach and it is extremely clean. Mui Ne is what you would expect of an Asian beach, coarse dark golden sand and a moderate amount of litter. But this beach is something that you would expect in the Bahamas.
Not only boasting one of the most beautiful beach in Vietnam, there are 71 islands off the coast which are all excessible by boat. Yesterday we visited three, the names of which escape me now. After travelling over jade waters we arrived at the first island where we fed Ostriches and Deer. Then off to the second island which was the main stop of the day. There we watched a bear show which was more sad that cute because it doesn't seem like something a beer was born to do. Plus the muzzles were a little depressing. That aside, I had an awesome day there. I got to ride an Ostrich! Yes you heard me right, I rode an Ostrich and I was FREAKIN AWESOME.
From there we had a chance to frolick in the ocean and chill out in comfy deckchairs and talk to our fellow travellers. Lucky for us one couple was German and spoke english because all of the other toursits were vietnamese! Then we were treated to a Vietnamese set menu under the palms shared between 6 people each. There was bbq prawns, squid, braised fish in tomato puree and the main event- the traditional seafood hotpot. All of this was topped off with Mulberry wine from the Dalat region. After too many beers during the day with our new German friends and the mulberry wine, it was back to the deckchairs for a siesta.
After a brief sojourn, we were back on to the boat to the whole reason I booked the Tour- Hon Loa or Monkey Island. Oh. My. God. The place is crazy and covered in monkeys and they are cheeky as you can imagine. One of them took food straight out of the German man's bag as soon as they realised it was there. Another waited for some Asian toursits to fall alseep on their deckchairs, silently creeped in and nearly made off with their bag of fruit they had on the table. Lucky they woke up in time! We all had an opportunity to feed them but it was best not to do it by hand, they are still wild and a bite could give you rabies. Plus I must admit the sheer number of monkeys and them charging at you when they saw you had food made it very easy to throw the food and back away! There was a monkey show (of course, the Vietnamese seem to love training animals to do weird stuff) but this was more entertaining as it was truely amazing what these monkeys could do- walking on stills, walking tightropes blindfolded, riding bikes- pretty much anything. The wild monkeys seemed interested too because they were ducking in and around the roof trying to get a better look. Whether that was at the show or what tourists had food is another question.
It was an truely awesome day, action packed, fun filled and surrounded by the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. The photos do it no justice, from every angle there are green covered mountain/islands in the foreground and in the distance. The German man we were travelling with had been to the Caribbean, Mauritius etc and said that this had it all over them all. Vietnam is really one of the most diverse places in the world, you'll never know wht you are going to get
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
We are in Mui Ne, it must be Wednesday
Hello and greetings from the chilled out beach town of Mui Ne Beach, on the South Central Coast of Vietnam. We left the big smoke of Ho Chi Ming City on Wednesday morning and on a impulse jumped off the bus here instead of going to Na Trang as originally planned. And I am soooooooooo glad we did
Mui Ne (Pronounced Moo-nay) Beach is a beautiful beach town that hugs the South China Sea. Here it is either all go or complete inertia- its up to you. There is kitesurfing, jetski-ing, scuba diving amongst other adrenlin water sports, or there is the beach lounge on the dark golden sand with a book and a mojito. After the crazy hype of Ho Chi Ming City, Mum and I chose the later, with no regrets.
It took most of the afternoon even to relax after being in Ho Chi Ming City, but after the could cover came and brought much needed shade and breeze, the muscles started to relax. Then a dip in the warm inviting waters of the South China Sea, I really got into the swing, or should I say sway of this place. Mui Ne is a place that wakes up late and parties late, many of the bars opening at 10pm and free drinks at 11pm. And the seafood is to die for. Mum and I sat in this little open restaurant. Well it was chairs outside on the beach with tables, but the food was AMAZING! You pick out our seafood, which may make some people squemish as it is alive, but it is so fresh and absolutely delish. We had four crabs and about a dozen prawns, bbq or grilled to perfection, all for about $25.
