Tour de Dalat

"15/05/2013"

Bonjour et bienvenue à Dalat.

Could this place get anymore French...it even has an Eiffle tower.  haha
Well the power stations look like mini Eiffle towers.
The quaint streets, with little painted houses overlooking the lake certainly give off an alpine flavour.  Even the weather is a little more European, with rain more of a regular occurrance.

I went on an interesting little tour today, encompassing the countryside and the main sites in Dalat.

Our first stop visited a flower farm.  We then went to a little village, and on to a cricket farm (yes some of the others tasted cricket...apparently it is a local delicacy...best served barbequed with chili sauce.)
Then it was on to a silk farm.  Incredible to see the intricate work and each silk worm could produce 1km of thread.  Amazing!
Placing the thread into the machines looked a very tricky job, so I have no idea how they managed to find the end each time.
The end products were beautiful too.

We then left to stop off at a Pagoda with a Happy Buddha statue, before clambering to a waterfall.
The elephant waterfall was very pretty, but nothing quite compares to Iguazzu.

It was then time for a visit to a coffee plantation, which had views to die for (more opportunity to shop), before heading back to Dalat for a spot of lunch...yes they actually managed to find something vegetarian for a change!)
We witnessed an incredible downpour on the way to the restaurant, including a very strong thunderstorm, although it didn't last long.  It soon cleared the air, and we were able to continue with our tour, visiting an older railway station and finishing off at the beautiful lake.

I'm off to Nha Trang tomorrow, I really hope the weather is sunny!

Saigon - Dalat

"14/05/2013"

I was very sad to leave Long Hostel, it was a lovely place to stay.

This next bus journey was a long one, but very comfortable as there were only 9 passengers on the bus.

It did take around 9 hours, but the last 3 hours were worth it, with breath taking scenary over the hills coming into Dalat.

It was definitely my little flavour of Europe.

Chu Chi Tunnels - a Vietnam War Lesson

"13/05/2013"

Today was my Ho Chi Minh day - learn about the Vietnam War / add to my prexisting knowledge.

The tour involved a trip to the famous tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, a visit to the War Museum, and some sites of Ho Chi Minh City.

During the visit to the Chu Chi Tunnels, we were given a very interesting video perspective on the war...portraying the Americans as evil.
However, evidence would show us that the Viet Cong were incredibly intelligent, with their survival tactics, using things such as termite mounds to cover the tunnel network, which allowed air into the tunnels.

We had the opportunity to experience a tunnel, which was not for the larger sized tourists.  (Perhaps that's why the Americans didn't guess so quickly, because they couldn't fit down the rabbit warren holes anyway...lols).

The war museum was another depiction of what was a very one sided argument.  However, my own historical understanding would side with the accusation that the Americans hold some serious blame, going to war to prevent the spread of communism.  Their use of chemical weapons is a case of pot kettle black if we now look at some of the current affairs, and the destruction left from them is appalling.
However, we only have one side of the argument.

I walked back from the war museum with a German tourist from my tour, and visited the Notre Dam cathedral, and the opera house, walking through the upper class district of Ho Chi Minh.  You can really see the French influence in this area, and I felt (baring the motorbikes) that I was walking through Paris.

In the evening, myself and another Canadian (there seem to be a lot of these on this trip) sampled some Vietnamese street food.
This was an interesting experience, with my meal arriving only after he'd finished his.
The waitress understood the concept no animals, and in the end I received a plate of one type of vegetable...I have no idea what though.  The spicy sauce it had been fried in was delicious.

Mekong Delta

"11/05/2013 - 12/05/2013"

Another early start as I needed to be at the Sinh Cafe for my bus.
I left with another tourist who was heading that way so no problems finding the bus station this time. ;)

When I collected my tickets, I noticed that we would be staying at a 4* hotel so thought I ought to have packed my bikini, so pegged it back to the hostel.

