Vietnam! So pho, so good!
After 5 weeks of being away..
i’m sad but happy to say i’m back!
Vietnam isn’t a heavily involved westernised fancy Asian country with big beautiful skyscraper buildings, fancy cars, bubblegum free footpaths and bright neon Tokyo lights which flash endlessly. It’s a beautiful country filled with soo much culture, untouched pure landscapes, food in all directions, history of dynasties and war, people and life.
Although this is a quick post to highlight what Vietnam is all about using a couple of photos I took, I had an epic time! There were hiccups a long the way.. like any westerner with a weak stomach (like me), it didn’t stop me from eating. I hate to have to admit i tried not to care about my bowels by eating whatever the hell I wanted to but instincts got me at times and I was left choosing the safer option in fear I would shit my pants somewhere along the way haha!!
experience of a life time..
(B) and I organised this trip by creating our own itinerary. We knew where we wanted to go and all we had to do was find a way of doing it. Without the help of a contiki group and purely being faced with the challenge of finding our own way around. Not being afraid to slum it like a local, catching trains and buses with picture perfect scenery was the right way to seeing a Vietnam in a different perspective.
After being in a country where hardly anyone speaks English it can somewhat be isolating. Having met various people along the way felt great to exchange knowledge and experience with things to do and places to eat.
The biggest advantage of all was (B) being fluent in the Vietnamese language. Eventhough his reading sucked (sorry hun your reading really is shocking), negotiating and prevention of being ripped off was always a bonus. So, any of you who have Vietnamese friends make sure you pack one in your suitcase or kidnap one when going to Vietnam.
A French Singaporean expat that we met while touring Vietnam, said to me
“Vietnam is one of the very few Asian countries that have been westernised and that is the beauty of it“.
welcome back dude! can’t wait to read more about your holiday!
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Such gorgeous photos! Love the colours and I agree, travelling with someone who can speak the language helps enormously! Looking forward to seeing all the great food you ate!
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Welcome back Leona!!! Lovely photos, it looks like you had an amazing time
Hope you are feeling better btw xx
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Gorgeous photos Leona! Great to have you back too, can’t wait to see more photos and read about all the yummy food you had in Vietnam!
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Welcome back Leona! I am so looking forward to see what you get up to in Vietnam! FRom the pictures here looks like you indeed had a great time! minus the shit my pants bit… LOL
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Photos – as ever – amazing! I’m going to Vietnam in January, so I’m looking forward to more posts!
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Love your captures of the country
and travelling with someone who knows the language is a really smart move
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Wow, beautiful photos. My friend also recently returned from Vietnam and he said it was AMAZING and that everyone should go. I’d love to visit one day (and I get that going with someone who can speak the language is an advantage, definitely!)
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Welcome back! Great looking photos, I’d love to visit Vietnam.
My Vietnamese friend hasn’t agreed to go with me yet. I’m trying to persuade him, but might have to resort to the kidnapping you suggest if he doesn’t relent soon!
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Welcome back! Can’t wait for the photos and details from your travels. Always helps to travel with someone who knows the language. Actually, even in Australia, helps to eat and shop with someone who knows the language if you’re visiting somewhere ethnic!
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Great photos, and probably even greater memories! Your shots make me think of Luke Nguyen’s TV show.
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Welcome back! Stunning photos!
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welcome back Leona!! Now i really can’t wait to go. Btw crapping your pants is part of the experience haha
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Welcome back… those photos of VN are stunning.. I love seeing the translation and tonal markers too.. looks fab!
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Welcome back! Now get your butt in gear, I’m hanging out for more of your posts LOL!!! ; )
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Really great pics Leona. And it was so great to finally meet you the other night!!
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Hello!, I am visiting your site yet again to see more of your updates. I found this really interesting and felt compelled to comment a little thank you for all your effort. Please continue the great work your doing!
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Hey dude, Steve here… Keep ‘em coming… you are doing a great job with this blog, inspiring many newbies like me… can’t tell you how much I appreciate all you do! – Steve
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