Vietnam
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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.
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Adam, I ain't no Buddhist (
) but if you ever want some neutral ground to meet up with your new lady, we would love to have you stay with us in Gosport.... -
@Fadez said in IHE-51-IND - Diamond Stitched 25oz Selvedge Denim Waist Bag - Indigo:
Just got to Nha Trang today. Spent a solid week in DL. The temperature change is more than noticeable @T4920
I’ll be a few weeks behind you and Miz on the challenger, but I think I can make up for it this summerI don't have fond memories of Nha Trang, felt like the Vietnamese equivalent of the 'party islands' in Europe I'd visit in my teens
I remember this amazing Maze Bar in Da Lat, numerous hidden bars connected though a dimly lit, psychedelic labyrinth
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Chilling in the hotel while Trang gets her hair done. Getting some updates from Đà Lạt posted. Absolutely my favorite city so far. The cooler weather and wildlife really takes the cake for me. This was a day trip called “Cloud Hunting” where you can rent a driver to take you to the top of Đồi chè Cầu Đất and then go to a cafe and then the temple square. Such a fun experience. Woke up at 3 am and got picked up to start driving at 4am. 100% worth it. A day to remember!
After spending some time snapping photos, taking in the sunrise, and drinking tea. We drove a little further down the road to where tea was planted all throughout the side of the mountain. Another breathtaking landscape as well as total appreciation for the cultivation of tea.
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Next up was this famous cafe Chuyện của Nằng. Luckily we got there super early to snap photos and drink more coffee and tea. This day needed a lot of caffeine. The barista was bumping Việt trap music at first. It was lit for about 8am. Once more people showed up it went back to coffeehouse vibes. But when it was only 5 people. Turnt opening hours.
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The Flower Park was another favorite of mine. Got to spend a post rainy afternoon in a beautiful garden. Since the weather was chilly and has been raining for a few hour earlier, we really had the place to ourselves. We were able to really enjoy the flowers and photo attractions and have some fun.
Then we went to this amazing chicken bbq spot
Cheers
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I’ve gotten to see some truly amazing pieces of natural beauty
And if you don't mind me saying, that includes Trang.....
I need to have a very healthy spending amount for when I visit IHUK HQ. 
