Vietnam - Day 3 Sapa

I had to make a hard decision today. I knew I only had enough time for one side trip to do while I was Vietnam. I figure I should only make one to enjoy that place more instead of trying to squeeze too much into little time. So, from the choices of Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Sapa...I chose Sapa.

Halong Bay has the chill beach/lake vibe but probably super touristy. Hoi An has some cool things but more known for cheap suits and not to mention you can design your own clothes, even shoes. And Sapa is way in the north near the Vietnam/China border where you can live in the villages for a few nights. I thought it would be a good experience for my mind and soul.

Overnight trains weren't too bad. I still say China trains with the sleep cars are the best. But Vietnam was decent. Right when I arrive to Sapa, the trek into the village starts. Talk about intense. NOTE: SAPA SUMMIT HOTEL had to be one of the worst hotel/hostel/guesthouse experience ever. they really failed at customer service and character. If you ever decide to go up to Sapa, ask me about that hotel:NOTE OVER.


That's a catholic church in Northern Vietnam. Built by the French.
 
 
 
 

Random Pics of Hanoi 4

 
 
 
 

Random Pics of Hanoi 3

 
 
 
 

Random Pics of Hanoi 2

 
 
 
 

Random Pics of Hanoi 1

 
 
 
 

Vietnam - Day 2 Hanoi

After feeling well rested and realizing that I was actually on vacation instead of working, I came down to the lobby of the guesthouse - Hanoi Guesthouse in the Old Quarter - and was surprised with a free breakfast. That's when I first discovered that pho was actually more of a breakfast food in Vietnam. Of course it was readily available anytime of day but the norm was to have it in the morning here. And all this time I thought the best time was after drinking.

I ventured around the Old Quarter dodging motorbikes and cars. My chinatown crosswalking skills finally paid off. Vietnam has by far the craziest unorganized but non-accidentally place I've ever seen in the world. Many people were mistaking me as a local with their random Vietnamese outburst. An old lady even grabbed my hand for me to help her cross the road of traffic. I really wasn't sure if I was helping her or she was helping me.

I finally got a call from some locals my homie Josh knew in Hanoi. That's when the food tasting began. From what I recall, we made the rounds. Mixed fruit in a cup with ice and condense milk. Yogurt with black rice. Close to boba but on a plate, sorta Hong Kong style on the third stop. Then dinner, traditional Vietnamese dinner with snails and beef on a stick. Hot pot style with crab brain as broth. Cooking thin meat and noodles. Damn was it good!

Karaoke was full. It was actually just a dudes living room turned into a business. So we ventured to a bar where the ring leader, Thinh taught us drinking games. But since no one drank, it became slap in the face game. My new friend Huyen got the bulk of the slaps. I felt sorry for her but not everyone else. But even with one Heinken, I was still sharp as a nail.

Its always a better experience hanging out with some locals. They know where to eat, how to drive in the crazy traffic, and you get to experience the daily life in Hanoi which was avoid the heat! So thanks a million guys.

With only time for one side trip from Hanoi, it came down to Halong Bay (beaches, caves, boatride, snorkeling, and overcrowded tourist) or up into the mountains of Sapa (village tour, homestay with the Hmong people, trekking into the valley, and good ole cultural experience). So tomorrow night I take an overnight train to Sapa. Oh how fun overnight trains are!

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Vietnam - Day 1 Hanoi

After a week in Hong Kong, it was time to challenge the backpacking living attitude I have to the test. I gave myself one week in Vietnam because obviously, work needs to be done at home and, who knows, maybe after a month in Asia I'll need some normal American living.
I could already tell by the ghetto-ness of the airport that I was in for an interesting adventure.

As I exchange some money to DONG and became an instant multi millionaire, my Asian math skills needed a little refresher. How is someone suppose to divide everything by 17 thousand??? At least they don't love coins like Hong Kong.

At first glimpse of the town, people seem friendly but curious, traffic was heavy and loud but normal for them, and the overall vibe was that people just like to chill. So I knew I could be right at home.

First stop, pho ba aka beef pho. Simple, medium size, super quick as usually, and ghetto fab, just the way I like it. Conclusion, that was some damn good pho. I could get use to this. Damage - 12,000 Dongers aka 75 cents. I love this place.

Second stop, Hoan Kiem Lake. People exercising, old folks stretching, kids fishing, and just enjoying the view. Quite relaxing and tranquil in one ear, but cars and bikes honking in the other. Great lake but interesting contrast. Nobody told me it was a pajama party. Hahaha. Gotta see it to believe it.

Heard there was a night market tonight. Might have to check that out. No other plans but being Dora the Explora. Funniest and super fun thing to do...crossing the street. I love it. I don't know why, but the rain has been following me everywhere in Asia. Wtf!

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