WOW! Not only do you get to snorkel and dive but also seems like you are getting some awesome experiences. I wish Emily and I could visit while you were there - maybe next time
Looks pretty amazing! The pictures of Sukhothai look amazing, I looked at a bunch on Google before you went and yours are even better! I am glad you had a chance to get away for a while and enjoy this awesome place (even though the hotel was a little sketchy, at least it hade TV!)
Looking forward to the 6 weeks left passing quickly!
Hmm, you say you liked the durian? You expression didn't look like you were savoring it! They are a unique taste, but not bad. The burps and feeling inside after you eat one are another thing...
Miss you terribly, glad to see images of where you are and what you are doing. You should add some of your roomies!
Chat soon...
Hmmm, I am much better looking! I am concerned about your fraternization with these rogue dogs... I thought you were loyal to me! I don't mind you getting a pet Turtle though..
Ruff,
Shaska
You think they hate you now! Wait till you cut it open! You should probably do that outside, and be very careful, they are hard to cut without getting pricked by the barbs. Once you open it you will appreciate the quadrupled intensity of the aroma. The goal is to get to the seeds, which are surrounded by a creamy slimey substance. That is what you eat. The easiest way is to just put the seed in your mouth and kind of suck the creamy stuff off, then pitch the seed. You will be tasting it for a while as it comes back many times through burps and it eminates from your pores like garlic. Enjoy, gotta try it once, you may even grow to like them!
Miss you, will email you seperately....
Bac Ha Market - Lao Cai - Vietnam The Sunday market in Bac Ha is where you'll want to stock up on water buffalo, pigs and horses. Once you're all set, you can browse for bottles of local firewater (made from rice, cassava or corn) or handicrafts made by some of the 10 Montagnard groups living near here - Flower Hmong, Dzao, Giay (Nhang), Han (Hoa), Xa Fang, Lachi, Nung, Phula, Thai and Thulao.
Bac Ha is a less crowded alternative to Sapa, and arriving midweek makes for a relaxing visit. Around 700m above sea level, the highlands around Bac Ma are somewhat warmer than Sapa. Bring ear plugs so you needn't endure the 'Voice of Vietnam' echoing from the loudspeakers at market-rousing time
For doing great trip to visit the most colourful market in the world , you can boot this trip at :
http://www.bachatour.com
or at : http://www.kimtours.net
very perceptive public health practitioner Seth-
I love being able to check up on your travels with this blog and am excited to hear that you are even trying to learn things while you are htere and apply your studies as well. In term of your perceptive account of respiratory disease, I should also tell you that in a related manner, larynx and throat cancer are one of the largest killers in SE asia (at least I know this to be true of singapore) and I am sure that as you say it is directly related to the air problems. Anyway I was hoping you would see Halong Bay. Though I didnt know where it was I have seen those pics of Vietnam before and said that I would love to go there so I am glad to see that you are picking great spots to go. Still dont know about Singapore yet but relly hope it works it and we can meet up. enjoy
Noah
Looks Beautifull! Although I miss you terribly, It looks like you are seeing a lot of beautiful sites and experiencing wonderful cultural events. So many westerners clump "Asia" into a category, but as you are seeing, the countries and cultures are very diverse. I hope the rest of your Vietnam experience is awesome!
Noah
non-member comment
WOW!
Not only do you get to snorkel and dive but also seems like you are getting some awesome experiences. I wish Emily and I could visit while you were there - maybe next time