tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23768721506806445702024-03-05T18:03:20.429-08:00Window SeatRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-66613519944249359862012-04-26T21:30:00.000-07:002012-06-02T21:24:22.356-07:00Savannakhet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I went to Savannakhet to go to the Thai embassy and get a visa. Apart from this I don't see much reason for tourists to bother making the stop. There is an old section to the town which is quite scenic and architecturally interesting but doesn't take more than an hour or two to cycle around. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhqgBa4KsLXRSyD4RkdosnQAz1KgBo_-X847IXFSqEHr5xTnFJIEMZKQ9-igPMMuV9QJfL-SGCrEoh1CqQ0pl0NjEsVHiRk5mZqPfkvkusRQVBD0-pf27hljELeTMjAlURgPichptomw/s1600/P1070101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhqgBa4KsLXRSyD4RkdosnQAz1KgBo_-X847IXFSqEHr5xTnFJIEMZKQ9-igPMMuV9QJfL-SGCrEoh1CqQ0pl0NjEsVHiRk5mZqPfkvkusRQVBD0-pf27hljELeTMjAlURgPichptomw/s200/P1070101.JPG" style="border: 2px solid black;" width="200" /></a>There is a dinosaur museum, believe it or not, the remains of quite a few dinosaurs have been found in the Savannakhet province and are displayed at the museum which has very friendly staff who are keen to help; possibly because they don't have many visitors. I did pity them a little and stretched my visit out as long as it was possible to look at a fairy-light outline of a dinosaur on a wall and some bones. Do pop in if you're stuck in the town. The provincial museum has a few displays housing a variety of artifacts from pottery to dead bombs and the notation is even in English here. The town's setting on the river is actually very scenic and the food stalls along the banks are the perfect spot to sit and gaze across the river to Thailand while planning your trip and enjoying a barbequed fish.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com0Savannakhet, Laos16.560659 104.74700216.499779 104.668038 16.621539000000002 104.825966tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-88281428892991651592012-04-23T16:00:00.000-07:002012-05-18T22:12:17.295-07:004000 Islands; Don Det<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So I'm back in Laos for a little holiday of sorts in the aptly named 4000 islands; The island of Don Det specifically. At the widest stretch of the mighty Mekong river, a large group of Islands cluster together, poking their sandy humps out of the water. They vary in size depending on the season and the height of the flowing waters but always form an impassable barrage across the width of the Mekong through their mass and the waterfall's which have formed in the passageways between them.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1S8RK2JOfN-Ib7mS8-KqmnhJqbO_GTA0V1Ss27RSDUPeAMIEFpXgpeeCGZKH3Q087nd0jn3Qfpek4oFBMl4rSFXROBODcdZxvP4UE4Faeyqj2Hz3exhNjSUUcbfdyJjFk34MIIU991U/s1600/P1070020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1S8RK2JOfN-Ib7mS8-KqmnhJqbO_GTA0V1Ss27RSDUPeAMIEFpXgpeeCGZKH3Q087nd0jn3Qfpek4oFBMl4rSFXROBODcdZxvP4UE4Faeyqj2Hz3exhNjSUUcbfdyJjFk34MIIU991U/s200/P1070020.JPG" style="border: 2px solid black;" width="133" /></a>I have come to this beautiful spot for a bit of relaxation and it's the perfect place with bungalows dotted along the river banks, plenty of eateries overlooking the water and not too much to do! I do spend a couple of days sightseeing on a bicycle and its lovely cycling around the islands dusty paths, through peaceful forest. I visit a couple of the waterfalls on the bridge-connected islands of Don Khon and Don Khon Peisey which thunder with a tremendous force and explore the abandoned railway. Due to the impassibility of this section of the Mekong, a railway was constructed from the South of Don Khon to the East of Don Det (north of the waterfalls) and was used to transport 3 paddle steamers past the blockade and subsequently cargo for export and import to Laos. The remaining boat landings which connected to the railway can be reached by bicycle on both islands.<br />
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A group of the <a href="http://rachael-windowseat.blogspot.com/2012/04/mekong-irrawady-dolphins-kratie.html">Mekong's Irrawady dolphins</a> inhabit a section of the river just off the southern tip of Don Khon and I take a boat trip to see them. The boatman takes us to a small island and proceeds to tell us that we shouldn't actually be there as we are now illegally in Cambodia! As a boat of Cambodian officials makes it's way for us he hastily ushers us back into the boat and deposits us on a large rock which is apparently officially Laos. The dolphins however seem to favor the Cambodian side and the few we see are far away but the boat trip through the rocky islands is lovely none the less.<br />
Other than water-bound activities such as swimming, kayaking or tubing in the river there isn't much else to do here and the rest of a visit can be spent relaxing in a hammock and enjoying the amazing sunsets over the islands. <br />
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<br />Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com1Si Phan Don, Laos14.0470427 105.832682814.0162352 105.7932008 14.0778502 105.87216480000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-23287597661828297602012-04-21T08:34:00.000-07:002012-05-16T09:26:04.155-07:00Sen Monorom; Elephant Valley Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span xmlns="">The reason most tourists seem to be in Sen Monorom, including us, is to visit the Elephant Vally Project. A project set up by an Englishman; Jack to rescue abused and injured working elephants and provide them with a safe natural environment where they can live out the rest of their days. Jack rents the jungle land from local farmers and brings the Elephants here either by buying them from the owners or by renting them on a long term basis to keep them out of work. The elephants are then free to roam, bathe and feed as they please in the valley. Each elephant still has a mahout to keep an eye on it for the safety of visitors and to stop them straying into surrounding cropland which would cause conflict with the local farmers. </span><br />
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>We begin our visit walking down into the valley to watch Bob and his girlfriend Onion having their morning bath and mud-covering session in the river. After them four other elephants come down, skip the bathing and go straight for the mud! It's amazing to watch them in a natural environment, just doing what they do, spraying mud and water everywhere and rubbing everything into the muddy bank. They're so close but seem so wild it's a magical experience. They spend most of the morning wallowing, even when the mahouts tell them to go and eat, they ignore them; happy in their mud bath. Eventually they wander out and make their way to some good scratching tree trunks. We walk alongside them and laugh as they bend trees right over scratching their heads, bums and trunks against them. We follow them into the forest for a while under the spell of their charm until it's time to return to camp for lunch.<br />
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After a delicious lunch we make our way, with Jack, into the second valley which is home to four more elephants and we find them also enjoying a good soak in their own muddy river. We spend the afternoon watching them while Jack tells us their stories. They are entrancing to watch and none of us wants to leave them at the end of the visit. At least they now have a nice home after their hard lives and if people keep visiting hopefully Jack can rescue the rest of the mistreated elephants in Mondulkiri.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com1Sen Monorom, Cambodia12.45 107.212.418989499999999 107.160518 12.4810105 107.23948200000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-16895351459786602302012-04-15T08:27:00.000-07:002012-05-10T19:20:31.553-07:00Mekong Irrawady Dolphins; Kratie<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dpCS-gjtdYDBRB-Up6esSKxhZjetv4FoVHXHOBNMf8JcqlZ80EtRPyCtpmUa4ryQltYNM8JAECVr-51nl_bSRC6Na_Jnl4pnn-W_iB7ngLxj8CWLfF2ChDclNd685pcYldf0Cog39bY/s1600/P1060507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dpCS-gjtdYDBRB-Up6esSKxhZjetv4FoVHXHOBNMf8JcqlZ80EtRPyCtpmUa4ryQltYNM8JAECVr-51nl_bSRC6Na_Jnl4pnn-W_iB7ngLxj8CWLfF2ChDclNd685pcYldf0Cog39bY/s320/P1060507.JPG" style="border: 2px solid black;" width="320" /></a><span xmlns="">Kratie is a provincial capital in the north-eastern part of Cambodia. Most tourists come here either on their way to Laos or to see the rare Irrawady dolphins of the Mekong River, and that's the reason I've come. We hire a tuk tuk in the late afternoon to travel up the river to Kampi where the dolphins live. We stop first at a popular swimming spot in some 'rapids'. We pay a $1 entrance fee and our driver then leads us 10 minutes away from the attraction to a quiet spot presumably so we can swim in our bikinis although he strips off and jumps in too. The havoc we walked past consisted of bamboo pagoda type shelters extending across the width of the river and rapids. They were full of celebrating locals (due to the Khmer New Year), eating, drinking and jumping in the water. Unfortunately, this being Asia, most of their rubbish is carelessly discarded into the water and I am devastated by the sight of plastic bags, polystyrene containers and tin cans lining the banks and floating downstream into the rare Irrawady dolphins fragile home waters. It's tragic and can't be helping their plight for survival.</span><br />