Still had plenty of time so I stopped for a spot of breakfast (a nice mixed fruit smoothie sounded a great idea).
Having ordered, the waiter clearly had no idea..I was given a portion of chopped fruit to take away with me...despite "mixed fruit smoothie" and picture appearing on the menu.  Grrrh.
I had to leave as the bus was ready by this stage.

The bus was pretty full and included quite a few varieties of naitonalities.  I was the only Brit.  Glad to be flying the flag for the country.

The tour guide was very enthusiastic...(as are all of them)...and very repetitive.
I was VERY aware that our first visit on the Mekong Delta involved a visit to a Honey bee farm, and I was NOT impressed.  Panic panic...(!!)
I avoided the bees, infact I didn't even see one bee, however we were served a very nice honey flavoured tea and a lovely platter of fresh fruit.  YUM!
We were then entertained by some local mekong delta folk music.  (which went on far too long).  The music would have been a lot better had it not included the singers.  Enough to lull you into a sleep, especially with the heat increasing every second.
I wish the singers used their diaphram to sing and not their throat...arrrgh, so much vocal coaching I wanted to offer.  And every time we thought it would stop another singer would take over.
I guess they were only doing what they've been taught.

It was good to get back on the river, with a cool breeze as the boat moved along.

Next stop was a coconut "factory", where we learned how the coconut candy was made, starting with opening up of a coconut.  Easier said than done.
I'm not a fan of coconut itself so the coconut candy was a bit of an acquired taste...I didn't opt to try the coconut wine either, fearing it to be a bit like Malibu...and we all know what my reactions to Malibu are like.

After the coconut tasting spree, it was time to hop on a Vietnamese style tuk-tuk.  Basically a back of a truck, before another boat ride.
I sat in a truck with some Malaysian girls who were very friendly, but slightly scared of the tuk-tuk.
However, when we reached the river, it was time to experience a Vietnamese style rowing boat, which was a lot more daunting.

The weight of four people in the boat I'm sure would be enough to tip the boat, but we stayed afloat!

The boat took us to where lunch would be served...a welcome sit-down after the busy morning.

We then departed for the hotel, a good few hours away.

The hotel was a 4* hotel...did I mention that?  Although I would still rate it as maybe 3*...I'm not sure, I am not accustomed to staying in hotels.
It was good, but not excellent.

But nice to have my own room, with TV, and ensuite.

Next day (after a very westernised breakfast) we left early for the floating markets.  Very different to those in Thailand, as these were commercial and existed with or without the tourists.
We stopped off at a plantation where there were some beautiful flowers, and a bridge, very reminiscent of the Monet garden in France, before devouring a massive platter of fruit.  The mango was the best I've tasted so far, so delicious.

Then it was a quick trip back to the hotel, before leaving for Ho Chi Minh.

Quad Biking, the Killing Fields and a tuk-tuk race

"10/05/2013"

Today was a crazy crazy day.

Having checked out of my room, and feeling a little hungover, I decided a spot of breakfast would be a good idea.

I had left plenty of time in wait for the quad bike trip...all should be fine.
Except that breakfast took 30 minutes to come...and when it did come, my lift to the quad bikes arrived.

I scoffed breakfast down - not ideal, but felt very guilty for keeping the others waiting...then after the staff took an age to let me PAY? I could have walked off, right?  I finally made it to the trip.
Transport was yet another tuk-tuk...I am getting quite familiar with this mode.

It is probably better than a taxi as the traffic was pretty crazy.

Tuk-tuk was able to cut down some back roads when there was a stand still traffic jam.
I had no idea how far the quad bikes were, and was getting slightly anxious with my bus leaving at 1pm.

Eventually we arrived at the quad bikes, which involved a village tour on quad bikes.
Lots of fun, but the seat kept burning me, and I'm glad I had someone with me to take over every so often as the control was tiring on the hand.

There were some very cute village kids who ran out to greet us...again so similar to Africa!

I miss Africa.

