Posted on April 6 by Juliana
Hue is a unique city with lots to see. I would love to stay longer, but Tom and I are both ready for the beach. Tomorrow we’ll take the train back to the south, and then we’re going to a town called Vung Tau. It has several beaches and is famous for crafts made out of seashells. Vietnam is an amazing country with so much variety—big modern cities, small traditional towns, mountains, jungles, and beaches. Two weeks here just isn’t enough. A
Posted on April 4 by Juliana
Now we’re in the old capital city of Hue. After hiking around the Sapa Mountains, it’s nice to have accommodations with electricity and a shower! Our trip to Sapa was long and exhausting. From there, we took a van to a small village in the mountains and went hiking for three days. The people who live there are called Hmong. They live a very basic life—no electricity or telephones. They don’t have many possessions, but they are the kindest, friendliest people I’ve ever met. Everyone smiles and says “hello.” Tom and I can only speak a few words of Vietnamese, so smiling is the best way of communicating. This afternoon, we’re taking a walking tour in Hue. We’re going to visit the Forbidden Purple City, where the emperor lived. B
Posted on March 27 by Juliana
Ho Chi Minh City is fantastic! The pagodas are fabulous and the different Buddha statues are wonderful to look at. We visited a market in Cholon, in the western part of the city, and saw an amazing range of fruits and vegetables. Everything was so colorful. We took hundreds of photographs! Later today we take the train north. We’ll stay in Hanoi for two days, then catch a bus to Sapa. Tom can’t wait to go trekking in the mountains. C
Posted on March 24 by Juliana
Greetings from Vietnam! Tom and I arrived here this afternoon tired but excited. This is our first trip to Asia and the friendliness of the people is amazing. All the different sights and smells make us eager to try everything—especially the food! We’re looking forward to eating spring rolls and pho for dinner. Our hotel is cheap and very clean. The owners are friendly and helpful; they seem to like us. They gave us drinks when we arrived and have told us about some places that we shouldn’t miss. We plan to stay here in Ho Chi Minh City for a few days and visit temples in the city, then travel to the north. D