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<span xmlns="">It's $7 each for the boat trip to see the dolphins, which seems expensive, considering they just take you 2 minutes into the river then wait for the dolphins to appear. But we've timed it for the sunset and as the dolphins appear we know it's worth it. The river reflects the pink of the setting sun as the beautiful dolphins breach the water around us, some just passing by and some coming closer to investigate. We hear the whoosh of their airholes and search the waters to catch a glimpse of their sleek bodies. I'm glad they're not perturbed by all their visitors. The Mekong here is beautiful, all the more because it's home to the rare dolphins, it's just a shame about the polluting rubbish making its way to them.</span>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com0Kratie, Cambodia12.48 106.0312.448993 105.990518 12.511007000000001 106.06948200000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-37018100150760811482012-04-12T22:30:00.000-07:002012-05-12T09:16:21.833-07:00Siem Reap: The Temples of Angkor<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns="">I don't know where to begin this post, there's so much to say and so little that can be said with words. The Angkorian temples at Siem Reap, the most famous of which being Angkor Wat, are something which one really must experience for oneself to have any understanding of their impression. I spent 3 days exploring them and they really are stunning. I'd heard before going that if you think you'll get 'templed out' you won't. Well I think that depends how much you like old crumbly temples but it certainly won't happen as soon as you'd expect. There are so many differences in the size, shape, style, decoration and ambience of all the temples that the variety provides for almost endless interest. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCovGoWYVwwaPNIx1D7x14RfSoff-eCL5cFMkjQeM9TBi7bIraw4aiKwKu0bsrUDblva2oJw68a9yQRMRLKG6KxhzbNQb7LZ5mL5RjhARgZcVe7UwTH2zgdG-a5OkO36FvRGo97iw8s4/s1600/P1050765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCovGoWYVwwaPNIx1D7x14RfSoff-eCL5cFMkjQeM9TBi7bIraw4aiKwKu0bsrUDblva2oJw68a9yQRMRLKG6KxhzbNQb7LZ5mL5RjhARgZcVe7UwTH2zgdG-a5OkO36FvRGo97iw8s4/s200/P1050765.JPG" style="border: 2px solid black;" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Face of the Bayon</td></tr>
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<span xmlns="">I started at the Bayon, one of the most impressive sites with it's huge carved faces looking out protectively over the lands. A massive jigsaw puzzle, the Bayons huge stone bricks lay in rows on the surrounding grass. The structure itself towers above me, exuding power and as we climb it's terraces the many all-seeing faces carved into the towers seem even more imposing. With many intricate carvings and bass-reliefs the Bayon occupies my curiosity for quite some time. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWe81WgKXnW5skQ0qYg47N8vLwKmsu9TkgO_-3_9wweugA1oOWH6Oy6GvPLeoeBdW2Tzwo0GY0im7NdBHcPjZ1gy0Hm67uTviTMI8SJMDR2eQl2c1EEv82_2qINj3YjoWPeliYGkSWs8/s1600/P1050798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWe81WgKXnW5skQ0qYg47N8vLwKmsu9TkgO_-3_9wweugA1oOWH6Oy6GvPLeoeBdW2Tzwo0GY0im7NdBHcPjZ1gy0Hm67uTviTMI8SJMDR2eQl2c1EEv82_2qINj3YjoWPeliYGkSWs8/s200/P1050798.JPG" style="border: 2px solid black;" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Baphuon</td></tr>
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<span xmlns="">The Baphuon is another favourable site and although almost as large and imposing as the Bayon, it's not as intricately decorated. It does provide a surprise in the form of a giant reclining Buddha hidden in the curves of the back wall. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9V_JWAP76Hgs89sTBjLILJ1kijoLHdy8AZrabAGUON5QyzTP72FVwQnqosj582jDFjjijmjQmYbOx7GWHnuwP6FTqzKmHG_utZD8kmTW6DsSIDZajzYDgRjt_AVeqimc9LAwgr9dWCo/s1600/around+The+Kleang_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9V_JWAP76Hgs89sTBjLILJ1kijoLHdy8AZrabAGUON5QyzTP72FVwQnqosj582jDFjjijmjQmYbOx7GWHnuwP6FTqzKmHG_utZD8kmTW6DsSIDZajzYDgRjt_AVeqimc9LAwgr9dWCo/s400/around+The+Kleang_2.JPG" style="border: 2px solid black;" width="400" /></a></div>
<span xmlns="">I sneak past some slumbering caretakers around the Kleang and Prah Pithu, this must be the napping area!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhID5bhTTAg_njYiXZXtl4t2kltYfNZZfymFZyd9dEgoH2HCjLUIxTdFStoWE4u1Kv7DRekA1paOwTpBM5HJcxSf6-OyiiM_6ZuwUKlhireOzFIo66Bb1sA4oamp1VYXc2CNLAF3xlivUo/s1600/P1050924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhID5bhTTAg_njYiXZXtl4t2kltYfNZZfymFZyd9dEgoH2HCjLUIxTdFStoWE4u1Kv7DRekA1paOwTpBM5HJcxSf6-OyiiM_6ZuwUKlhireOzFIo66Bb1sA4oamp1VYXc2CNLAF3xlivUo/s200/P1050924.JPG" style="border: 2px solid black;" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPSId0pNPnUcaONnDvM_ed5bx1cI6xmLbsJxlwh19O2KTWWSWDkoacvpFmv_5lR4ciX7vDeEMI0i0VLzm_gmpcbHis7A6moLsgYBJvLHAk2JIyE8M8SksT_WL48jfJe51u8DdlMTqt0M/s1600/P1050886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPSId0pNPnUcaONnDvM_ed5bx1cI6xmLbsJxlwh19O2KTWWSWDkoacvpFmv_5lR4ciX7vDeEMI0i0VLzm_gmpcbHis7A6moLsgYBJvLHAk2JIyE8M8SksT_WL48jfJe51u8DdlMTqt0M/s200/P1050886.JPG" style="border: 2px solid black;" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYcVhhI0TrkcOfE0owN_9BL9IV8tpD4hGbOfGZfZsREF5KziZtDA-oR4Jm9BwctQ34Cj8kJEqTu__BsE0_LlZWpXQMuzKMFJHceZrPT1yOqx2RLQYdIHAze9RxvJEc3sfA5HSVY0Zwco/s1600/P1050902.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYcVhhI0TrkcOfE0owN_9BL9IV8tpD4hGbOfGZfZsREF5KziZtDA-oR4Jm9BwctQ34Cj8kJEqTu__BsE0_LlZWpXQMuzKMFJHceZrPT1yOqx2RLQYdIHAze9RxvJEc3sfA5HSVY0Zwco/s320/P1050902.JPG" style="border: 2px solid black;" width="320" /></a><span xmlns="">Banteay Srei is possibly the most beautifully embellished temple of Angkor. The carvings are so intricate and delicately crafted I wonder at how long such craftsmanship took to complete. It is known as the temple of women because they say its carvings are too beautiful to have been designed by men. It's certainly very different from the other temples and worth the long ride out of town. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2uLaZU_UOijHTRK5eVGgWHec-Sp51WMExqQvlMq1WkvJDghpaRh50OyYORMxHkChUoO_h6UkjWRe5UMivDE-ddY3QYh6IP4PWIsQsImPM2FsVelORGMzcZd6oloSyo_aQLzjSUWWjhE/s1600/P1060014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2uLaZU_UOijHTRK5eVGgWHec-Sp51WMExqQvlMq1WkvJDghpaRh50OyYORMxHkChUoO_h6UkjWRe5UMivDE-ddY3QYh6IP4PWIsQsImPM2FsVelORGMzcZd6oloSyo_aQLzjSUWWjhE/s320/P1060014.JPG" style="border: 2px solid black;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ta Prom Trees</td></tr>
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<span xmlns="">Possibly my favourite site; Ta Prom is an atmospheric gem. It is here they filmed for Angelina Jolie's <i>tomb raider</i> movie and I can see why. It's crumbling walls are supported by, encased in and destroyed by huge trees whose roots have chosen its stones as the place to begin their journey. Over time they have grown into monstrous plants forming a beautiful juxtaposition between nature and humanity. The overgrown jungle creates a lost world feeling amongst the crumbling ruins. </span><br />
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<span xmlns="">Angkor Wat is obviously the famous star of Cambodia and the reason so many tourists started to visit the country. I begin my visit before sunrise and watch as the sky turns red and the sun rises behind the profile of Angkor Wat's stunning towers, casting its shadow into the lily pond in front. I get to wander round the rest of the temple with it relatively deserted which is great for photos and the atmosphere. The experience is all the better for the serenity of the early morning. Angkor Wat is grand and majestic. It towers over the land a statement of superiority. It's mighty form is offset by intricate detailed carvings in it's interior which invoke sentiments of appreciation for its delicate beauty. </span><br />
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<span xmlns="">This is not an exhaustive description of the sights I visited; that would bore you, merely a selection of the highlights but nothing to compare with seeing the temples themselves. If you ever have the opportunity, take it. </span>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com0Siem Reap, Cambodia13.3622222 103.859722213.3004272 103.7807582 13.4240172 103.93868619999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-3146857756916080912012-04-09T18:30:00.000-07:002012-05-14T04:40:40.501-07:00Travel by Boat; Battambang to Siem Reap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span xmlns="">Regardless of many bad internet comments and in spite of the hotel clerk doing his best to dissuade us, we've decided to take the boat trip from Battambang to get to Siem Reap as it's supposed to be very scenic, although in the dry season it can take up to 12 hours and the bus only takes 3 (and costs less).<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfCkzdUxhyphenhyphenfhYZxzxsVHBArGS7N5P0284oXqvC7tnThNbIEMvUHxSWs6BdCvtrFxA8t_ZYOgEzpULhpdlhZI1cJ6eRyVzw14FxZVdDRz4eL8lSRVsfU2lIMxVZUF8Z8VL3lNaBZizAoA/s1600/P1050596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfCkzdUxhyphenhyphenfhYZxzxsVHBArGS7N5P0284oXqvC7tnThNbIEMvUHxSWs6BdCvtrFxA8t_ZYOgEzpULhpdlhZI1cJ6eRyVzw14FxZVdDRz4eL8lSRVsfU2lIMxVZUF8Z8VL3lNaBZizAoA/s200/P1050596.JPG" style="border: 2px solid black;" width="200" /></a> At 7am we're informed it's a particularly crappy plastic boat that's operating today and indeed it is but it'll do the job. The onboard toilet however is well below our pompous standards, consisting of 4 walls 3 ½ feet tall surrounding a hole in the floor, yes, no roof, so the men sitting behind will see you doing your business! Err won't be using that then! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5D2p69FBKaEMrIl0VuFolTVG01Dlb2EDqub190WdsDPZfVZ_rBOATLwyPrXLZbn8MbDNk_wHMsvU2f9sa9CkB-jeiY71AKoSf78iaGEhMPeCsabmCIRB8AamfCbOFZrE7NQrp-Qi6Ifk/s1600/P1050693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5D2p69FBKaEMrIl0VuFolTVG01Dlb2EDqub190WdsDPZfVZ_rBOATLwyPrXLZbn8MbDNk_wHMsvU2f9sa9CkB-jeiY71AKoSf78iaGEhMPeCsabmCIRB8AamfCbOFZrE7NQrp-Qi6Ifk/s200/P1050693.JPG" style="border: 2px solid black;" width="200" /></a>It is a very beautiful trip up the river, passing rural villages where life revolves around the river and the land. Some people have floating houses on the water or live in boats and others live on it's banks. We pass by an entire floating village on the lake near Siem Reap which is quite a sight. Arriving in Siem Reap at 3pm were pleasantly surprised we're already there! Not a bad 8 hour journey at all, quite pleasant. </span>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com6Battambang, Cambodia13.1 103.213.0381385 103.121036 13.161861499999999 103.278964tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-88557913763442597402012-04-07T17:00:00.000-07:002012-05-08T08:19:19.100-07:00Battambang Bamboo TrainIf you're stopping by in Battambang take a trip to the Bamboo Train. Also known as the 'Nori' Battambang's bamboo train is situated 15kilometres outside the city, it's a pretty drive through the countryside and on arrival we pay $5 each for a ride on one of the little 'carriages'. It's a normal looking train track but the trains are simply two axels with wheels, a bamboo platform and a motor sitting on top!<br />