Then we retreated to our bungalow which is right on the beach, where we can here the waves lazily slapping the shore. As much as I had eaten myself into a food coma, I had to chill out just to let to all the food digest. But before too long the soothing sounds of the ocean took me away where I had the most peaceful rest of this whole trip.
Today we went with the local flow, chilled in this little cafe that encourages you to put your feet up on the couches, get coosy and chill out with your favourite book for as long as you want. And the breakfast was amazing- broken eegs in a clay pot with chorizo, capsicum and other goodies that puts Huevos Rancheos to shame. Thne we headed off to another cooking class where we made Pho Bo (Beef Noodle soup), Seafood Salad served in a pineapple boat, Mui Ne Pancakes with prawns and bean sprouts, Fresh Rice paper rolls with Pork and Ear Mushrooms and finished it off with Coconut Smoothies and fresh Rambutans (which is pretty much Lychees).
I have been so relaxed here that I am almost asleep and I bid you "adue" to hit one of the bars on the way home and have a refreshing cocktail and check how mum is going with her book. Tomorrow we resume our journey to Na Thrang, yet another beach location, but much bigger that Mui Ne. From there I plan to visit Monkey Island and chill out with, you guessed it, a whole heap of monkeys.
Until then my friends, Stay safe and happy xoxox
Mui Ne (Pronounced Moo-nay) Beach is a beautiful beach town that hugs the South China Sea. Here it is either all go or complete inertia- its up to you. There is kitesurfing, jetski-ing, scuba diving amongst other adrenlin water sports, or there is the beach lounge on the dark golden sand with a book and a mojito. After the crazy hype of Ho Chi Ming City, Mum and I chose the later, with no regrets.
It took most of the afternoon even to relax after being in Ho Chi Ming City, but after the could cover came and brought much needed shade and breeze, the muscles started to relax. Then a dip in the warm inviting waters of the South China Sea, I really got into the swing, or should I say sway of this place. Mui Ne is a place that wakes up late and parties late, many of the bars opening at 10pm and free drinks at 11pm. And the seafood is to die for. Mum and I sat in this little open restaurant. Well it was chairs outside on the beach with tables, but the food was AMAZING! You pick out our seafood, which may make some people squemish as it is alive, but it is so fresh and absolutely delish. We had four crabs and about a dozen prawns, bbq or grilled to perfection, all for about $25.
Then we retreated to our bungalow which is right on the beach, where we can here the waves lazily slapping the shore. As much as I had eaten myself into a food coma, I had to chill out just to let to all the food digest. But before too long the soothing sounds of the ocean took me away where I had the most peaceful rest of this whole trip.
Today we went with the local flow, chilled in this little cafe that encourages you to put your feet up on the couches, get coosy and chill out with your favourite book for as long as you want. And the breakfast was amazing- broken eegs in a clay pot with chorizo, capsicum and other goodies that puts Huevos Rancheos to shame. Thne we headed off to another cooking class where we made Pho Bo (Beef Noodle soup), Seafood Salad served in a pineapple boat, Mui Ne Pancakes with prawns and bean sprouts, Fresh Rice paper rolls with Pork and Ear Mushrooms and finished it off with Coconut Smoothies and fresh Rambutans (which is pretty much Lychees).
I have been so relaxed here that I am almost asleep and I bid you "adue" to hit one of the bars on the way home and have a refreshing cocktail and check how mum is going with her book. Tomorrow we resume our journey to Na Thrang, yet another beach location, but much bigger that Mui Ne. From there I plan to visit Monkey Island and chill out with, you guessed it, a whole heap of monkeys.
Until then my friends, Stay safe and happy xoxox
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Cambodia- "Or Kohm"
Well we has entered the final day of our times here in Cambodia and the experience has been one to remember. Mum and I have seen the floating villages and flooded forest of Tonle Sap Lake, ridden the bamboo train and prepared traditional Khmer food in Battambang, seen the wonder of the temples in Angkor, and experienced all the sights and sounds that Siem Reap has to offer.
