Hello all! I am alive and well in Vietnam. I recently returned “home” after going on a mini-adventure in south-central Vietnam. After arriving in Ho Chi Minh City two weeks ago, I only stayed long enough to take in the traffic, pollution, and the realization that this city is much less developed than I thought it would be.
I was happy to catch a night train to Nha Trang, a coastal city with a much nicer view. Much of my time there was spent in scuba school. After four days in class, (it was only supposed to take three, but I was crippled by a local food mishap), I was issued my scuba diving certification – cause for celebration among fellow divers.
On the dive boat, I met another lone traveler named Amy. We decided to travel together to Dalat, a small city situated in the “Vietnamese Alps.” The highlight of our journey was hiring motorbike guides (aka Easy Riders) to take us on a tour of the area. Among the attractions were pristine mountain views, waterfalls, a rice wine distillery, minority villages, a silk factory, and a “coffee palpitation.”
After Dalat we endured a bumpy bus ride to Mui Ne to enjoy more beach time before returning to our respective realities. For now, mine is in Vietnamese yuppieville. The University put me up in a hotel here because it's close to school. I start orientation soon, so I've been relaxing and easing my way into life here.
I was watching the tube in my hotel room today, and Field of Dreams was on - it made me feel so far from home! I miss you all and will give you another update after school starts.
Take care :)
Jenna
Nha Trang Beach
One benefit of jetlag - being awake for sunrise
Po Nagar, one of the many ancient Cham towers in Vietnam
Easy Rider!
Elephant Falls near Dalat
Cocoons used to make silk in a local factory
Overlooking an agricultural region in Dalat
This pagoda reminded us of Disney World, but apparently monks really do hang out here.
Amy and I pose for what our guides insist is another Kodak moment.
Central market in Dalat
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