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<span xmlns=""> We sit on the wooden mat and whizz down the line, the fresh countryside wind in our hair, surrounded by views of rice fields and grazing cattle. There's only one line and trains run in both directions so when you come face to face with another carriage one of you has to offload and dismantle the simple train to allow the other to pass. It's actually great fun. We stop some way down the line at a small village where lots of smiley children are keen to show us around the brick making factory there. After following the kids around for a bit and practicing their English we grab a drink at one of the villager's stalls. She's a lovely friendly lady who makes us rings out of leaves and high-fives us with a big smile before seeing us back off down the line. The sun is rapidly falling in the sky and it's a beautiful scene as we chug and rattle along the lines which are pretty bent and warped all the way along. Well worth the $5. See for yourself.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrxa3ZnqAnm_Eh5zZxLF22KcacFCCywXLTYYfz7T8BrLzDof4mwmGgm6MFt_QkFlEJmW4JGZxvWKB_WBJJBQmL1WE2Vz8ZiUq3e_hA7ys-2FOzmbae8Szd06e-iZIMIlvvimGI5K7Se4/s1600/P1050482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrxa3ZnqAnm_Eh5zZxLF22KcacFCCywXLTYYfz7T8BrLzDof4mwmGgm6MFt_QkFlEJmW4JGZxvWKB_WBJJBQmL1WE2Vz8ZiUq3e_hA7ys-2FOzmbae8Szd06e-iZIMIlvvimGI5K7Se4/s200/P1050482.JPG" style="border: 2px solid black;" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6YCqbc-BRRJ0ZKtmx1IAzaiXLDV0dWs-KyxL8ShgM5Mf7cmyrg3lWM-aLkUQX-L9WKLR39Z5NUA3ZfDx_tJh71ki1A-tFSxy02prUUGsfa6uVM4ib7RsDnT5z9PY7VE95SaFCG1fPBU/s1600/P1050522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6YCqbc-BRRJ0ZKtmx1IAzaiXLDV0dWs-KyxL8ShgM5Mf7cmyrg3lWM-aLkUQX-L9WKLR39Z5NUA3ZfDx_tJh71ki1A-tFSxy02prUUGsfa6uVM4ib7RsDnT5z9PY7VE95SaFCG1fPBU/s200/P1050522.JPG" style="border: 2px solid black;" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJzgHWFh4Xei9HMFUIwlp7oDDYirD3vNrMdF8aQ13Rg6BLsqnAbM-7S6DgHklg9p2GFirSqyoPuS4zUqSDukxbMHGbyInkdh8uJwSbDfo7gJ2ZZgtTHVU5M7QoWzdBUUU0J26ifoapzs/s1600/P1050497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJzgHWFh4Xei9HMFUIwlp7oDDYirD3vNrMdF8aQ13Rg6BLsqnAbM-7S6DgHklg9p2GFirSqyoPuS4zUqSDukxbMHGbyInkdh8uJwSbDfo7gJ2ZZgtTHVU5M7QoWzdBUUU0J26ifoapzs/s200/P1050497.JPG" style="border: 2px solid black;" width="133" /></a><span xmlns="">I spend my other day in Battambang visiting some temples and caves and temple caves; beginning with a climb up 358 steps to the ruins of Angkorian temple Banan. Marvelously carved stones are crumbling from the 5 stupas which feel authentically ancient and are very beautiful. The surrounding cactus plants make for quite a scene, coupled with the hilltop view it makes it worth the climb up the steps. After Banan temple I visit Phnom Sampeou which is set a-top a rather tall hill that has to be walked up, well if you're lazy you can hire a moto. On the way up I explore a cave which now contains a shrine and reclining Bhudda but in the times of Pol Pot this place was used like the killing fields. Innocents murdered above and their bodies thrown into the pit of the cave. The bones have been displayed here inside a glass shrine. After a very sweaty climb I make it to the top of the temple and am rewarded with a stunning view across the landscape. The land is so flat you can almost see past the horizon! That concludes my sightseeing of Battambang. </span>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com0Battambang, Cambodia13.1 103.213.0381385 103.121036 13.161861499999999 103.278964tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-39268572552306952822012-04-07T14:00:00.000-07:002012-05-06T07:24:32.367-07:00Phnom Penh; The Killing Fields<span xmlns=""></span><br />
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<span xmlns="">The Choeng Ek killing fields are situated 15 kilometres outside of Phnom Penh and are so named because it is basically a field where the Khmer Rouge brought people, including prisoners from S21, to slaughter them. It was an execution ground. I begin my visit in a small museum where I read about the atrocity of the Khmer Rouge and watch a short informative video. The rest of the site is navigated with the narration of an audio guide. It takes me through the green field which is shaded by beautiful flowering trees and bordered by an orchard. Its hard to imagine at first the bloodshed that occurred in this pretty setting but the audio guide gives a moving and graphically descriptive portrait of events, including stories from survivors of the regime who lost dearly loved ones to it's whim. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1opVP1EFkBqm-LCRJzXmZMZ4wukZUEwL6Z-jHyNM2ZmCnEJEreldveRqUEAtRlayZNbFBmYaYljYQbhIQngQKhEH1tHinGdJUgebTAzXzQ-xh_rFwvIRsAE_00-SAmimq5KCyfp-GrIk/s1600/P1050316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1opVP1EFkBqm-LCRJzXmZMZ4wukZUEwL6Z-jHyNM2ZmCnEJEreldveRqUEAtRlayZNbFBmYaYljYQbhIQngQKhEH1tHinGdJUgebTAzXzQ-xh_rFwvIRsAE_00-SAmimq5KCyfp-GrIk/s320/P1050316.JPG" style="border: 2px solid black;" width="320" /></a><span xmlns="">There are hollows in the ground where mass graves have been excavated. One contained 450 bodies, one 160 headless corpses, one only women and children. Most victims were killed as soon as they arrived at Choeng Ek but some were detained overnight. Nearly all were bludgeoned to death and had their throats slit before their bleeding bodies were pushed into the dug pits. A mournful tree stands next to one of the excavated graves; the children's grave. The tree was used to smash the innocents heads against, breaking their skulls before they were tossed into the heap of bodies. A vivid description is given by the man who discovered the tree after the fall of Phnom Penh. He tells how he saw the trunk of the tree was covered in blood, hair and brains and soon deduced what might have happened.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuswDlhrFSuc1gF6aAbev2IYEL5h9NJJwoaxTWC3KUmKAsapF_vZLFcfwpW0youxscj5KBgAlPkugbzB5R3Q15MOhPxR0VH7APSHN5WxZ_i7mWpZh4w_sgA9CwoOtM3zkON_UyLMkdOxM/s1600/P1050341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuswDlhrFSuc1gF6aAbev2IYEL5h9NJJwoaxTWC3KUmKAsapF_vZLFcfwpW0youxscj5KBgAlPkugbzB5R3Q15MOhPxR0VH7APSHN5WxZ_i7mWpZh4w_sgA9CwoOtM3zkON_UyLMkdOxM/s200/P1050341.JPG" style="border: 2px solid black;" width="200" /></a><span xmlns="">It's a tear-inducing walk around the site where clothing and bones still rise from the disturbed earth. I see rags in the dirt alongside a partially uncovered jaw bone. The bones from the excavated graves were cleaned and are now housed in a memorial stupa in the centre of the site. It's a rather morbid sight and I'm not sure it isn't a bit disrespectful to the families of the victims to display them in this way. I only hope it's been done to emphasize the cruelty and atrocity that was the Khmer Rouge and not simply to attract tourists. Cambodians believe that the souls of people who don't receive a proper burial will not be able to pass on and will be left wandering in the ether of this world. I hope the souls from this land have been able to find peace and pass on to their afterlife. </span>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com0Choeung Ek Rd, Phnom Penh, Cambodia11.4843985 104.901988511.468838 104.8822475 11.499958999999999 104.9217295tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-88208792240176801232012-04-04T15:30:00.000-07:002012-05-01T05:18:56.372-07:00Phnom Penh, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum; S21Cambodia has a horrific modern history from the 1970's when for almost 4 years the Kampuchea Democratic Party overthrew the government in power and turned the country into a huge slave labour camp. They evacuated the cities and marched everyone into the countryside, to the rice fields where they undertook hard labour for nothing and received only a little food each day. The regime, known more widely as the Khmer Rouge, killed thousands of people, actually 2 million in total, for no valid reasons; because they were too educated, because their hands were too soft, because they were starving and stole food, women, children; no one was safe. They killed indiscriminately; even their own soldiers who they deemed to have not been carrying out their duties properly.<br />
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<span xmlns="">The Tuol Sleng Genocide museum is housed in some concrete buildings in a compound which used to be a high school, but under Khmer Rouge rule it was turned into a security prison; S21 where arrested civilians and soldiers were brought and tortured until they confessed to something the Khmer Rouge deemed to be a crime. After confessing to even the most petty of 'crimes' most were taken away and brutally slaughtered. If they didn't lie and confess to something they probably hadn't even done they continued to endure the cruelest of tortures, and when they confessed their only escape was into death. Many died at S21 from wounds inflicted by their torturers, alone and destroyed in a pool of blood. </span><br />
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<span xmlns="">I walk through the buildings haunted by the ghosts of its victims. Some rooms are filled with mug-shots of the inmates and victims, each face tells a story, expressions of anger, desperation, stubborn bravery, fear, complete and utter sadness, nothing. I see tears in the eyes of babies, defiance in the eyes of young men and a complete loss of hope in the eyes of mothers. It's a horrifying place where the exhibits tell stories of the people who were sent here, the people who committed the terrible torture acts and the leaders of the dictatorship regime; some of whom died before any justice was brought was brought to their heads. I walk through one building where rough brick walls were constructed to make tiny individual cells to detain victims in. Upstairs a similar layout is created with wooden partitions but solid doors create an even darker claustrophobic atmosphere. I can feel the presence of those who suffered so much here. Their sadness lingers in the air, a sense of death hangs over the horrifying complex. </span><br />
