On my way to the airport, I had the opportunity to drive past the the first sights I saw when arriving in Hanoi. I was struck by the initial feelings of nervousness and anxiety I had felt and now I leave this beautiful country confidently knowing I engaged with a culture, community, and city in …
Continue reading "Vietnam in Review"Temple of Literature Located in the heart of the Old Quarter, this historical site dates back several thousand years and is the location of the first college. Within the brick walls surrounding the facility are large tranquil pools filled with koi fish and lotus flowers, well-manicured indigenous plants and trees, buildings containing statues of past …
Continue reading "Places to Visit in Hanoi (Temple of Literature, Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison, Ngoc Son Temple)"Hanoi boasts a wide selection of cutting edge tattoo artists. The tattoo scene is definitely progressing and showing signs of becoming mainstream. During my free time, I scoured the internet for reviews, spoke to long term volunteers about their tattoo experiences, and engaged with various locals about where they had their tattoo work done. After …
Continue reading "1984 Tattoo Studio- Hanoi, Vietnam"Ken Trang Tiem-Ice Cream Shop Ken Trang Tiem Ice Cream shop is the quintessential hot spot in the Old Quarter to stop and take a break from the heat with family, friends or by yourself for ice cream. Most people would go so far to say Ken Trang Tiem serves the “best” ice cream in …
Continue reading "Hanoi, Vietnam Food Highlights"Lily’s Travel Agency was my choice again to book my long-awaited Ha Long Bay excursion. All of the volunteers in the house stated it was a must-see vacation spot, and I knew from prior knowledge that Ha Long Bay was where the recent King Kong movie had been filmed. Lily’s Travel Agency facilitated a 5-star …
Continue reading "Ha Long Bay, Vietnam (A Dream made Reality)"At the conclusion of a large breakfast, we walked straight downhill on marked and unmarked paths through cornfields, bamboo, rice fields, past houses, across small rivers, and over fences to the wide river cutting through the valley floor. We passed the waterfall village from Day Two and much like billy goats, made our way straight …
Continue reading "Sa Pa, Vietnam_Day 3: Peering through the looking glass"According to Hmong tradition, the married women in the local Hmong villages wear a silver band containing intricate etchings around their neck. The marriage band is worn outside of the clothing and is adorned with small chain links hanging down around their chest area. The Hmong males typically do not wear any jewelry; except for …
Continue reading "Interlude: The boy with the silver band (Sa Pa, Vietnam)"Moo advised to sleep in, and I took full advantage of the opportunity. I was extremely sore and slightly hungover which led to a late breakfast. The views from our home stay were nothing short of majestic. Equipped with a cup of locally sourced coffee, I was able to lounge in a hammock and soak …
Continue reading "Sa Pa, Vietnam_Day 2: Walking The Road Less Traveled (waterfalls, bamboo forest, and a soccer game)"Lily’s Travel Agency was suggested by several teaching volunteers and CSDS for the cheapest most comprehensive trip. In my experience, thus far, their customer is impeccable, and they were in constant communication through WhatsApp making sure my trip to Sa Pa was free of any challenges. The agency charged $75.00 USD for 3 days 2 …
Continue reading "Sa Pa, Vietnam_Day 1: Stairway to Heaven (Trekking through the mountains, villages, happy water, and home stay)"Banh Mi Sandwich Ask a local in Hanoi, Vietnam and they most likely will advise that no Banh Mi sandwich is created alike. Walking down the street of any neighborhood, and you will see a plethora of local restauranteurs advertising the Banh Mi sandwich for sale. During my walking tour of the neighborhood with our …
Continue reading "Banh Mi (and Sticky Rice) in Paradise"