beentouring's Guestbook

Streets and gardens
The gardens and yards always look a little unkempt to my eye - as do most places in warm countries, it being tough to whack back the vegetation sufficiently to achieve a manicured look, I guess. How did you find the streets for litter? Your pictures show lots of colour and interesting architectural forms - were the streets clean by your standards/expectations?

Another amazing day
A Quebecois folk song in Vietnam - who would have guessed? The indigenous architecture and decoration reminds me a bit of Thailand - detailed to the point of ornate. But then there's the preservation of the art deco style - even though it was introduced, I presume, by colonial "masters." Was there any discussion of cultural aspects of ornamentation?

Reframing
You make an excellent point (and set a good example for all travellers) by finding something valuable out of what might have been a dreary day on the bus. Reading about rest stops with hammocks and rest breaks at monasteries made me wonder how the Vietnamese find North America's approach to long-distance travel. I'm not sure we offer the same mix of creature comforts and spiritual retreats.

Wow
Your video of the river market is excellent, as are your stills. Given that traffic, aren't you glad you went at a quiet time? I'd be flabbergasted at what they're carrying on their mopeds (apparently successfully) if I hadn't seen your earlier video on that very topic. Just amazing.

Funnest day ever
Or so it appears, based on this post. Great shots! I wonder your back didn't hurt, working that boot jack. As for the bridge - very cool indeed. And the hammock - yes, you want the medium.

Tunnels and rice paper
Your description of traversing the tunnels makes my knees ache in sympathy. As for making rice paper, I'm glad that wasn't my career. Interesting to see it, but imagine doing that all day! Or even for a significant part of one day. Do we take our variety and options for granted? Maybe.

Oxbow shot an dother stuff
Whaddya mean - Noy thought the bats were the most interesting feature? Surely everyone would! :-) Your story about failing to find your name among the welcoming signs at the airport reminded me of my late-night arrival in Guatemala. I was so happy to see my name, chicken that I am. BTW, nice airborne shot of the river's oxbow.

A full day
A great write-up and wonderful photos, especially of the floating village. (The picture of the props on extended arms/poles was especially helpful for me, visually and mechanically challenged as I am.) As for the structures, nothing like seeing them to actually get it. But 500,000 people living on the lake - my word.

Beautiful, thanks Judith, Happy New Year.

Magical
Lake Louise is a magical place - especially in the winter. Thank you!

Meals
What a busy and interesting day. I don't think I've ever had Cambodian food. Thai and Vietnamese, of course, but not Cambodian. Does it have the same heat options as those others? And if so, is it an integral part of the dishes or in sauces on the side?

Slow and deliberate
The blessing dance was lovely, and a good reminder that blessings deserve to be delivered deliberately, not slapdash(edly?). Re the temple, I saw a similar flight of steps in Guatemala, which were narrow enough to require the climber to stand sideways while climbing. Apparently this enforced the properly respectful position when approaching the VIPs at the top.