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<span xmlns="">Bones and skulls of someone's loved ones are displayed in cabinets, unidentified, lost. On the floor above hate filled visitors have scratched out the faces on photographs of the atrocious Khmer Rouge leaders, wanting for justice to be brought to the perpetrators who caused so much pain and suffering and exterminated one quarter of Cambodia's population; mothers, brothers, lawyers, doctors, sons, teachers and daughters. They were the most brutal regime and the museum truly brings to light the atrocities they committed. </span>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com0Phnom Penh, Cambodia11.558831 104.91744511.4343785 104.7595165 11.6832835 105.0753735tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-86967999031708223492012-04-03T19:00:00.000-07:002012-04-28T04:35:00.840-07:00Caves and Crab in Kep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Kep is a small seaside town on the south coast of Cambodia with an imported beach. I stay in a charming place called the boathouse, next to the forested hills of the national park and with lovely wooden houses, pretty gardens and tons of character. <span xmlns=""></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkyl6xZrVy_aEaTSWiVK7DpjFhQxbXmqVb2L3PBX2TQjKxyi3VZ1LN0ZG0XNM3AMk9YmdqwqhgRqn2XL73YUzEZ3thu3zxjjft5kSWwaFPKDUFWqTYLHvyVHSHO96d51xE9iWbBEha2g/s1600/P1050013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkyl6xZrVy_aEaTSWiVK7DpjFhQxbXmqVb2L3PBX2TQjKxyi3VZ1LN0ZG0XNM3AMk9YmdqwqhgRqn2XL73YUzEZ3thu3zxjjft5kSWwaFPKDUFWqTYLHvyVHSHO96d51xE9iWbBEha2g/s200/P1050013.JPG" style="border: 2px solid black;" width="200" /></a><span xmlns=""> I've decided to give the fake beach a miss for my only day in Kep and instead hire a tuk tuk to visit some caves. There are several cave sites along the road to Kampot and we are visiting two of them. At the first we find a small closed temple outside and a man and a young boy guide us into the 'white elephant cave'. The rock formation which he points out to us as an elephant head, however, looks absolutely nothing like an elephant, however hard you squint! He shows us the bats in the darkest reaches of the cavern before leading us to an impossible climb out route where we cling to the rock face; don't look down! We make a circuit through some forest to the 'bat cave' where some more nocturnal critters hang out, before completing the route back to the temple where we find some monkeys larking about in the branches. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fEi-3CmbG0TWXVnGejLOWwN4GZxc2IXxEHJL_haeSUGDYtNCc57pvP2uiRwiVrDWJXhHJOmPAvx2LCivWxS7MIhPZZwJ82U3wDlF_KFMzjargYKdvA5wErctirx13dV4DwQt5wuV5J4/s1600/P1050055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fEi-3CmbG0TWXVnGejLOWwN4GZxc2IXxEHJL_haeSUGDYtNCc57pvP2uiRwiVrDWJXhHJOmPAvx2LCivWxS7MIhPZZwJ82U3wDlF_KFMzjargYKdvA5wErctirx13dV4DwQt5wuV5J4/s200/P1050055.JPG" style="border: 2px solid black;" width="200" /></a><span xmlns="">It's back in the tuk tuk and on to the second cave where after paying an entrance fee we're followed by about 5 young lads who want to be our guides. One of them has particularly good English and does a great job of guiding us. They point out huge boulders crashed into crevasses above our heads and interesting rock formations. Of course there's some more unlikely elephants but also a monkey looking down which is strikingly more resemblant of the real thing. The lad tells us how some people, including his grandparents, used to hide out in the caves during the time of the Khmer Rouge regime. The boys are a good laugh and one of them even sneaks up on us in the darkness and pokes his head out of a hole in the rock face 'boo' making us jump out of our skins.</span><br />
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<span xmlns=""> We climb up out of the cave system to be rewarded with a dramatic vista of the landscape; hills surrounded a perfectly flat plain which stretches all the way to the sea, peppered with palm trees and carpeted with farmland. <br />
Another highlight of Kep is the crab market, not actually a market but a string of restaurants overlooking the sea serving up the most delicious array of the freshest fish, seafood and of course tasty crab. A must if you're stopping by.</span>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com0Krong Kep, Cambodia10.5152351 104.33264410.3903391 104.1747155 10.6401311 104.4905725tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-89930894981872408252012-04-01T18:00:00.000-07:002012-04-26T06:04:44.262-07:00Phu Quoc Paradise<span xmlns=""></span><br />
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<span xmlns="">Phu Quoc is an idyllic island off the coast of Vietnam, and very close to Cambodia. Its serene sandy shores could make for endless hours of relaxation. I hire a scooter one day to explore the island and head south along the coast from Duong Dong town. It's a 20 km stretch along the coast to the southern tip of the island and I'm amazed at how undeveloped it is; just a few fisherman's shacks and homes line the tranquil beach. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfDuU_G0DFv-CUojnZFyQnYgREWRW-zoEV0MSSpEWLwCV7toWPtywRfNteVQCbZNsct2b5H4ljOBPC1htQISBBu7P1tRZVV4U0YvozLEdXc_M4OrDs560TrP5W0MtUc2M0VH7WmMLDiA/s1600/P1040882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfDuU_G0DFv-CUojnZFyQnYgREWRW-zoEV0MSSpEWLwCV7toWPtywRfNteVQCbZNsct2b5H4ljOBPC1htQISBBu7P1tRZVV4U0YvozLEdXc_M4OrDs560TrP5W0MtUc2M0VH7WmMLDiA/s200/P1040882.JPG" style="border: 2px solid black;" width="200" /></a><span xmlns=""> We stop at the fishing harbor which is full of colourful blue and red fishing boats. Women on the dock gut small squid and lay them out on wooden trellis to dry in the sun. We drive north a little to visit the coconut prison museum, which I had read about at the <a href="http://rachael-windowseat.blogspot.com/2012/04/ho-chi-minh-city-war-remnants-museum.html">war remnants museum</a>. On arrival the site appears to be more of a reconstruction than the original prison grounds. It's a stark reminder of how POW's were treated and gut-wrenching to see the inmates' enclosures and read about the terrible tortures they endured; many of which they did not survive through. For a brighter side to the Island we drive up <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxxySO1iiYw75CpP1rOwC5hl1Or665UvyqJCjRw-EZuql-ec4apvlfuZiJqHo3XpMzjDQ_4LNjhBUZ91wVgeUmjZ7e2gyyqyQ5e-tdUlP-mzrV2-XzySRdVHs_FFQxoQH0ULRkFlaQBs/s1600/P1040902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxxySO1iiYw75CpP1rOwC5hl1Or665UvyqJCjRw-EZuql-ec4apvlfuZiJqHo3XpMzjDQ_4LNjhBUZ91wVgeUmjZ7e2gyyqyQ5e-tdUlP-mzrV2-XzySRdVHs_FFQxoQH0ULRkFlaQBs/s200/P1040902.JPG" style="border: 2px solid black;" width="200" /></a><span xmlns="">the east coast to Sao beach; an absolutely stunning stretch of sand fringed with green coconut trees. The water is so clear, shallow and warm that we spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in it's embrace. It's such a beautiful place and there's only a few other tourists here we have to share it with, making it all the more tranquil and special. <br />
If you're going to Phu Quoc you must visit the night market where a dazzling array of fresh seafood is barbequed to your order before your eyes and stalls sell incredibly cheap pearls from the islands pearl farms. </span></span>Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com0Ðảo Phú Quốc, Kien Giang province, Vietnam10.289879 103.9840210.039908500000001 103.668163 10.5398495 104.299877tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-65404129058412667042012-03-29T21:45:00.000-07:002012-04-25T07:39:05.031-07:00River life in Can Tho; floating markets<br />
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I have arranged a homestay with Mr Hung who lives in a village called Thuong Thanh in Can Tho. Can Tho is in the south of Vietnam, in the Mekong Delta where life slowly revolves around the river. Mr Hung’s house is set right next to the river and he’s built some little wooden bungalows for his guests to stay in.<br />
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It’s idyllic. We are cooked the most delicious elephant ear fish (the local specialty) lunch by Hung’s family, after which we borrow some bicycles to traverse the riverside village’s paths, which are over hung by numerous fruit trees and flowers; mangoes, jackfruit, bananas and coconuts abound along with rose apples and star apples. It’s a beautiful setting and such a warm atmosphere; everybody waves hello as we cycle by and at one school a whole class stands up in their classroom, waving and squealing ‘hello hello hello’! I feel special. <br />
After a restless sleep listening to the ‘tranquil’ sounds of the river; dogs<br />
barking, chickens squawking and geckos chirping, I rise just before 6 to visit Cai Rang floating market with Mr Hung. Many tourists come to see the famous floating <br />
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markets of the Mekong but we’re early enough not to run into them although it’s still very lively. Farmers bring their produce here to sell to traders who carry it out to the surrounding villages and towns. There’s large boats filled to the brim with all kinds of fruit and vegetables; pineapples, potatoes, pumpkins, yams, turnips, carrots, watermelons. . . the list is endless. The sellers tie a sample of their produce to a long pole extending above the boat to advertise what their selling and traders paddle around them filling their longboats with a selection of fruit and vegetables to sell on. It’s a fascinating scene and the river looks alive and magical in the early morning sunlight. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0iSSNqjiLgtStRV9scUrxjQo-j1phaeWezfhH7RQbepJ5CTLDSlNfKSLZ3oxbQNTXfVF_NDcNjDIpxowcnQauuqjOPWBjyhc99jCWBRmtOhT_G5i-3rFNtyBZIIUYHis_iia0BBwBr0/s1600/P1040813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="border: 2px solid black; clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0iSSNqjiLgtStRV9scUrxjQo-j1phaeWezfhH7RQbepJ5CTLDSlNfKSLZ3oxbQNTXfVF_NDcNjDIpxowcnQauuqjOPWBjyhc99jCWBRmtOhT_G5i-3rFNtyBZIIUYHis_iia0BBwBr0/s200/P1040813.JPG" width="200" /></a>Mr Hung also takes us on a tour to visit a rice noodle factory, a vegetable seedling nursery, a watermelon farm and a rice factory. We get a glimpse of everyday life in the Mekong delta and it’s fabulous. All the people seem so content in their simple work, they are humble and happy. They also make you wonder if a life like this isn’t better than one in a big city where banks and new shoes and offices rule the day. Mr Hung charges $12 a night at his homestay including dinner and breakfast. It’s more for the personal tour but it was definitely worth it! You can make a booking with him directly at hunghomestay@yahoo.com.vn or on 84903849881.<br />
