Today is the day we went to Ha Long Bay, it was a very long drive. On our way to the bay we stopped by a souvenir shop that had threaded pictures made by disabled workers, they had beautiful artwork and clothes. On our way to the bay it started raining and continued to rain for awhile after we boarded the boat. Once we arrived in Ha Long we went to the local pearl farm where … [Read more...] about 5-28-19
Today was the first full day in Hanoi and it started very early. We got off the train around 5:30 am, which wasn’t as good as sleep as the first train. First stop was Ho Chi Minh’s Palace, which was beautiful and we toured his cars and pond side home. After the palace we stopped by the One Pillar Pagoda, I made a wish at the top of the pagoda. The next stop was the first … [Read more...] about 5-27-19
We are currently sitting at a restaurant in Lao Cai awaiting the next train ride. Good news, we have an upgraded train so it should be more smooth than the first train. Our day started with sleeping in, which was refreshing and needed after our adventures yesterday. Most of the group got massages at a local parlor and that was also relaxing, but the techniques are different. We … [Read more...] about 5-26-19
Officially finished my first night train ride this morning and it was not something I would do regularly. We arrived in Lao Cai at 6:00 am and had a wonderful breakfast, it was my first time having crepes with a banana filling and chocolate drizzle! After breakfast we had another car ride up into the mountains to Sapa and walked through the market. They had all sorts of meats, … [Read more...] about 5-25-19
We made it to Hanoi after a 2 hour plane ride, the Asian airlines are much nicer than American Airlines. This morning we went to the market in Ho Chi Minh City, it was a little journey to get there but we all made it with google map screenshots. I bought some souvenirs at the market, I tried to negotiate lower prices and I think I did an alright job. After the market we sat by … [Read more...] about 5-24-19