The most rewarding experience was none of these adventures, whilst they are all imprinted in my memory. Mum and I have volunteered for the last two days just outside of the Siem Reap province, teaching underprivileged village children how to speak english and aiding Mr Ross, a local with a big heart, in building a new class room for the students. The children there were such treasures, so eager to learn and so grateful for us just being there. Mum was on such a high after our first night that she was positively buzzing and plotting how to get dad over here as she feels that she might have just found her purpose in life. Their beautiful faces will be the fondest memory I will have of Cambodia.
Through the project and on our travels through the Cambodian country side we have had the opportunity to meet a host of amazing people from all around the world- Yo from Japan, Jackie from Minnesota, Phillipe from France, Shima from Switzerland, Warren from China/California/Japan, Allone from Israel and the vivacious Miss Lousia from Singapore, just to name a few. So a big shout out to you all and thanks for all the memories!
So we wave goodbye to sleepy Siem Reap and the 50 cent beers on Pub Street and leave our quaint little bungalow behind for the amazing Ho Chi Ming City and the beginning our Vietnam adventure. Until then...
P.S. "Or Kohm" is Khmer for Thank you
The most rewarding experience was none of these adventures, whilst they are all imprinted in my memory. Mum and I have volunteered for the last two days just outside of the Siem Reap province, teaching underprivileged village children how to speak english and aiding Mr Ross, a local with a big heart, in building a new class room for the students. The children there were such treasures, so eager to learn and so grateful for us just being there. Mum was on such a high after our first night that she was positively buzzing and plotting how to get dad over here as she feels that she might have just found her purpose in life. Their beautiful faces will be the fondest memory I will have of Cambodia.
Through the project and on our travels through the Cambodian country side we have had the opportunity to meet a host of amazing people from all around the world- Yo from Japan, Jackie from Minnesota, Phillipe from France, Shima from Switzerland, Warren from China/California/Japan, Allone from Israel and the vivacious Miss Lousia from Singapore, just to name a few. So a big shout out to you all and thanks for all the memories!
So we wave goodbye to sleepy Siem Reap and the 50 cent beers on Pub Street and leave our quaint little bungalow behind for the amazing Ho Chi Ming City and the beginning our Vietnam adventure. Until then...
P.S. "Or Kohm" is Khmer for Thank you
Thursday, November 19, 2009
On The Rivers of Lazy Battambang
There is something different about Battambang. Even when there are cars whizzing past and motos weaving between them, this place has a whole different pace. Just walking through the streets this morning, watching the children running off to school, all waving hello with their beautiful smiles, it seems peaceful. Here is the real Cambodia, whereas Siem Reap is a tourist hub with the Temples being a world heritage listed tourist hot spot. Yesterday I sat on the Sanghri river and had a long conversation with a Monk, which was kind of surreal.
Of course there are tourist attractions here which would be remiss if I ignored them. On our first day here we went on the bamboo train. By the sounds of it you would assume it is a leisurely trip through the Cambodian countryside. Guess again! It s a bamboo platform with an outboard motor attached and flies down the tracks at lightning speed, and you hope that the odd village or cow that strays on to the tracks will move out of the way in time. And if there is someone coming the other way, one of the drivers has to pull their platform apart, take it off the tracks and let the other one go through. So its on all aboard- everyone off- all aboard- everyone off. Differently an experience I would suggest to anyone, like the whole of the Battambang Provence.
I also trekked up my first mountain here- Boat Mountain, the site of more temples and the infamous killing caves. It was sad to think that in those caves thousands of people were slaughtered by Pol Pot in the age of the Khmer Rouge. There are even skulls with bullet holes in them to prove it. And the trek up the mountain is not an easy one, so you can just imagine the mental anguish of the people who knew they were trekking to their deaths. Apparently Pol Pot choose this site because it was secluded and he could torture and murder the villagers without bring attention to what was going on. The mountain bears scars of other violent encounters that Cambodia has suffered. There are two long run cannons/guns which were put their by the Vietnamese during the Vietnam war, another bloodied mark in Cambodian history. It is inspiring to see the unfailing smiles of the Cambodian people and their warmth towards westerners- you can choose to bittery linger in the past or chose to live.
