149: Hoi An (Page 511; 2nd Ed pg 637)

Welcome to Hoi An!

Hoi An is located on the north bank of the Thu Bon River.  It is a historic town that served an an important trading port from the 16th to the 18th century.  It is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site (in 1999).  I loved the bold colors, the smells, the vibrancy of it all.

Lunch time!

Japanese Covered Bridge

Dinner at Brothers Cafe

We looked at all the lanterns throughout the day and anxiously awaited the night time views that awaited us.  We weren't disappointed!

We rented a boat so we could see the view from the water.  A good decision!

Good night, Hoi An.

Verdict:  Yes, Absolutely.  We LOVED it!!

#148: Halong Bay (Page 507; 2nd Ed pg 632)

March 22-23, 2014

Halong Bay!  I knew we would be spending two days on a "junk", so I had low expectations for our accommodations.  But we were pleasantly surprised to board our junk and be led to this beautiful room.

And eat in this beautiful Dining Room.

Unfortunately, it was a cold, drizzly, overcast couple of days.  But we made the most of it!

If it looked this beautiful in the fog, you can imagine what it would look like on a gorgeous, sunny day!

A floating villiage

We had a tender attached to our junk which we took out to see several sites.  Our first outing was to Hang Sung Sot, or "Surprise Cave."

The view from Surprise Cave

Inside the cave

Next stop:  Dau Ti Top, where you could climb ~500 steps in order to get rewarded with spectacular views!

Like this

And this

And this.

These pictures (our photography in addition to the weather) don't do it justice.  But, trust me.... it was spectacular!  And we all decided that the mist and fog added a certain mystic beauty.

Verdict:  Yes!  LOVED it!  If I ever go again, I will cross my fingers for better weather and stay longer.

#147: Cha Ca La Vong (Page 507; Listed as "The Food Scene in Hanoi" in 2nd Ed, pg 633)

If you look through the doorway of this picture, you can see a stairway on the left.  When entering the doorway, we were told to walk up that stairway.

And we found a VERY small room with only a few tables surrounded by this decor.  Love it!

And here is the restaurant's most famous - and only- dish.  At your table, you can cook seasoned garoupa fish on this heating palate and stir in chives and dill and such.  Rumor has it that there is a secret ingredient.... two drops of an essence extracted from the perfume gland of the ca cuing beetle.  Not sure if I believe that, but I always love a good story!

Verdict:  While I do think that the Old Quarter is a Must Do and that must include eating in the Old Quarter, I don't necessarily think this place, while charming, fun and eccentric, a "Must See" before you die.

#146: Hanoi's Old Quarter (Page 509; 2nd Ed pg 634)

March 21, 2014

That is me in the green jacket and backpack beginning to explore the fabulous Old Quarter!

The one thing that just really struck me was the complete sensory overload of this place - the colors, the smells, the noise.... everything was bold and strong.

Hungry for frog?

What I loved about this place is that you could completely forget you were in the year 2014.... or even in this century for that matter!

I can't remember if they told me this was stomach or intestine.  Either way, I decided to pass and find something else for dinner..... :)

Well, you can't say it's not fresh!

My friend ordered chicken for dinner.  It took FOREVER to come out.  When it did, it came out with feet, head, brain, a few feathers, you name it.  It was then that we realized they probably went out and got a chicken, killed it, plucked it (mostly), fried it up and plopped it on his plate.  Too funny!

I've been having problems uploading videos to blogger, so I will just type about it.  Aside from walking all over town, sampling food and such, we also took a cyclo ride.  And it was fabulously fun!

Verdict:  Yes, this is a Must Do!  It was just SO fun to walk around this quarter and explore all the nooks and crannies of this place full of vibrant colors and items, particularly food, that were so different from the western world.  It just felt so exotic and adventurous being there.  I loved it!

#145: The French Quarter of Hanoi

March 21, 2014

The French Quarter was built by the French when Hanoi was the capital of French Indochina from 1887-1954.  The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is just to the west of this area.

An example of the French influence in architecture

The Temple of Literature is also close by.

It is the oldest architectural complex in Hanoi, established in 1070.

Well of Heavenly Clarity in the third courtyard. On either side of the pond are covered buildings that house 82 stone stelae, the most prized relics of the temple.

Verdict:  I found this area fascinating and enjoyed the French Quarter and architecture, but this isn't necessarily a "Must Do" before you die.