Returned Home

We have returned home. The adage that says, 'there's no place like home,' is true. While we've tremendously enjoyed our adventure and couldn't imagine how it could have been better, we're also glad to be back home. The first 72 hours Jake had about 4 hours of sleep. I slept on the planes but still don't have my sleep schedule back to normal. In Tokyo we rented a room by the hour at the airport--it was so fabulous--cool, clean, quiet and it provided our own bathroom.

Vietnam is an amazing country. Linh's parent's showed us an incredible time and were the perfect hosts! We enjoyed very much meeting and getting to know them. The things we saw are hard to explain and although we tried to share (via words in the blog) and capture (via photos) them, there just isn't a way to fully share it without being there. Whenever any of you have an opportunity for something different--go for it!!!! Amazing experiences await us all for the taking!

Thank you to all of you who followed and virtually joined us for our trip. We appreciate the connection and your friendship very much!

-Rachel & Jake

Lac canh Dai Nam Van Hien Amusement Park in Binh Duong

We went to an amusement park. The park was huge and the grounds were manmade. This included the many mountains. It was incredible. Within the amusement park which is still being built was a zoo, haunted house and pagoda that we visited. Jake says the pagoda pictures would have been amongst the best of our trip had we been able to take them--they didn't allow pictures in there. Oh, and I've attached another scooter picture--the traffic and way they use scooters in Vietnam is absolutely amazing!

Sunday we went to an amazing amusement park. Just north of HoChiMinh City. This is an amusement park that is totally manmade. In addition to the amusement park there was a zoo and a huge pagoda. The manmade mountains with various waterfalls were amazing. Sculptures of guards and a fortress wall surrounded the grounds which were huge and still under construction. Jake thinks it comparable to Walt Disney. We also went through a haunted house there. We didn't visit the wave beach because we forgot to bring our swimsuits.

HoChiMinh City

Everywhere we traveled in Vietnam new construction was going up. I found their scaffolding especially interesting. Also everything is carried/transported on the back of a scooter--see pics.

Catching up day

Jake and I have spent much of the day catching up on our blog posting and getting pictures loaded. We hope you will enjoy! This evening we fly to HoChiMinh City where we will spend most of the remainder of our trip. HoChiMinh City is the former Siagon.

Please note that there are many more added posts for your viewing pleasure. :)

The Northern Mountains of Vietnam

We did a day trip to the mountains. Linh's dad had to work so we rented a driver who took us, Linh and her mom to the mountains. Photo shows Jake with Linh. They grew many beans and potatos here. Their greens are especially good. They eat the strings with the beans.

Rachel Gets a Manicure and Pedicure

I got a manicure and pedicure with Linh's mom. The cost for both? $6 total and no one tips here.

Returning home to Hanoi

Here's a picture of us leaving the hotel.

Governor's Mansion Tour

After our lunch on the sea, we traveled to view the governor's mansion (Jung). The home was situated up against a mountain and many stories high. We climbed and climbed the home and then took up the side of the mountain where stairs had been made for many many feet. Along the mountain we saw the governor's zoo. He had monkies a sea turtle and other animals. The views were amongst the most impressive anywhere!

The governor's second wife greeted us at the end of our tour of their mansion. We ended our visit with green tea.

A Stunning Private Beach

We drove to a private beach. Our group of nine was the largest on a beach of 20 people. Very private and secluded. We had squid jerky--quite good. We were told most people went to the free beaches and thus this one was emptier. Beautiful water, wonderful swimming in the sea and views too majestic for words! No jellyfish here either--unlike when we kayacked in Halong Bay! The sand here is exported to Japan or France (sorry I don't recall which) because it is so nice. Water is a beautiful blue (whereas in Halong Bay it was an incredible green) and we could see clearly to our knees.

Floating Restaurant on Sea

We had lunch with several local dignitaries in Halong Bay. They were very gracious to us and treated us to an exquisite seafood lunch! We had many courses and all of it was wonderful! We were the only party in the restaurant. It appeared it had been reserved for us. We took a boat to get to this restaurant on the sea. Attached is a picture of Linh's mom and dad as well as her aunt and uncle who traveled with us.

'Surprise Cave' of Halong Bay

As part of the itinerary to our cruise we went to one of the mountain islands and were able to access a cave entrance, they call this the mystery cave of Halong Bay. It was unbelievable, once inside you immediately begin to see it's grandness and natural beauty, pictures does not even begin to tell the story, this has to be seen in person to full y appreciate.