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Published: July 27th 2012
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Day 6
Bread and pineapple jam, or laughing cow cheese spread for breakfast..... Simple but pleasant. Today we all hired bikes for a ride to see the Thai VI temple which is located in a big valley of Van Lam hamlet, Ninh Hai Commune. The Van Lam villagers had built Thai Vi temple to remember the Kings of Tran Dynasty for establishment of Vu Lam Royal step-over in 1258 after the kings passed away. It was a real breeze on the bikes; both literally, and metaphorically! We had a short lesson on the procedure of presenting yourself in front of the kings; bowing 3 times in a temple, and 4 times in a pagoda. You then, in your head, say your name, address and the date, then add your wish. We all participated in this. It did feel better knowing what you were supposed to be doing there, rather than loitering.
We then set off in the opposite direction to visit Bich Dong is a beautiful pagoda on the nearby Ngu Nhac Mountain dated to 1428, comprising of three structures: Ha, Trung, and Thuong Pagodas, in ascending order.
We returned in time for a very welcome shower and change
of clothes for lunch. Today's lunch was very similar to year days except we had spring rolls, which were better than the ones we made, also green stringy things in water!
After lunch we went on a boat ride which was not a boat as we know it, it is known as a sampan. They are small green tinny things which really don't look like they will actually make it there and back with us in it! Every split into pairs, then Nadia, Britt and I travelled as a trio. It is said that In 1773, Mr. Nguyen Nghiem (the father of the great writer Nguyen Du) visited this cave. He was so impressed by the whole magnificent scenery of mountains, waterways, fields, and sky covered in green mist. Thus he gave it a very beautiful and romantic name, Bich Dong, which literally means “Green Pearl Grotto”. This picturesque landscape is added by Tam Coc portion. It derives its name from its consisting of 3 caves (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba); “Tam” means 3. I feel it is necessary to mention that the people rowing the boatsactually row with their feet! Also Britt made a huge effort
to help the rower out most of the journey by rowing all the way. Go Britty - Good job!
Although, I am fairly sure that he did not account for the boats that carry the photographers and vendors. At one point the 'rower' pulled into the side of the river to display, or rather push her wares to us. Britty and I folded. We bought a small silk embroidery. Nadia didn't crumble at this point, but did buy the rower lady a drink and some biscuits. As we got off the boat we were expected to tip her. All I can say is we doubled ours......and it was worth every dong! We had such a good laugh with her throughout the whole trip. She seemed to enjoy learning - Row, row, row your boat song as we progressed...LOL We all arrived back safely on dry land, need to get ready for evening dinner and drinks at a bar around the corner.
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Donna
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Davis Bailey
getting rather snazzy with that camera of yours lesley, there are some great photographs. Cannot believe a week gone by already. I also cannot believe you ate goat!!!! bet you didn't know beforehand. Weather looks v hot , how is the humidity, its killing me here.lol. Keep the updates coming. keep safe and enjoy. D&M xxxx