When the tour ended we went to the genocide museum.  The killing fields are where millions were executed during the war.  When there were too many to dying, prisoners were kept, held and then killed later on, including children.  It is horrifying.

After a sombre experience the tour guide gave me a lift back to the hostel by motor bike...as time was ticking by.  This was rather scary, and I did hold on for dear life, but I do think he went slower than usual...though I do think they go slower on the motor bikes than in the UK.

Having arrived back at the hostel, and changed, I was ready to leave for the bus station.
Except no-one knew where it was.

It would have been really helpful if Bamba experience had sent the details of which bus company I would be travelling with...
Instead I had to guess, and go with the place I was dropped off at.

Turned out that this was incorrect.  Panicking, we managed to get through to the emergency contact.  I was still getting concerned that 1pm was getting ever closer.
Eventually we got hold of Armin and the details "The Sinh Tourist Cafe"....but it was now gone 1pm...too late.
"No" said Armin "the bus leaves at 1.30pm".

I grabbed another tuk-tuk, who knew where this place was...problem was it was 20 minutes to get there...
Please no trafific!!








I made it with 5 minutes to spare...what a relief!!!


I needn't detail the journey...pretty uneventful and standard border control.
When I arrived in Ho Chi Minh, despite being ripped off by a taxi driver...grrrrrrrh....I received the loveliest welcome from the Long Family, who run Long Hostel.  A lovely lovely place.

After a crazy day...settled down for a restful night's sleep before the Mekong Delta.

Monkey Madness - Phnom Penh

"09/05/2013"

Speaking of bombshells...today I left the absolutely lovely Siem Reap Rooms / Siem Reap for Phnom Penh.
A long and nervy bus journey ...to a city, basically en route to Vietnam.
I was stopping there to visit the Killing Fields and pay my respect to all the lives lost in the Genocide.
That was to come the next day.

Mad Monkey was not of the hostel standards of Lub D and SRR.
Very smelly and loud...and didn't feel secure or organised, although previous ratings would suggest the opposite.

Although I wanted an early night I could tell I was not going to get one with the bar being directly upstairs, so thought it best to have a drink and chill out before going to sleep.

I met some safe USA girls as well as a few long term volunteers helping in Cambodia, from the UK.

Temple Run

"08/05/2013"

Early start today...How often am I going to be saying this.

I was wondering if the bus would pick me up at all...but they turned up promptly in a lovely airconed mini van.

The tour guide was very talkative and friendly...and I could tell it would be a lively day.

The group was a nice mix, but mostly young travellers - couples.  One rather annoying Argentinian couple who insisted on taking about 100 photos at every posing opportunity.  Young love eh?

It was very very very hot.  By 10am I had definitely drank most of my first water bottle and I am sure that I'd burnt in some places.

The early part of the day really started to drag on...the guide was incredibly knowledgable, but didn't know when to stop talking.  Too detailed.  I was also getting slightly concerned that we wouldn't get round all the temples.

I'm not going to try and pronounce all the temples on all this broken keyboard...I may insert at a later date.
However Ankor wat was pretty incredible...as was the tomb raider temple.
My only disappointment was not getting Ankor wat at sunrise/sunset.  Our tours were timed later in the day.

Still a good day.

I wandered round the markets in the evening and bought a bag - bound to come in handy at some point, as I'd stupidly bought my handbag rather than a small rucksack.  Note to self for next time.

I then checked the sports news.

Sir Alex Ferguson to retire as Manchester United manager

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22447018

I will leave this post on that bombshell.
I AM SHOCKED.

In transit - Bangkok - Siem Reap

"07/05/2013"

This promises to be a short and sweet entry as I left the city of Bangkok ready for Cambodia.

After much deliberation, with many people advising me to take a different route other than the bus, I decided late yesterday to book a flight, fairly cheaply, and avoid the tourist bus/taxi attack at the border.
This also meant I got a lie-in, easy route to the airport and a nice chilled out day heading over to Siem Reap.

