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Asia » Vietnam » Central Highlands » Lam Dong » Da Lat February 25th 2016

A “late” morning – we didn’t leave until 8:30 for our tour of city sights. The Summer Palace of King Boa Dai, the last King of Vietnam, was initially somewhat disparaged by Thuy, but she had to admit that it had improved, possibly because of the recent New Year celebrations. The building was of gracious art deco design, and the rooms were furnished relatively simply with large soft chairs and dark polished wood. Photographs showed mainly the political life of the royal family. Most inviting was the room of Queen Nam Phuong because of its rich, soft, crème-caramel decor. From a balcony the contemplation garden looked splendid – a French formal gard... read more
The Crazy House
Growing flowers
Linh Phuoc Pagoda

Asia » Vietnam » Central Highlands » Lam Dong » Da Lat February 24th 2016

This was a long day driving, but I enjoyed the opportunity to see how people live. As we drove north from Ho Chi Minh City, and across the wide Doi Dong Nai River, we saw a lot of new development, the result of investment by overseas Vietnamese, and other Asian investment. The buildings were mainly high rises and medium condos. We were travelling on a toll expressway, so there were few billboards and no business signs. Everyone obeyed the rules of the road, such as only one car in each lane, and there were no motorcycles. The scene was green with crops and wild plants. Where there were streams, bamboo grew thickly. For a great distance the farming consisted of rubber plantations. Some looked mature, some were very newly planted, and some were firmly established but ... read more
Highway 20
Teak Plantation
Ho Chi Minh Road

Asia » Vietnam » Central Highlands » Lam Dong November 24th 2015

Day 1: We arrived in Da Lat just as the sun was setting. Our directions from the lady who handed us the maps was “walk down this street until you see Hotel Camdo. Turn right and ask people for directions.” We had various people point us in the right way and a really nice guy walk us to our hostel. We got settled, went down for family dinner, and absolutely scarfed all the food in front of us. The family on Friday night was small. Two girls from Montreal, a guy from South Africa, the English girls, and me. After dinner we all went out to a “crazy cafe.” It's kind of like a hobbit hole but with tunnels and stairs and it's dark and nuts. People go all the time to play hide and seek. ... read more
Crazy House
Ugly Summer Palace
Water Sliding

Asia » Vietnam » Central Highlands » Lam Dong August 4th 2015

Day 16 - a coffee fuelled stroll in Dalat We had an early rise this morning in order to have a few coffees with Terry before he leaves us. It does feel like we are loosing our main point of strength that has held us together this last few days! It feels really sad to loose him, but is also time for us to move on. It's good that he is doing a tour with Bruno, they get on really well, so are assured of a good trip, as long as they get decent weather! It rains a lot here! We returned to our hotel for showers etc, I'm done, just waiting for Helen as she has my hair to do... lol ... Oh how the tables have turned... Ha ha I might insist on an ... read more
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Asia » Vietnam » Central Highlands » Lam Dong August 3rd 2015

Day 15 - Dalat with Terry We got up at about 6.15 due to Helens going off!!! Helen really wanted to back to sleep, but I was awake now! So that wasn't going to happen...lol. I feel more stiff each day, yet really improving. The bruising makes it all worse! Helens been great at dishing out my tablets. I get them as regular as clockwork, and have to say, I am really ready for them each time! We went out for breakfast, we also met up with Terry. He had a plan! After breakfast,we went for coffee at the Easy Riders Hang Out Bar. Tuan, the owner had agreed with Terry to get us a car so that Terry could show us some sights of Dalat. This being because we should be on the bike tour, ... read more
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Asia » Vietnam » Central Highlands » Lam Dong August 3rd 2015

Day 14 & 15 Day 14 - home from hospital and rest.We came back to the hotel in a taxi once Lesley was discharged. 1.5 million Dong hospital bill. About £45 pound. All worth it. We both slept for most of the day. We ventured out for something to eat and Terry met us to check on Lesley. She's coping well. He's arranged another night in the hotel and we have his mobile should we need anything. He's been absolutely brilliant and has become a friend to us both. Early night and more rest. Day 15 - Dalat with Terry We got up early and went out for breakfast, meeting up with Terry . Lesley is feeling very sore and bruised today. After breakfast we went for coffee at the Easy Riders Hang Out Bar. Tuan ... read more
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Asia » Vietnam » Central Highlands » Lam Dong August 3rd 2015

Day 16 We were both up early to meet Terry before his trip and to say goodbye.... again. Coffee and a good chat about times shared over the past 4 days. It's amazing how quickly you forge friendships. Back for a shower and get ready for the day. We're going to have an easy day today because we have 7 hours travelling tomorrow and Lesley needs to rest. Her determination to carry on is amazing she is doing yoga everyday to help with her shoulder neck and arm. Off out for breakfast. We spotted a lake yesterday so made our way there through the market stalls. We sat and had a lovely breakfast watching people on the lake and chatting about what the next chapter will bring. We haven't got Terry as a tour guide now, ... read more
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Asia » Vietnam » Central Highlands » Lam Dong August 2nd 2015

Hi All I am so sorry to say that I can't blog! I slipped off a couple of steps and landed awkward on my arm. I've been checked out, nothing serious, but have to have a sort of body corset on to immolilise my arm and shoulder. It is only muscular damage, but it is my right arm, and am right handed! We are taking it easy in Dalat for a couple of days as I can't carry my bag. Other than that, all is well... read more

Asia » Vietnam » Central Highlands » Dak Lak August 1st 2015

Day 13 - Dalat Yesterday, we covered about 230 km. We didn't get a good nights sleep last night. We drank lots of the homemade stuff! I woke up at about 4.30, desperate for the toilet, but that wasn't an option due to it being in the house over the road! Helen is in a bit of a state... Lol... Very wobbly hangover! We got sort of washed with wet wipes, and cleaned teeth with no water. Helen needed assistance to dress and pack. The thought of having to do it was a stretch too far this morning. She croaked, Lesley, please can you help me? so obviously I obliged! He he.. Strangely enough, I feel fine, I may go downhill later. We set off for breakfast. On arrival receiving a cheery good morning from all. ... read more
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Asia » Vietnam » Central Highlands » Lam Dong July 13th 2015

Warning ecology rant follows: The drive to Dalat was fantastic, we started on the coastal plain moving into the lower fertility foothills where nut trees (?), cassava and timber plantations (including eucalypts) grow. The foothill forests are dry with a some resemblance to Australian bush - there's a couple of eucalypt species and an acacia (reverse your weeds)! Then moving up slope we drove through wetter forest with a version of macaranga, giant typha and sawsedge. As we hit the steeper slopes small pockets of rainforest clung between rock scarps and mist hung between them. Then up into the rainforest and the rain. Something about the hiss of wet tires on a windy road lulled the children off to a long sleep as we climbed higher through misty pine forests, coffee plantations and flower gardens. The ... read more
It's raining
Sleepy head
There were loads of shacks made of pine




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