We also did a traditional Khmer cooking class at the Smoking Pot Restaurant which was AWESOME! We went to the markets and saw some very weird stuff. The fish we later ate was alive at the markets, lucky for me the chicken and cow had already meet their fate before we purchased them. Mum was squeamish and turned away, but I made myself watch the fish find its final moments. In Australia, everything is pre-filleted and prepackaged that we forget to give respect for the life we take so that we may live. Away from the bustling market with its weird smells and sights, we were off to our smoking pots to make a three course meal. Some people may find it strange to pay to cook your own food, but it was totally worth it- and I got a cookbook with the experience so watch out when we get home, its Khmer time!
After our stomachs were full we headed off to the Circus, which in performed by local teens of the area, funded by a NGO that helps vulnerable and impoverished children in the Battambang area. Although the whole thing was in the Khmer language, it was a fantastic night of acrobatics and comedy, with the edge of wondering "will they make the trick or not?"- because sometimes they didn't. but like the same spirit that runs through this area, if at first they don't succeed they try, try again. The audience was very forgiving and I must admit it was one of the best acrobatic shows that I was watched. It was also great to see a positive outlet for the children here, many of which were "human traffic" children intercepted before they reached Thailand.
Now it is off to the bus back to Siem Reap, after a six hour slow boat ride through Asia's largest lake and floating villages to get here just two days ago. Take the boat, come to Battambang and see just how beautiful the real Cambodia is.
Of course there are tourist attractions here which would be remiss if I ignored them. On our first day here we went on the bamboo train. By the sounds of it you would assume it is a leisurely trip through the Cambodian countryside. Guess again! It s a bamboo platform with an outboard motor attached and flies down the tracks at lightning speed, and you hope that the odd village or cow that strays on to the tracks will move out of the way in time. And if there is someone coming the other way, one of the drivers has to pull their platform apart, take it off the tracks and let the other one go through. So its on all aboard- everyone off- all aboard- everyone off. Differently an experience I would suggest to anyone, like the whole of the Battambang Provence.
I also trekked up my first mountain here- Boat Mountain, the site of more temples and the infamous killing caves. It was sad to think that in those caves thousands of people were slaughtered by Pol Pot in the age of the Khmer Rouge. There are even skulls with bullet holes in them to prove it. And the trek up the mountain is not an easy one, so you can just imagine the mental anguish of the people who knew they were trekking to their deaths. Apparently Pol Pot choose this site because it was secluded and he could torture and murder the villagers without bring attention to what was going on. The mountain bears scars of other violent encounters that Cambodia has suffered. There are two long run cannons/guns which were put their by the Vietnamese during the Vietnam war, another bloodied mark in Cambodian history. It is inspiring to see the unfailing smiles of the Cambodian people and their warmth towards westerners- you can choose to bittery linger in the past or chose to live.
We also did a traditional Khmer cooking class at the Smoking Pot Restaurant which was AWESOME! We went to the markets and saw some very weird stuff. The fish we later ate was alive at the markets, lucky for me the chicken and cow had already meet their fate before we purchased them. Mum was squeamish and turned away, but I made myself watch the fish find its final moments. In Australia, everything is pre-filleted and prepackaged that we forget to give respect for the life we take so that we may live. Away from the bustling market with its weird smells and sights, we were off to our smoking pots to make a three course meal. Some people may find it strange to pay to cook your own food, but it was totally worth it- and I got a cookbook with the experience so watch out when we get home, its Khmer time!
After our stomachs were full we headed off to the Circus, which in performed by local teens of the area, funded by a NGO that helps vulnerable and impoverished children in the Battambang area. Although the whole thing was in the Khmer language, it was a fantastic night of acrobatics and comedy, with the edge of wondering "will they make the trick or not?"- because sometimes they didn't. but like the same spirit that runs through this area, if at first they don't succeed they try, try again. The audience was very forgiving and I must admit it was one of the best acrobatic shows that I was watched. It was also great to see a positive outlet for the children here, many of which were "human traffic" children intercepted before they reached Thailand.
Now it is off to the bus back to Siem Reap, after a six hour slow boat ride through Asia's largest lake and floating villages to get here just two days ago. Take the boat, come to Battambang and see just how beautiful the real Cambodia is.