I discovered Bangkok airport is amazing...so if I have time to spare on route to my flight home, then I definitely will not be bored.

I got talking to a fascinating Australian who regularly volunteers out in a Cambodian orphanage ...very interesting guy who helped pass the flight time.

Siem Reap airport was definitely built for the tourists.  It was clean accessible and efficient.  My e-visa went through no problem at all, and my time of 4pm was a little ambitious.
However, Siem Reap Room's pick-up arrived early...and so I was not even kept waiting.
I was however expecting a taxi...not a tuk-tuk.  Slightly scary!!!!

Actually the tuk-tuk turned out to be a relief in the Cambodian mid-afternoon sauna.

My first impressions of Cambodia were that it was very similar to some of the African countries I've been to.  The red dust...billboards everywhere, and a lot of urban poverty.
It felt warm and friendly. I instantly liked it.

And sticking with the African theme...the tuk-tuk picked up a puncture...TIA?

It didn't take long to fix, so soon we were en route to the hostel again.

Siem Reap Rooms provided the friendliest welcome.  A refreshing drink, and a warm welcome explaining everything to me.
They couldn't be clearer about what to do and where everything  was.  Amazing :)
The hostel was incredible too.

I spent the evening relaxing, as I had a busy day ahead of me visiting Ankor wat and a number of temples.

Floating Markets, elephants and tigers

"06/05/2013"

I decided late last night that I wanted to see the floating markets.
When I realised that I could do the tour, and go and see tigers and elephants it was a no brainer.

Right on queue the tour guide showed up at 7am, when I was trying to decide whether or not to take the tourist bus to Siem Reap...more about that another time.

The tour guide had rather a habbit of repeating himself.  But was a sweetie.
Clearly everything was not included in the price, so at every stop we had to pay more on top of the price we'd already paid.  A tad frustrating.

Needless to say the tour was well worth it.
A morning at the floating markets, with some amazing spring rolls and a trip down the canals.

We then left for the elephant home, where there was an opportunity to ride elephants.  The elephant I rode took a little detour into the river...sensible plan as it was getting really hot.
The elephants are working elephants and this was a further way to keep them in a healthy way.

We then swapped vehicles (some people were heading back to Bangkok)...following a brief stop at a snake show, which no-one wanted to pay extra to see, before a long journey to the River Kwai for a buffet lunch...which was included, and well worth it.  (DECENT VEGGIE OPTIONS FOR A CHANGE!)
It was a lovely river view, and as I mentioned to someone else on the bus, this would be worth gold in the med...

We had a brief stop at "death bridge", which was supposedly a bridge bombed during the second world war by the US....and something to do with Burma.  However we weren't quite sure what Burma had to do with anything, especially as Burma was not on the other side of the bridge...hmmm.

We then had another long journey to "tiger temple".  Yes tigers.
There was an opportunity to go in for free and stroke the tigers, plus have your photo taken.  The guide I was with took several...compared to the "special photo with the tiger on your lap" for 1000baht.
Personally I preferred what I did and my pics are great.  The tigers were incredible...though I'm still convinced they were drugged.

Then for the long journey back to Bangkok.

It was an incredible day, and there is so much more to come.  I can't wait.

Grand Palace and lots of temples

"05/05/2013"

It was an early start today.  Something which is something that is going to be a bit of a trend this holiday.
We had been advised to get up early to see the temples, as it tended to get very busy in the afternoon + the heat of the day would make things a lot less pleasant.

Negotiating the skytrain proved to be no problem at all, and myself an Alex (another fellow traveller from my hostel) arrived at the river in no time for the boat service.

We thought are plans would be scuppered slightly when a friendly tour guide mentioned that the service wasn't scheduled to run till later, but that he could offer us a private long boat for 500Baht.
Not deterred we went to find out ourselves, and 5minutes later the public service rocked up.  For 25baht.