<br />Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com0Can Tho, Ninh Kiều, Cần Thơ, Vietnam10.03183 105.7837989.9692864999999991 105.704834 10.0943735 105.862762tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-11964818597988098102012-03-26T16:00:00.000-07:002012-04-25T08:51:26.607-07:00Ho Chi Minh City; The Cu Chi Tunnels<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-NjzzEYtsHQ4qBT9psmqp4PZz01L1cz6InszMVykBpVc_wNZKiisFoeQPmpLqYmB3ZXeY4YiirWNKu-H6ZI9UE470JgLOG0Sn1qd8GYxialVFm3JNh-aOOCeFlDVceiz7QM99cKsyWQ/s1600/P1040505.JPG"><img style="border:2px solid black; float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-NjzzEYtsHQ4qBT9psmqp4PZz01L1cz6InszMVykBpVc_wNZKiisFoeQPmpLqYmB3ZXeY4YiirWNKu-H6ZI9UE470JgLOG0Sn1qd8GYxialVFm3JNh-aOOCeFlDVceiz7QM99cKsyWQ/s320/P1040505.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730903082644119346" /></a> About thirty kilometres from the city of Saigon lies the beginning of an amazing network of tunnels consisting of 250 kilometres of underground passageways. They were created during the wars by guerillas to obtain refuge from falling bombs and raining chemicals. The first tunnels were dug during the French invasion and occupation but during this time only one level was created and during the US invasion two further levels were dug out creating a three tiered warren with sleeping quarters, meeting rooms, kitchens, fresh water wells, air vents and escape routes. We take two local buses to get to the Ben Duoc tunnel system and it takes a good two hours but only 12,000VND. <br />
After buying an 80,000vnd ticket I am led into the woods in a small group by a guide who first shows us the outlet to an air vent which is cleverly disguised as a termite mound. He then leads us to a patch of ground where he brushes away some leaves to reveal a small manhole cover which hides one of the original entrances to the tunnels. Its a very small rectangular gap in the ground and feels instantly secret and slightly claustrophobic as we test out descending our ove<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_lHtL4NSp-8eXTxJwr9XpBHiLWKO3Le4KfesITcErQTaYUTsVtv-R3rPyXaIYDQD45CfYjifUtpjq7dYarstnGZb4jTMtWKSWp0j3STX_tuoamcE2D_59srZUCsWY30F6qCQ9pPQApI/s1600/DSCN1636_2.JPG"><img style="border:2px solid black; float:right; margin:10px 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_lHtL4NSp-8eXTxJwr9XpBHiLWKO3Le4KfesITcErQTaYUTsVtv-R3rPyXaIYDQD45CfYjifUtpjq7dYarstnGZb4jTMtWKSWp0j3STX_tuoamcE2D_59srZUCsWY30F6qCQ9pPQApI/s320/DSCN1636_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731280898880964450" /></a>r-sized bodies into the tunnel. We have to turn diagonally and raise our hands above our heads just to fit in the hole. It's quite a shock. We stop next at an underground surgery and operating theatre, the ceiling of which has been removed for ease of viewing. The guide shows us some booby-traps; leaf covered pits full of sharp spikes intended to maim US soldiers who strayed too close. They give me tingles down my spine. We descend below the earth into a short section of tunnel. I read that the tunnels have been widened for larger tourists to fit in but they're still very small and you have to crouch, almost crawl, through them. There are some bats hanging from the tunnel roof which suprises me due to the amount of human activity through them. You inevitably bump into them given the lack of room and send them frantically fluttering around your head. After emerging into a meeting room we make a further excursion 30 metres through the depths of the tunnels where the ceiling gets lower and the claustrophobic pressure increases. <br />
The tunnels have already withstood the test of hundreds of bombs and don't look like collapsing any time. The ground here is very hard and the men who dug the tunnels could sometimes dig no more than 2 metres a day. It took 20 years to complete the 250 km network.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-52882304072077699002012-03-24T08:22:00.000-07:002012-04-25T08:56:51.336-07:00Ho Chi Minh City; The War Remnants Museum<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnQq92SX5X4EQDCek7nkuFgn5L_r1J2U6QTVEo6Fra45upjE9o1vbSS3wcBT778rrHhLXVc-Ukm3mqjHqR13Qfjl4qnfqQy4C3Vqso7WgvyW7AH3LC1XoEP4NOA1HpuBqTZqI8cE_s_0/s1600/P1040435.JPG"><img style="border:2px solid black; float:left; margin:10px 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnQq92SX5X4EQDCek7nkuFgn5L_r1J2U6QTVEo6Fra45upjE9o1vbSS3wcBT778rrHhLXVc-Ukm3mqjHqR13Qfjl4qnfqQy4C3Vqso7WgvyW7AH3LC1XoEP4NOA1HpuBqTZqI8cE_s_0/s200/P1040435.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727938042689463858" /></a>Outside the War remnants museum in Saigon stand some imposing warfare vehicles and planes. They loom over you casting a dark shadow and a certain sense of impending doom. The first exhibition I enter is outside and is a graphic depiction of conditions in prisons where POW's were kept, including the 'tiger cages' where inmates were enclosed in tiny cages of barbed wire and forced to suffer; enduring punishment and starvation. My stomach turns as I read descriptions of torture treatments the prisoners were subjected to. Removing prisoners toe nails and finger nails. There's a room with a guillotine. Burning sex organs. There's a dark, damp cell. Breaking knee-caps off. How could anyone be so desensitized to commit these acts? Burying prisoners alive. I make my way into the building under a dark cloud and up the stairs a world of terror, death and despair unfolds before my eyes through images from war photographers. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaM89s9_QxzAdHy-SqsAElMBWrfztoX1RFi0k6AftWcjCUYiR1RLeEee3VtUFWwop0-TDhrcmvn_yXdthgp4a9tPEQEWM4VtuKG-VteRuvx_aYBLsAd4TKGjZrmouqgASLjLOpKtV-bY/s1600/P1040448.JPG"><img style="border:2px solid black; display:block; margin:10px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaM89s9_QxzAdHy-SqsAElMBWrfztoX1RFi0k6AftWcjCUYiR1RLeEee3VtUFWwop0-TDhrcmvn_yXdthgp4a9tPEQEWM4VtuKG-VteRuvx_aYBLsAd4TKGjZrmouqgASLjLOpKtV-bY/s320/P1040448.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727936606547044594" /></a><br />
"Platoon 1 led by Lieutenant william Colley overwhelmed to seek for civilians with the aim of killing anyone they found. Particularly at a ditch they found at the other end of Thuan Yen hamlet. The U.S. troops massacred 170 people". Black and white prints of agonised faces cover the walls. Screaming babies. Dead bodies. "most were women and babies. It looked as if they tried to get away". An image shows a bloody heap of female bodies, some tiny, all helpless. Skin melted from bodies like chocolate dripping off a candy bar. "Victim of phosphorus bombs" it simply reads. <br />
The next area is an exhibition of the 'Agent Orange aftermath'. "The US air force sprayed 72 million litres of toxic chemicals of various types on Vietnam, including 44 million litres of Agent Orange". Agent Orange was sprayed over the land with the aim of defoliating plants and crops and destroying food and water resources. The hideous chemical also had the effect of directly harming people causing illnesses and cancers and destroying DNA causing future generations to be born with terrible malformations, birth defects, diseases and brain problems. Limbless children. Tumoured faces. Desperately sadly deformed bodies.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJg6RNP-zAuw0nPqs7PtVTPS2z0X1zCsNZpltBJwViwwz5hp_dpMmXA_8FDr9hEw6rRMBwHYUCYgiwJNqOM-aemyX5oWUGGTeK1M_FbTWF8RuWeyTasuFkb6cFcjOMW7Z-LH68d0NFCDU/s1600/P1040464.JPG"><img style="border:2px solid black; display:block; margin:10px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJg6RNP-zAuw0nPqs7PtVTPS2z0X1zCsNZpltBJwViwwz5hp_dpMmXA_8FDr9hEw6rRMBwHYUCYgiwJNqOM-aemyX5oWUGGTeK1M_FbTWF8RuWeyTasuFkb6cFcjOMW7Z-LH68d0NFCDU/s320/P1040464.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727937377964783122" /></a> The US came. They tried to destroy lives. They succeeded more than they even knew. In the streets of Saigon I see the crippled bodies, I see the desperate faces, I see their agony, their need, their sadness. Why are they sitting on the streets? A hand raised for any donation. Someone should be paying for this. The museum makes me feel sick. I walk around and see dismembered bodies, burnt faces, blood, pain, terror, dead babies, mothers, pregnant women. A lump in my throat. Soldiers, guns, burning villages. What is that look in his eye? A knot twists in my stomach. How did these men look into the eyes of their victims. The innocent. The slaughtered. Fight an army not a child. <br />
The museum is one of the best I've ever been to and I leave feeling terrible. A must see.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-87128773413760757892012-03-23T08:12:00.000-07:002012-04-25T08:56:18.802-07:00Mui Ne; Almost Arabia<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3IqV12oUzKpYvAoOPzy4V9VTcHuwAcbadvGQys114p0H-WCoPp-SnK49mJL3Ej6xz6JlJtzhGi34Yp-5Opj4QVKzmD0ITjH1ZxljolapBJXkm99xaB9imClBK6_klkIGRvz0SYGsNXU/s1600/P1040256.JPG"><img style="border:2px solid black; display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3IqV12oUzKpYvAoOPzy4V9VTcHuwAcbadvGQys114p0H-WCoPp-SnK49mJL3Ej6xz6JlJtzhGi34Yp-5Opj4QVKzmD0ITjH1ZxljolapBJXkm99xaB9imClBK6_klkIGRvz0SYGsNXU/s320/P1040256.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725343614454396994" /></a>Set on the coast amid rolling sand dunes, the town of Mui Ne seems a world away from the rest of Vietnam. I said town but it’s really just a tourist resort although there is a close-by fishing village which supplies some delicious fresh fish to the tourist restaurants which is super tasty. I visit both the red and white sand dunes on a tour on my first afternoon in Mui Ne, their undulating forms dominate sections of<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2lZXTp1pRTQiffaLFx09HjhL0WlTJYc7YB4WAWYfOumK__4s7SqfC2-JZ5-viWkt6JIjjub8CVFn_r5GKy4l2KXPwcAegaLkV9LJHoVu2-WKZbpcaQOdN5F1bBpjrQKXD3nW-fLNDDw/s1600/P1040380.JPG"><img style="border:2px solid black; float:left; margin:10px 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2lZXTp1pRTQiffaLFx09HjhL0WlTJYc7YB4WAWYfOumK__4s7SqfC2-JZ5-viWkt6JIjjub8CVFn_r5GKy4l2KXPwcAegaLkV9LJHoVu2-WKZbpcaQOdN5F1bBpjrQKXD3nW-fLNDDw/s200/P1040380.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725344438601085970" /></a> land and standing in the centre I’d like to say you feel like you could be lost in the middle of the Sahara but you can see either a lake or the ocean from both so that would be misleading. They’re not quite as impressive as I’d imagined but quite a sight none the less and very different from any other landscape I’ve seen in the country. The tour also takes me to a spot dubbed ‘the fairy spring’; a stream which runs alongside a section of the dunes where red and white sands create some colourful formations. It’s actually the highlight and more beautiful than the star dunes. I also borrow a bicycle one morning to cycle to a couple of old Cham towers which stand atop a hill, they're well preserved and with the view from the hill rewarding enough for my cycle. Mui Ne has little else to offer the average traveller it’s more of a two week tourist destination for holidaying Russians, although the beach is nice enough to spend an extra day relaxing here and gorging on the freshest seafood!Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-21126632867423516722012-03-22T02:21:00.007-07:002012-03-22T08:57:50.163-07:00Ninh Binh: In One DayI was planning to stay overnight in Ninh Binh but after taking a morning bus from Hanoi I've arrived early enough to see the attractions in an afternoon, a very helpful hotelier tells me. He's keen to sell me some transport and as he suggests I tour on a mototaxi for the afternoon and then take the night bus to Hue, I think why not? <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8tU-0tevw9pwWh1hNG-lp1gpKcNDMxpu1yxE3OdAL4UWrD3GKiOiiKJN_DjI20crW0WNDR_e6PwbtRSLE8jLttifW3rOc6gU5ThaRpQQp8S3RqBj5LeYo-UdiLTjDZBdtcpgH98T5GY/s1600/P1030601.JPG"><img style="border:2px solid black; display:block; margin:5px auto 5px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8tU-0tevw9pwWh1hNG-lp1gpKcNDMxpu1yxE3OdAL4UWrD3GKiOiiKJN_DjI20crW0WNDR_e6PwbtRSLE8jLttifW3rOc6gU5ThaRpQQp8S3RqBj5LeYo-UdiLTjDZBdtcpgH98T5GY/s320/P1030601.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722658153175310194" /></a> I am driven first to Tam Coc, apparently often referred to as 'Halong Bay on the rice paddies' because of it's similar stunning limestone karsts. I take a trip up the river in a small boat which the boatman seems to put all of his effort into rowing, but I suspect it's a bit of a show in an attempt to get a bigger tip! The cliffs rise high above the the little paddies of bright green shoots while a small river picturesquely meanders it's way through the midst of this stunning scenery. The river, along with us in our little wooden vessel, passes through a few dark caves, which these very waters no doubt created, with ceilings so low I have to duck to avoid stalactites appearing from the darkness. I am returned to my moto-driver empty-handed after two hours even though I've been told to buy everything from souvenirs to a drink for my boatman, even the boatman himself tried to sell me some embroidered textiles!<br />It's a cold, grey day and as we drive through the countryside to Hoa Lu the wind goes straight through my thin cardigan, brrr. Hoa Lu is an ancient citadel created during one of the chinese dynasties but mostly destroyed or crumbled to pieces. I explore the two remaining temple pagodas which are quite architecturally aesthetic but there's nothing very special to be seen. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdAis9z3QsYIvj3LStVHkpNFpyxplG7zO1Ojj3VA-WlWDUim-D1Hk4wZwBB_Mg0ihtCG-IiWwLDQO73QhxrPeY7ETrC2w6SlDEUGBZGYnuuut0c_AyS2KxxjdOKWEvA9CqIiSFmFCYvI/s1600/P1030649.JPG"><img style="border:2px solid black; display:block; margin:5px auto 5px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdAis9z3QsYIvj3LStVHkpNFpyxplG7zO1Ojj3VA-WlWDUim-D1Hk4wZwBB_Mg0ihtCG-IiWwLDQO73QhxrPeY7ETrC2w6SlDEUGBZGYnuuut0c_AyS2KxxjdOKWEvA9CqIiSFmFCYvI/s200/P1030649.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722658404378027250" /></a> Ninh Binh is well known for it's local delicacy of goat meat, having seen some mountain goats precariously perched on the cliffs of Tam Coc I am keen to try the local favourite so I order a goat meat bbq in the town. It's in a delicious marinade and is very tasty. I'm glad I only stayed for an afternoon, with the boat trip and my goat dinner I've had the best Ninh Binh has to offer.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-53461304330852885352012-03-21T04:52:00.004-07:002012-03-21T05:14:40.971-07:00If You're Booking a Halong Bay Tour. . .Just a suggestion if you are booking a <a href="http://rachael-windowseat.blogspot.com/2012/03/longing-for-sunshine-in-halong-bay.html">Halong Bay tour</a>; I booked on to a standard 3 day tour from Hanoi, standard meaning cheap and budget, as opposed to the more expensive deluxe and superior tours which I figured would be very similar. I think it's safe to say you get what you pay for with a Halong Bay tour; the boat was lovely but the hotel on Cat Ba was very mouldy (including my pillow) and all the food was tasteless and in very small portions, the guide also did no guiding whatsoever and might as well not have been there. So if you're going to be happy with this take the cheap option but I would recommend paying just a few more dollars to not be hungry and not wake up with nostrils full of fungus smell!Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-41425342998854896442012-03-20T07:41:00.000-07:002012-04-25T08:55:43.966-07:00Dalat; Not For Honeymooners<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jAAKRc3Inbvt75wZfWC6KF04_oAfMAiLqeicDmmDd0p9pyCSVIPkb4oa_Q8GnknN_7YNfQoGJA5qCgmu4tq_4C8fzNrhn3KcFT-r7WuwTIKUoyzsxGtphyphenhyphenTPppLML8eMRpX9eiYXUYc/s1600/P1040105.JPG"><img style="border:2px solid black; display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jAAKRc3Inbvt75wZfWC6KF04_oAfMAiLqeicDmmDd0p9pyCSVIPkb4oa_Q8GnknN_7YNfQoGJA5qCgmu4tq_4C8fzNrhn3KcFT-r7WuwTIKUoyzsxGtphyphenhyphenTPppLML8eMRpX9eiYXUYc/s400/P1040105.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725335184925537826" /></a><br />
After a four hour drive from Nha Trang I am disappointed by my first sights of Dalat, I was expecting a mountainside town reminiscent of the green farmland of Malaysia’s Cameron highlands, instead all I see is plastic polly-tunnels and greenhouses overcrowding the land so barely a patch of green remains visible. The town itself is a huge concrete urban area with little to please the eye but a few swiss-mountain style buildings. Apparently many locals like to come here for their honeymoon, though it is beyond my comprehension why anyone would do such a thing. I see nothing romantic about the place what so ever, even the plastic swan paddle boats on the lake seem too tacky to be remotely charming. <br />
Having heard of the legendary easyriders of Dalat; a group of motorbike drivers who run day (and longer) tours of the area, I decide to see if they can help occupy my afternoon in Dalat. I’m expecting some kind of leather-clad biker group but on entering their office/hangout I am greeted by a friendly, old guy. Greying and weathered he has the kindest face and is really helpful, even though I don’t have <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzxf2F8BEf3U0aOWToTh4wphbBZKzsk41QBzUrNoTPZA9nFMvxz1STq7V0t5oR1zaeSg3WIb0q52Z9zR8NyDhmogRzg3J22NvJuYadBQmeOigoYF7n1EALnaKJsv_5pjFtgu2En2OnCU/s1600/P1040213.JPG"><img style="border:2px solid black; display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzxf2F8BEf3U0aOWToTh4wphbBZKzsk41QBzUrNoTPZA9nFMvxz1STq7V0t5oR1zaeSg3WIb0q52Z9zR8NyDhmogRzg3J22NvJuYadBQmeOigoYF7n1EALnaKJsv_5pjFtgu2En2OnCU/s320/P1040213.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725336187521779250" /></a>enough time to do a tour he arranges a moto taxi to run me about to some attractions for a few hours. Most of Dalat’s tourist sights are Asian-orientated tacky and attractions, which I visit the least crappy of! I go first to a beautifully peaceful meditation centre set on a hillside surrounded by beautiful gardens, then to Datlana waterfall where some genius has created an odd rollercoaster luge ride which I don’t go on. We make two more stops in the town at an old railway station and the ‘crazy house’ a quirky funhouse you might find in Disneyland. Cheesy! I do not think Dalat is worth a visit unless you’re planning to do an easyrider tour to it, around it or away from it.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-57298430114641808132012-03-19T04:23:00.000-07:002012-04-25T08:55:11.092-07:00Nha Trang; One Big BeachNha Trang is a seaside metropolis, where the city almost leans into the ocean. The beach is wide, long and sandy but the city doesn’t have much else to offer the common tourist or traveller. The nearby islands are the only other draw, the largest of which is Hon Tre where the Vietnamese have built a large theme park called Vinpearl. I avoid it for fear of overpriced tacky rides and typically cheesy Asian entertainment. I do however take a boat tour to some of the other surrounding <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJAr75Z6jzQnbRUASTQ3eCuBPu97HuJoYnyqaG_EyP_m-hm-egfy9-rBsXhwrEjOUmoCaemF-0NwCGRTOtvNiXxN6-BoaLShQy3O4XIS1lhAsFhyphenhyphenbn8vmPwT_73fYyc6U8lKa03l2Uuw/s1600/P1040043.JPG"><img style="border:2px solid black; float:left; margin:10px 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJAr75Z6jzQnbRUASTQ3eCuBPu97HuJoYnyqaG_EyP_m-hm-egfy9-rBsXhwrEjOUmoCaemF-0NwCGRTOtvNiXxN6-BoaLShQy3O4XIS1lhAsFhyphenhyphenbn8vmPwT_73fYyc6U8lKa03l2Uuw/s200/P1040043.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725278872316529666" /></a>islands which calls first at Mieu Island where we visit a large ship-shaped monstrosity of an aquarium where I can say for sure the owners spent a considerably larger amount of money building the ‘ship’ than creating a comfortable living environment for the aquariums miserable looking inhabitants. The highlight is a pool out the back where some giant turtles await being fed by eager tourists; you can step right into to the water and almost feed them by hand, fantastic. Next stop is a little snorkeling spot at Mun Island which at first look appears a bit barren but on closer inspection actually throws up some giant blue starfish, seahorses and an unidentified metre-long sluggy thing! We have lunch on the boat and then anchor down in the middle of the open water for the most peculiar part of the tour; on-board entertainment. The boat crew put on some wigs and form themselves into a ‘band’;<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0Z0KwBrPg7_8sGtKhX4ylPfIfFXFBDaN4JGKyUiWg_EUdzfZtdIDJ6NWfO65orHs7bpG78YXIKmLhWg-TYwqjbKZYbLhhoAs4EqR4Ex3dpUdtu94-X89tZ6OcJDPdhzQsHXrDrEnwlQ/s1600/P1040066.JPG"><img style="border:2px solid black; float:right; margin:10px 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0Z0KwBrPg7_8sGtKhX4ylPfIfFXFBDaN4JGKyUiWg_EUdzfZtdIDJ6NWfO65orHs7bpG78YXIKmLhWg-TYwqjbKZYbLhhoAs4EqR4Ex3dpUdtu94-X89tZ6OcJDPdhzQsHXrDrEnwlQ/s200/P1040066.