Vietnam
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@Fadez Da Nang is just a 30 min Moto ride from Hoi An if I remember correctly. I massively preferred Hoi An on all counts, and remember describing Da Nang beach as having 'post apocalyptic Miama Vice vibes'
Take my denim suit suggestion with a pinch of salt. It's true that Hoi An is famous for its huge number of tailor shops, and extremely affordable pricing (at least by western standards), but I'm confident they're not importing the finest Japanese denim, so quality might be a little hit and miss. I purchased a suit which is still good to this day (if not a little tight), a fun summer shirt, and a matching pair of trousers that tore on their first wear, I did go bowling in them, so kind of asked for it...
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@Mizmazzle I’m stoked for your trip as well. I’m positive you’ll enjoy your time here. Looking forward to your photos! 25oz is not advised
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Oh man I had the best time in Vietnam in (I think) 2011. Amazing food, scenery, beaches, a glass of beer at bia hoi for like 10p (!)… I remember really loving Hoi An and Mui Ne, Halong Bay… Na Trang was quite fun and boozy, although I’m thinking it was a bit like Vietnam’s answer to Benidorm.
Hope all you guys there, or visiting soon, have the best time. Super jealous! -
Went to a Buddhist Cafe. All vegetarian dishes with a bunch of fresh juices. Stunning scenery all around with a fun atmosphere to eat. The twist on it all is that they sell little statues that you can paint while you’re there. Painted a little Thich Nhat Hanh monk
Little Quan is a hilarious young troublemaker -
@Fadez Looks like you’re having a great time and getting off the beaten tourist path. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
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@T4920 - Yes. She’s from Cần Thơ and works in HCMC. We’re still figuring out everything that we are right now. I’m divorced w two kids and live in the states. She’s in VN. Right now we’re just enjoying some time together and traveling. This is the first we’ve met after 6 months of talking online.
@Mizmazzle Been here for 2 weeks and got another 2 weeks left. I’m pretty excited for what’s to come
@Denman-John - you’re welcome! Happy to share and even happier they are well received!
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I’m divorced w two kids and live in the states.
I did wonder Adam, but dared not ask......I hope all is OK with you, your ex and the kids and you are all as happy as you can be.....
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@Giles Things are not exactly okay. I haven’t seen the kids in years. My ex has moved to 3 different states in the last 3 years. She’s clearly going through something. It’s difficult between us. And the sad part is… there wasn’t a clear reason for any of it all. I got the “I just don’t want to do this anymore” line and my life turned upside down. I know my children need more of a father figure in their life. I just try to be my best during the video visits and conversations. I’m hoping as they grow up we’ll be able to talk and grow closer together. Everyone says there will be a time when they reach out. So I’m preparing myself mentally, physically, and spiritually for when the time comes.
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After breaking up, separating, and getting divorced over the last few years, I’ve come to find that Buddhism has a special place in my heart. I googled “Buddhist Monastery Near Me” and found Blue Cliff Monastery in upstate NY. So, I took a road trip and visited there for a day. It completely changed my outlook on life and was in the Vietnamese Zen Tradition created by Thich Nhat Hanh. Since then I’ve become very involved in meditation, mindfulness, and Vietnamese culture. This trip also about visiting many temples (Thich Nhat Hanh’s practice style isn’t available inside of Vietnam due to government control of religion and his style has some contradictory views) There is traditional Vietnamese Buddhism and I’ve found it to be quite different but also very enjoyable too. Last set of flower photos are from the Thiền Viện Trúc Lâm Monastery
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@Fadez the Linh Phuoc Pagoda is truly breathtaking isn't it?? I stumbled across it by chance whilst biking around De Lat, and have never been more in awe than I was standing on second floor balcony, staring at the side profile of the Buddha's face with the beautiful coloured mosaics in the background.
There was an exhibition in one of the smaller pagodas called The Gates of Hell, which was truly unnervingly. The grotesque statues, and disconcertingly authentic sounds of children shrieking really put me on edge...
I'm glad you've been finding peace and enjoyment on this trip, and with weeks remaining I'm sure you'll continue to do so.