The boat trip up the river was worth it, especially as at 7.30am the day was already warming up.

When we arrived we stopped for a bite, and looking up at the skies, I was very keen to discover where the temples were as it looked like the storm was coming.

Our first temples was Wat Pho.  It hadn't been two minutes of being there before the heavens opened and we were glad to be inside.  Definitely a tropical storm.  And a day I seriously regretted NOT having my rain wear with me.
The whole area seemed to get a battering, and the wind seemed to be blowing some of the preparations around.  Urgh.
We waited inside the temple for a good hour - it seemed most of the other tourists had a similar idea,  not wanting to brave the conditions.

When it finally didn't look at all like easing, we made the decision to crack on and explore.
Two seconds on being outside, and we were both soaked to our skin.  We sought refuge in a shop, and the shop owner managed to track down a lady selling anorak coats.  Clearly not the cheapest item in the world, but I needed one.

Of course by this point, it stopped raining didn't it.

The next game was one of avoiding puddles whilst taking photos of what was a beautiful temple.

Some of the pillars had incredibly ornate decoration on each mosaic tile, and it is fascinating just how similar cultures such as the Egyptians, Romans, Mayans and Buddhists all are really and yet how far apart they were.

We then walked for ages trying to find the Grand Palace, with security guards continually telling us it was closed to the public.
Eventually we got there (it should have been like 5/10 minutes max).
The gold temple was just radiating in what was now midday sunlight.  Dazzling.

The individual aspects of the temple do remind me of some of the Roman palaces..the separate buildings.
I also loved the ability to match the palace with nature - the water fountains, and gardens were very relaxing.

We meandered back to the boat, there was a river crossing which took us to Wat Arum, the temple at dawn.
This spiralled upwards with fantastic views over the city.  Again very similar mosaic patterns.
The climb go steeper and steeper, but was well worth the view.

We hopped on the boat back to Central, after what had been an exhausting day, en route stopping off for tea at a lovely little cafe.

South East Asia adventure begins

I thought I was packed well in advance for this trip, but having finished work at 10pm on Thursday night (polling day), I came home realising just how much I needed to sort out before leaving for the airport the next day.

I was not really in the mood for a 9am meeting the next day, especially as the details I needed for the meeting I'd received at 5pm and had hardly had time to digest.

Never mind.

I struggled in during morning rush hour with my rucksack, sweating like crazy.  Why has England started being warm just as I am planning on leaving it?

It was a relief to finally get to the airport and be rid of my backpack (only to have the realisation that I would of course be lumbered with it for the next few weeks).
Emirates were lovely to fly with.  Really friendly staff and the airline was very comfortable.  But best of all.  The movies!!!!!!!!!  LES MIS.  LES MIS....LES MIS!!!!  I have been wanting to rewatch that for so long.
And Skyfall...there were loads of others I wanted to watch.

I arrived at Dubai international airport, and the first thing I noticed was this warmth.  How hot was it!
We got on the shuttle bus, and spent like half an hour driving round the airport.
Seriously...where was this bus driver going...

The Dubai terminal was just as extravagant as I anticipated.  Marble everywhere, and a luxurious fountain.
Beautiful, but so much wealth.

I slept for most of the second flight.

Arriving in Bangkok wasn't as frightening as I had anticipated.  Everywhere spoke English, and it was easy to hop on the train.  No problem.
I connected to the BTS Skytrain, which took me to Chong Nonsi, the area where Lub D my hostel was located.
Getting off the train in the midday sun, I was literally baking.  I hoped the hostel wasn't far away...it wasn't, but finding which direction, and which exit from the station was another issue entirely.

I walked for at least half an hour with my rucksack trying to find the hostel, until I finally wound onto the right street.

Lub D was so welcoming when I arrived.  So clean and friendly.  I was happy to be here.
I got chatting to a Canadian and we made plans to head off to the Grand Palace and temples the next day.

Had an early night in preparation for an early start.