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725327455150643266" /></a> one with an electric guitar, one with a drum set made of plastic tubs and one with just a microphone and a twirl! They mash out some hilarious tunes, dragging members of the audience on stage (including me) for a karaoke type affair. They’re rather terrible and it’s quite hilarious! After this we are plunged into the water with one of the boatmen who dishes out sun-warmed fruity wine in plastic cups with pineapple, mmmm! Very odd. Our final stop is at Tranh Island where we are left to relax on the beach and I feel like we have emerged from some parallel universe as the crew loose the wigs and resume their normal duties. A strange but interesting day which enlivened a visit to mediocre Nha Trang.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-65301689012561549272012-03-17T03:58:00.000-07:002012-04-25T08:54:29.947-07:00Hoi An; Just For It's PersonalityHoi An is a beautiful little town set alongside the picturesque Hoai river which was South Vietnams trading hub during the 16th and 17th centuries. Filled with French, Dutch and Japanese influence it oozes colonial charm through old streets laced with fragrant flowers and shuttered shop fronts. The old streets of the town and some of the historical buildings are Unesco world heritage listed but after reading some reviews of the ‘culture tour’ ticket which allows entrance to the related sites, buildings and museums like the museum of ceramics which doesn’t exactly draw me in! I decide I’ll be better off just wandering and absorbing the wonderful atmosphere of the place. I seek out some of the listed sites, including the Japanese bridge and some old community meeting houses and viewing from the outside is aesthetically pleasing enough. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeN5LjitouPv3k-aE0tTWdFyxJRC7HTmumX13YQtw8X6rxJZRl6nRTe37IG3BeeI7_cUdvwy-Q-isUY0-0nP8rwlW55l0R0vukmln09eFKlnngYRmWTQq7oZSHRPGWcbR1Y_v92T29FI/s1600/P1030924.JPG"><img style="border:2px solid black; display:block; margin:10px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeN5LjitouPv3k-aE0tTWdFyxJRC7HTmumX13YQtw8X6rxJZRl6nRTe37IG3BeeI7_cUdvwy-Q-isUY0-0nP8rwlW55l0R0vukmln09eFKlnngYRmWTQq7oZSHRPGWcbR1Y_v92T29FI/s320/P1030924.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725274993972670018" /></a> The town has retained its trading roots and shops full of wonderful fabrics abound. There are hundreds of tailors ready to create the perfect suit, ball gown and garments fitted for you in a matter of days, even hours if you’re short on time! Of course there are many shops selling tourist souvenirs but they are beautifully crafted and much less tacky than the usual fare; lacquered wood bowls, vases, silk cushion covers and table runners are as abundant as the tailors and no doubt please numerous souvenir seekers.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOdV9N79-UkaPGhTyqI71qW3JCTnWkPqh75v8cgdj_eh2jJ7AnZwTGq6T9r5pfKXpsSEHpMvfNKWBwmhEIGmUo1IT84D3tXd2IUD58NXaq4V3GMJzK-m991f1crPQDqjacDiJIsJ4qfM/s1600/P1030972.JPG"><img style="border:2px solid black; display:block; margin:10px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOdV9N79-UkaPGhTyqI71qW3JCTnWkPqh75v8cgdj_eh2jJ7AnZwTGq6T9r5pfKXpsSEHpMvfNKWBwmhEIGmUo1IT84D3tXd2IUD58NXaq4V3GMJzK-m991f1crPQDqjacDiJIsJ4qfM/s320/P1030972.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725275588977239698" /></a>At night the riverside is illuminated by many beautiful coloured lanterns which are hand crafted in the town creating a magical ambience. Combined with the free cultural dance and music performances which take place along the river bank this makes for a perfect evening to relax, enjoy some delicious local food and soak up Hoi An’s flavour. <br />
All in all I loved Hoi An simply for it’s magical atmosphere and beautiful setting and would gladly spend a week enjoying its personality.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-5303133437859049442012-03-15T09:42:00.012-07:002012-03-17T08:27:40.159-07:00Hanoi: A City of Organised ChaosHanoi is a wonderful capital full of interesting sights, sounds and smells. It's a place for relaxing and watching the chaotic life of the city pass you by, it's a place for wandering museums for hours on end, it's a place to get lost in exploring surprising back streets. The roads in Hanoi are a crazy mess of thousands of scooters, cars, cyclo's and bikes, beep beep, while the pavements are full of allsorts, including scooters and lots of locals enjoying a tea and snacking on some seeds while perched on child-sized plastic stools. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMohtvgrteP6O1FX5c5cNnNL4L8cVSSh1-aJaU71MH6nbhwZRe_HnsSLn8N0UbZjr0yZLJ2G2DajoVoQDJqAtwlbXerkCps5UukJK8EmutgOTlRmyePc10diDeiLHdeYo0r1tENK89nw/s1600/P1030088.JPG"><img style="border:3px solid black;display:block; margin:10px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMohtvgrteP6O1FX5c5cNnNL4L8cVSSh1-aJaU71MH6nbhwZRe_HnsSLn8N0UbZjr0yZLJ2G2DajoVoQDJqAtwlbXerkCps5UukJK8EmutgOTlRmyePc10diDeiLHdeYo0r1tENK89nw/s400/P1030088.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720878347964805154" border="0" /></a>Hawkers carry heavily loaded trays of various foodstuffs and spend their days roaming the streets selling their chosen produce. Hoan Kim Lake is in the heart of the city and is a hive of activity day and night, where locals exercise, tourists take photos and young lovers fall under the city's spell. I'm entranced by it's foggy mystery in the day and by it's illuminated islands at night.<br />Ngoc Son temple sits on a small island in the lake and houses a rather odd looking preserved giant turtle. The pagoda brings to mind the vast Chinese history of Vietnam. I pay a visit to the temple of literature; the first university in Vietnam where the students had to sit final exams with the emperor posing questions as their examiner. To soak up a bit more Vietnamese traditional culture I attend a famed water puppetry show in the evening. Water puppetry was invented by farmers who used <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyePo4ceJu-8fL2h6cncwjkPHWvh2IP37E5Z6Evt5q_M0dcomrR_MMvgTs0jV1-mjldoQvBU4Ug6AM3LDhhODbuhEtrLVD1Wm66eFLsqpcllMsrNP8j_NZOqYDq_XgCO1tm5O3iEfdDo/s1600/P1020960.JPG"><img style="border:2px solid black; float:right; margin:10px 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyePo4ceJu-8fL2h6cncwjkPHWvh2IP37E5Z6Evt5q_M0dcomrR_MMvgTs0jV1-mjldoQvBU4Ug6AM3LDhhODbuhEtrLVD1Wm66eFLsqpcllMsrNP8j_NZOqYDq_XgCO1tm5O3iEfdDo/s200/P1020960.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720886274265036722" border="0" /></a>their rice paddies as their stage. I watch a fun and humorous show of puppets fighting, dancing and performing on a stage of water accompanied by some traditional music. One of the should really see's in Hanoi is Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and so I go one morning and find a large imposing concrete tomb. There are a lot of slightly ridiculous security checks and my empty water bottle and bananas are confiscated. What am I going to do with a banana for god's sake!? A lot of people have come to pay their respects and after a bit of queuing and a lot of hoo haa; remove your sunglasses, hands out of your pockets, sssshhhhhh!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9iE1T58e7fjeFdAduxBugpRkBuXD7rzTmfhhnsliisBrn1sO4zpMcUhhmiIKyxXl4cjcmLUmyZgRY0TXV_kT7CFL3_l8EGsenjul3N6ruJW2b7rtr6hFxsfBedCEGN7GPe_SlCfKwY4/s1600/P1030008.JPG"><img style="border:2px solid black; float:left; margin:10px 10px 5px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 184px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9iE1T58e7fjeFdAduxBugpRkBuXD7rzTmfhhnsliisBrn1sO4zpMcUhhmiIKyxXl4cjcmLUmyZgRY0TXV_kT7CFL3_l8EGsenjul3N6ruJW2b7rtr6hFxsfBedCEGN7GPe_SlCfKwY4/s200/P1030008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720880702928391202" border="0" /></a>We are permitted to walk past Ho Chi Minhs mummified body which lies, looking peaceful, in a glass casket. Honestly, after the hassle I'm not sure it was worth the effort. Mister Minh actually wanted to be cremated but his adoring fans disregarded his last wishes to preserve and display him for all to see (if you don't have any deadly bananas in your handbag). After this surreal experience I check out Ho Chi Minh's museum to learn a bit more about the man himself. Hanoi provides several days worth of museums and I fill many hours visiting Hoa Lo Prison museum, the history museum and the wonderful women's museum. In short Hanoi is a fantastic city full of culture, traffic and amazing people.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-91870987340224257862012-03-15T09:00:00.003-07:002012-03-15T09:28:37.207-07:00Taking the bus from Laos to Vietnam (Sam Neua/ Vieng Xai to Hanoi)If your planning on making the trip from Laos to Vietnam via the Na Maew/Nam Xoi border crossing on a bus here's a snippet of advice. It is possible to take a long direct bus from Vientiane to Hanoi but if you'd like to visit <a href="http://rachael-windowseat.blogspot.com/2012/03/phonsavan-discovering-war.html">Phonsavan</a>, <a href="http://rachael-windowseat.blogspot.com/2012/03/mysterious-plain-of-jars.html">the plain of jars</a>, Sam Neua and <a href="http://rachhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifael-windowseat.blogspot.com/2012/03/where-troops-were-hiding-in-vieng-xai.html">Vieng Xai</a> on the way and break up the journey a bit it is possible to take a bus from Sam Neua to Thanh Hoa or Hanoi. The bus is technically destined for Thanh Hoa but seems to generally continue straight on to Hanoi however . . . if you buy a ticket on the bus all the way to Hanoi you will likely be ripped off! The ticket from Sam Neua or Vieng Xai to Thanh Hoa is 180,000 kip, and my bus driver claimed it would cost me a further 300,000 dong (150,000 kip) to stay on the bus to Hanoi, apparently this is a frequent occurrence and the ticket from Thanh Hoa bus station to Hanoi will only cost you 80,000 dong. So get off the bus in Thanh Hoa and buy another ticket for another bus to Hanoi, the timetable claims they depart every 15 minutes but this is always subject to how many people are on the bus. If you overnight in Vieng Xai walk to the main road from the village and you will be able to flag the bus down here at around 8.30am (but you'll probably be waiting till 9.30 so if you're a little late don't assume you've missed it).<br /><br />When I finally get on the bus at 9.45 we make a dash for the border which closes at 11.30. The driver is smoking something from a pipe which isn't just tobacco and doesn't smell like marijuana. He's bombing it hell for leather down the narrow mountain road flying through villages sending children and pigs squealing from his path. The bus emits an almost constant wail from it's horn under the hand of our invincible driver who seems to think any incident is impossible if you 'announce' you're coming and put your foot to the floor. I never the less make it to Thanh Hoa eight and a half hours later and through some of the most stunning scenery I've seen on this trip.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-79407723011002497922012-03-14T05:54:00.000-07:002012-04-25T08:53:48.103-07:00Hue; Tombs, Pagodas and Palaces<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ce3k3j2FTuQ-GiEv_oTQ6nh9XqRtX1Oehesi0LeEixycibR-LqcuzZ7uUWswe1gVy8SaSWGryssUktyuoDryKEoucoBKwl3XODi6rcL2paL3vDOjRfqpoSonimQWU8WT3ONsyXX_XP4/s1600/P1030674.JPG"><img style="border: 2px solid black; display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ce3k3j2FTuQ-GiEv_oTQ6nh9XqRtX1Oehesi0LeEixycibR-LqcuzZ7uUWswe1gVy8SaSWGryssUktyuoDryKEoucoBKwl3XODi6rcL2paL3vDOjRfqpoSonimQWU8WT3ONsyXX_XP4/s320/P1030674.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724947736460280354" /></a><br />