Monday, November 16, 2009
My Name is Bond, James Bond
Well we have made it to Cambodia, the land of Temples, Dust and the phrase you hear relentlessly "one dollar". Yesterday we dragged our weary heads out of bed at 4.30am afer a short flight and long wait at the airport the evening before. But it was worth it. Angkor Wat is beautiful, the reflection of the temples in the lake as the sun rises is majestic. But there was a bit of cloudy cover so we didn't get to see that much of the sun, but for what little sunrise there was is made up by temple. Angkor Wat is Huge and there are 3000 other temples here in Cambodia. All are a little different, in size and tribute, but all have a sense of serenity and peace. After the constant buzz of Ho Chi Ming City, Angkor is almost asleep.
We were driven around about 10 different temples by no other than Mr Noy, our Tuk Tuk driver. We had named him Dr No and funnily enough when we arrived inside Angkor we were asked whether we wanted some coffee or breakfast by none other than Bond, James Bond. They definitely give themselves some interesting names. And they are entrepenuers to the max. A little girl about all of 7, was tryng to get me to buy some bracelets for, you guessed it, One dollar. She asked that if she could tell me the population, capital and the last two prime ministers of Australia, would I buy. I said that I already knew all of that and quick as a whip she replied, well if you don't know the capital of Madagscar and I do, you buy my bracelets. They are good, I'll tell you that
As much as I have sooooo much more to tell you, we are off to see more temples this morning and I have to find a way to get in contact with Dad back at home. My mobile, which apparently has international roaming does not roam here and the sim mum bought here doesn't appear to be getting through to dad.
Until next time, From Cambodia with love xoxo
We were driven around about 10 different temples by no other than Mr Noy, our Tuk Tuk driver. We had named him Dr No and funnily enough when we arrived inside Angkor we were asked whether we wanted some coffee or breakfast by none other than Bond, James Bond. They definitely give themselves some interesting names. And they are entrepenuers to the max. A little girl about all of 7, was tryng to get me to buy some bracelets for, you guessed it, One dollar. She asked that if she could tell me the population, capital and the last two prime ministers of Australia, would I buy. I said that I already knew all of that and quick as a whip she replied, well if you don't know the capital of Madagscar and I do, you buy my bracelets. They are good, I'll tell you that
As much as I have sooooo much more to tell you, we are off to see more temples this morning and I have to find a way to get in contact with Dad back at home. My mobile, which apparently has international roaming does not roam here and the sim mum bought here doesn't appear to be getting through to dad.
Until next time, From Cambodia with love xoxo
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Miss Saigon Welcomes us
We have finally made it to Ho Chi Ming City- the land of hawkers, Saigon Bia (Beer) and knock off heaven! It has been a whirlwind two days where mum and I have manage to get across these crazy roads without having any close calls (we we had one each on the first day, but considering what you would call a close call here, we have been doing well)
This place is amazing and is growing expedientially. When Mum came here 4 years ago, the International airport was nothing more than a tin shed and runway admist bomb shetler ruins. Now it is a shmick airport that no westerner would even look twice at. And not just the start of the changes. Mum had told me that at the airport taxi drivers will grab you, takes your bags and put them in you car to ensure they get your fare- and then you haggle to make sure you don't get ripped off too much. So I had my backpack and every possible clip fastened around my body, looking like an over anxious mountainer... only to be appraoched by a friendly vietnamese face before I even got out of the terminal offering me a prepaid taxi coupon and a sim card to use here in Vietnam, all for around $17 in total. I felt a little silly to say the least.
Then we were off into the crazy world that is Viernam traffic. Together with the cars, buses, taxis, bikes and 100 times as many electricity cables running along the energy poles than you would ever see in Australia, my eyes were as big as saucers. Mum was amazed how much the traffic conditions had changed- yes they were still Kamekase drivers, but now most of them were wearing helmets. I felt for the poor girls here too. In a bid to keep their skin fair, they cover themselves head to toe, wear gloves, face masks and glasses in this dense humidity. I guess no matter where you are in the world, beauty is never painless!
