Blogs from North Central Coast, Vietnam, Asia - page 97

On the Trail of the Imperial Dynasties of Vietnam My introduction to Vietnam's past really began in Hanoi as I visited all the great museums they have there. They were so well done and interesting. Also, not all of the statues and memorials are of Ho Chi Minh but also of past rulers of the great dynasties of Vietnam. Biking South on Highway One takes you close to all of the great citadels, Imperial Courts and tombs of Vietnam's past rulers. Unfortunately, a lot of these great works were destroyed during the Vietnam/American War. You get one side of the story from the Vietnamese government. Like: "This was destroyed by an American bomb." They never tell you that it was being used by their army for an observation post etc. However, Hoi An, Dalat are examples ... read more

Rode in to Vinh Vietnam. After several 100 KM days I was real sore. I saw a sign on our Hotel Billboard: "Thai Massage." After checking it out it only cost four dollars. I told Ngat I was going to splurge and get a "Therapeutic Massage." She said: "Don't waste you money, I can give you one for nothing." I told her, no I wanted a professional job. Somehow, I had a feeling this place would be good. I had Ngat check the place out and get me an appointment. I told her to make sure the girls were not interested in "Boom Boom." I have been to places where it was a little rub and a lot of asking for "Boom Boom." Anyway, enough on that subject. Ngat came back with my appointment time which ... read more

The beauty of Vietnam is real and in so many ways it is enhanced by the people. In someways, they live as they did one thousand years ago. In other ways they are as high tech as the most modern as people of the so called advanced countries. One thing for sure, the country is changing fast. But, the old ways are still there. For some reason this blog will not let me edit all the photos. You can see sometimes its a long road ahead. ... read more

As I ride along the rode I am greeted with a constant "Hello, Hello." You answer back and you get the same"Hello, Hello." Vietnam has some of the most beautiful children in the world but Hello, Hello gets real taxing after a while. A lot of the kids can say more, Like: How are you? Where are you from. How old are you. They don't understand the answer generally so they just keep asking over and over the same questions. Kids are everywhere in Vietnam and its hard to get away from them. A lot of the kids want me to go home with them to "see their house." I generally refuse but once this little girl and her girl friend invited me a I said: "Is it far from the road?" O know, it is ... read more

Hello All, Well the highlight of the last few days was talking to my family on the holidays. Technology is amazing. These emails alone are cool, but being able to talk through the internet (for less than $1USD for five minutes) was quite a treat. Fortunately I awoke early on the 26th and was able to place calls beginning at 7:00 am...2pm USA west coast time. I was on my third and final call, when two minutes into talking to my dad the power went out in the little coastal town of Hoian. I learned technology doesn't hold a candle to the third world...er...at least can only hold a candle to it. The power and internet was off for about ten hours so I had to complete the call at what was one in the morning ... read more