The city of Hue is home to a Unesco world heritage listed ancient citadel and many tombs and pagodas of historical interest. After fending off numerous cyclo drivers who followed me around pointing me in the wrong direction and telling me the citadel was closed for lunch (it wasn't) I begin my exploring at the citadel, including the imperial city with the royal accommodations, and the king's private forbidden purple city. It is encircled by a tall imposing wall the entrance of which is a grand structure with a viewing platform from which the royals used to watch outside festivities and entertainment. It's a relatively sizable area and I spend most of an afternoon exploring it's mostly restored (though some entirely destroyed by war) pagodas, palaces, and living quarters of the royal family. <br />
I take a city tour to discover the rest of the city's ancient and more distributed sights. After viewing a disappointing mandarin house we struggle through a sea of school children to see Thien Mu Pagoda which is quite a beautiful structure set in tree lined gardens overlooking the river. Unfortunately the cheap tour has rendered me with a useless guide who feels little need to tell us anything about the sights we are visiting so I learn very little about our next stop; Khai Dinh Tomb. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZAhnwXkwe9wtlCX50kLUwOuh7T5Y4cGdaRIQDhrLR0HX8KWI6C-M6pUXtvlm5rVBSoHsC1iQ69zkI-iTumrVIxTK1B1xxi6vOytZ26surfHyU_vLlw9xKqG0x1OxgglMZUWTZ322uow/s1600/P1030824.JPG"><img style="border:2px solid black; display:block; margin:10px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZAhnwXkwe9wtlCX50kLUwOuh7T5Y4cGdaRIQDhrLR0HX8KWI6C-M6pUXtvlm5rVBSoHsC1iQ69zkI-iTumrVIxTK1B1xxi6vOytZ26surfHyU_vLlw9xKqG0x1OxgglMZUWTZ322uow/s320/P1030824.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724948276546601970" /></a>I find it to be a beautifully dark and Gothic structure. The inside of the main building is decorated with the most elaborate and stunning ceramic mosaics and bass-reliefs, where emperor Khai Dinh combined European and Oriental influences. <br />
Tu Doc tomb is the largest in Hue and is the last stop on the tour. The site encompasses many beautiful archways, columns and buildings which are showing the years that have passed and beginning to sag and crumble. Unlike many of Hue's ancient site's it seems to be mainly un-renovated and therefore maintains more of it's original charm.<br />
Hue is a city well worth spending a couple of days exploring to learn a little of it's ancient history and imagine yourself transported into the past.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-37003442036106960662012-03-12T08:48:00.006-07:002012-03-15T08:59:30.289-07:00Where The Troops Were Hiding in Vieng Xai<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyO0GDzgophgqT1kGmDbMLY6map6csRPNFdJOZ1ukTTpGu9D3DUV2SSz2-0tI4WjqP3HfnI8875Bn_3Wseg9D87s-O0jVl9wYhSJyCpq6s3iX178yF1-cNbGcC84LrBstoTSYP1jlOKXQ/s1600/P1020745.JPG"><img style="border:3px solid black; display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyO0GDzgophgqT1kGmDbMLY6map6csRPNFdJOZ1ukTTpGu9D3DUV2SSz2-0tI4WjqP3HfnI8875Bn_3Wseg9D87s-O0jVl9wYhSJyCpq6s3iX178yF1-cNbGcC84LrBstoTSYP1jlOKXQ/s400/P1020745.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720153240844517634" /></a>Vieng Xai is a beautiful little village in the Hoahphanh province of Laos. Peppered with small fields and paddies it hides a dark history within the craggy limestone outcrops which wall the village. This is known as the birthplace of Lao PDR because during the Indochina war 20,000 Pathet Lao's (of the revolutionary movement) lived in a hidden city here. Dwelling in caves which riddle the cliffs they created a bomb-sheltered community hosting schools, markets and hospitals inside the depths of the caverns. The leaders of the Pathet Lao discovered and retreated to the safety of the caves from 1964-1973 while Laos was being subjected to 2 million tons of falling bombs. The US were targeting the Hoahphanh province as part of their efforts to stop the Ho Chi Minh trail and supplies getting into Vietnam. Meanwhile the Pathet Lao were fighting their own war with the government.<br />Some of the caves are now open to visitors and as i venture inside the cave of President Kaysone Phomvihane I am struck by the cold grey concrete-reinforced walls and damp stale air. I sense little comforts would have been afforded here. A few books from a personal library remain but but for a leaders quarters the outlook is bare. For the rest of the hidden city's inhabitants, in far more crowded conditions the darkness must have been suffocating, whilst at the same time the thick surrounding rock provided comfort by protection. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KD6CHyYABDEbCZcTWCSqsugAbR63JPP47aiIbWFFlN-jhSb4bd0XsaKr9ACobO0BzfC_Px1Ig6GcH13pd0U9njYzOEv1439ifVsPa3UmObmh8Y77OIt5vf723J45Fep9iFZhjXwjpIg/s1600/P1020770.JPG"><img style="border:3px solid black; float:left; margin:10px 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KD6CHyYABDEbCZcTWCSqsugAbR63JPP47aiIbWFFlN-jhSb4bd0XsaKr9ACobO0BzfC_Px1Ig6GcH13pd0U9njYzOEv1439ifVsPa3UmObmh8Y77OIt5vf723J45Fep9iFZhjXwjpIg/s200/P1020770.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720153529998873314" /></a>The tour leads us through some more leaders' caves, a barren hospital cave an artillery cave with an advantageous outlook and finally to Xanglot cave. This large open-ended cavern was the host to many weddings, festival celebrations and a weekly movie screening which surely helped enliven morale during some bleak times for those trapped here. Their shelter was almost a prison; daylight locking them inside, while under the cover of darkness they dared venture out to tend crops and gather supplies. It's a fascinating tour of a hidden past. Standing in th village i could never imagine such terror ravaged this landscape or that an entire community could have hidden in the tunnel ridden rocks surrounding me. But they did and they eventually won their war and their freedom.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376872150680644570.post-15894001224490165752012-03-11T08:38:00.000-07:002012-04-25T08:53:04.962-07:00Longing for the Sunshine in Halong Bay<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZytNHGnMPq1WfNg8A37Ifa_9DDCHWVuN-5gGjzAzUX74nB_ZuB82suqdVfNqRVjCSWWHVRD1bmzGlzQQaiB22oGiWOI9FBJ2l7hxcHxpJK890JZQueVO05K8bcZAHllUxRekAWj4-DLY/s1600/P1030437.JPG"><img style="border:2px solid black; display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 95px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZytNHGnMPq1WfNg8A37Ifa_9DDCHWVuN-5gGjzAzUX74nB_ZuB82suqdVfNqRVjCSWWHVRD1bmzGlzQQaiB22oGiWOI9FBJ2l7hxcHxpJK890JZQueVO05K8bcZAHllUxRekAWj4-DLY/s400/P1030437.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722320876921419842" border="0"></a>Visiting Halong bay when the skies are grey and droplets of water fill the air is certainly not the best time to say the least. But the weather is what it is and I don't want to miss the natural heritage listed site although my first glimpse of Halong's famous limestone islands is through a misty grey screen; somewhat mysterious but mostly miserable.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRqWa9eKtyoTLL_U_sy0dreJ10eweEraza-qO2tdIl4qtOJ1EuVv1C-_JAxrG4iaHUf2DEulLwvE-GN0n2FFSH1p8_Q3r6zXP-xlRGJDdivR-55_9AJentJm2gwjPyIU0ruhUFNvBKJc/s1600/P1030194.JPG"><img style="border:2px solid black; float:left; margin:10px 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRqWa9eKtyoTLL_U_sy0dreJ10eweEraza-qO2tdIl4qtOJ1EuVv1C-_JAxrG4iaHUf2DEulLwvE-GN0n2FFSH1p8_Q3r6zXP-xlRGJDdivR-55_9AJentJm2gwjPyIU0ruhUFNvBKJc/s200/P1030194.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722319089686037266" border="0"></a> I spend one day on a junk boat cruising around the bay and visiting various sites. Our first stop is Thien Cung cave which turns out to be an impressive, huge cavern filled with giant stalactites and columns illuminated by various coloured neon lights. It's a fabulous grotto well worth the visit. Cruising through Halong Bays notorious scenery we pass bold islands rising from (not quite so) emerald waters on the way to a floating fishing village where we stop for a short kaya<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzXBXK9D5iC-am7xj5Ix45ydG01vJTafglyDGQQt26QHhrVXOdrTYiFSxvoCeKY07fkV2JB2pN2GGvrKSpDfl73TX-28YAIWTzAYX4c5IwiabRj8DV0p7DhdTSj79p8tq0_w4c5Cp6rI/s1600/P1030282.JPG"><img style="border:2px solid black; float:right; margin:10px 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzXBXK9D5iC-am7xj5Ix45ydG01vJTafglyDGQQt26QHhrVXOdrTYiFSxvoCeKY07fkV2JB2pN2GGvrKSpDfl73TX-28YAIWTzAYX4c5IwiabRj8DV0p7DhdTSj79p8tq0_w4c5Cp6rI/s200/P1030282.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722319926100066018" border="0"></a>k. After spending a night on the boat in the bay we dock on Cat Ba island and disembark for the land-based section of the trip. We are abandoned by our useless guide; mister Tom at Cat Ba national park where we climb an incredibly muddy and slippery viewpoint from which we can see nothing but the surrounding cloud! After checking into a disgusting hotel the afternoon is spent exploring Cat Ba town and beaches in the ensuing drizzle. The harbor is filled with colourful fishing boats and the scene might be quite picturesque in some warming sunshine.<br />
After a night spent on the island we return by boat to Halong city, and then by bus to Hanoi.Rachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15092291626702074374noreply@blogger.com0