Within one week into the lunar new year Jules accomplished an important life skill…bike riding! After multiple attempts (thank you Kishita family) and much frustration (more on Philip’s and my end than Jules’) Jules conquered his fear of falling and finally rode a bike on his own, yayyyyy! Philip and I were so proud of […]
Month: February 2018
Lunar New Year 2018 (農曆新年)
新年快樂 (xin nian kuai le), or Happy New Year! Although we would have loved to explore more of Vietnam it was more important to return to Taiwan to celebrate the new lunar year with my family. This was the first time of my life ringing in the new year with my family here, so I […]
Vietnam, Part VI: Hội An
A day of rest. We slowed down the pace a bit today and meandered through Old Town, popping into the odd shop and enjoying cold beverages while writing postcards in one of the quiet cafes overlooking the river. I couldn’t resist leaving Hoi An without one of its famous fabric lanterns, so we stopped in […]
Vietnam, Part V: Hội An
As soon as we landed in Hoi An, a city 1 1/2 hours south of Hanoi by air, we knew we were in for something different. Our coats and layers from the north were quickly shed to adapt to the much warmer temperatures. Outside of the Old Town the area reminded me of parts […]
Vietnam, Part IV: Hà Nội
The three hour journey back to Hanoi from Yen Duc Village gave Philip the chance to spot his must see national animal of Vietnam…water buffalo! Despite modern machinery, water buffalo are still used in rice farming here, since they are able to navigate the deep, muddy fields of the rice paddies. Along the highway, we […]
Vietnam, Part III: Yen Duc Village
Not ready to head back to the hustle and bustle of city life just yet, we spent the next couple of days at Yen Duc Village, a community-based tourism retreat set amongst rice fields and farms an hour west of Ha Long City. It’s working on obtaining US/EU organic certification at the moment (a rarity […]
Vietnam, Part II: A cruise to Bái Tử Long Bay
Our van picked us up bright and early for the four hour journey east to Ha Long harbor for our overnight cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay, a less touristed area than the popular Ha Long Bay. This area is considered one of Vietnam’s most valuable natural assets due to its unique ecosystem and […]
Vietnam, Part I: Hà Nội
Drawn by the prospect of delicious food, friendly people and beautiful scenery, Vietnam exceeded our expectations in all three areas. Our trip began in the northern part of Vietnam in its capital, Hanoi, where we stayed in the Old Quarter. First, lunch. We sat down with locals at Banh Cuon Gia Truyen and feasted on […]