As soon as you get here, you end up finding a pub because beer is really the only thing that takes the edge of the balmy weather- and it costs you about a dollar. Cocktails are maybe $3 which makes Mermaids at home seem most expensive place in the world to get a cocktail. Max and I had three each before we left and spend about $90.
And as you can imagine, the food is AWESOME! We Had BBQ last night which was on the roof of the local pub/cafe. It had the best view of the district and something that we take for granted hre in Australia- A breeze! The BBQ was embedded in the table and the waiter cooked all the food for you whilst entertaining you. And you have to get over here to try it because words can not explain how good it was. We had BBQ long beans and Okra, "special Goat" with Soya cheese sauce (which is strong but very tasty) and prawns with chilli and salt. Like I said, you have to try this stuff. The funny thing was, half way through the meal, you host told us why the goat was special- it was the goat's "boobies" as he put it. What can I say- "I lika tha boobie"
We have got a load of CDs, DVDs, knock off Gucci sunnies and a range of other goodies which some of you can expect as pressies when we get home. And Jada, I have been sussing out that chanel bag you wanted so don't worry. And if you let me know what size shoe you are, there might be a little something extra in your christmas stocking...
Well au vior (there is a strong french influence here in Vietnam) we are off to Cambodia tomorrow to check out the temples of Angkor Wat and Thom. When I can figure out how to get our photos up you will be the first to see them!
Signing out for now Tahnee xoxox
This place is amazing and is growing expedientially. When Mum came here 4 years ago, the International airport was nothing more than a tin shed and runway admist bomb shetler ruins. Now it is a shmick airport that no westerner would even look twice at. And not just the start of the changes. Mum had told me that at the airport taxi drivers will grab you, takes your bags and put them in you car to ensure they get your fare- and then you haggle to make sure you don't get ripped off too much. So I had my backpack and every possible clip fastened around my body, looking like an over anxious mountainer... only to be appraoched by a friendly vietnamese face before I even got out of the terminal offering me a prepaid taxi coupon and a sim card to use here in Vietnam, all for around $17 in total. I felt a little silly to say the least.
Then we were off into the crazy world that is Viernam traffic. Together with the cars, buses, taxis, bikes and 100 times as many electricity cables running along the energy poles than you would ever see in Australia, my eyes were as big as saucers. Mum was amazed how much the traffic conditions had changed- yes they were still Kamekase drivers, but now most of them were wearing helmets. I felt for the poor girls here too. In a bid to keep their skin fair, they cover themselves head to toe, wear gloves, face masks and glasses in this dense humidity. I guess no matter where you are in the world, beauty is never painless!
As soon as you get here, you end up finding a pub because beer is really the only thing that takes the edge of the balmy weather- and it costs you about a dollar. Cocktails are maybe $3 which makes Mermaids at home seem most expensive place in the world to get a cocktail. Max and I had three each before we left and spend about $90.
And as you can imagine, the food is AWESOME! We Had BBQ last night which was on the roof of the local pub/cafe. It had the best view of the district and something that we take for granted hre in Australia- A breeze! The BBQ was embedded in the table and the waiter cooked all the food for you whilst entertaining you. And you have to get over here to try it because words can not explain how good it was. We had BBQ long beans and Okra, "special Goat" with Soya cheese sauce (which is strong but very tasty) and prawns with chilli and salt. Like I said, you have to try this stuff. The funny thing was, half way through the meal, you host told us why the goat was special- it was the goat's "boobies" as he put it. What can I say- "I lika tha boobie"
We have got a load of CDs, DVDs, knock off Gucci sunnies and a range of other goodies which some of you can expect as pressies when we get home. And Jada, I have been sussing out that chanel bag you wanted so don't worry. And if you let me know what size shoe you are, there might be a little something extra in your christmas stocking...
Well au vior (there is a strong french influence here in Vietnam) we are off to Cambodia tomorrow to check out the temples of Angkor Wat and Thom. When I can figure out how to get our photos up you will be the first to see them!
Signing out for now Tahnee xoxox
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