Author: jodecook
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Jo Steps Out….and falls on her face
There has been a reason I’ve not posted anything in the past several days…I had an accident in Ho Chi Minh City and spent a couple of days in the hospital. I’ve returned home and will be here at least for the next couple of months. On Sunday, February 16, I left my apartment to…
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Ho Chi Minh City – too hot to handle
Hot and chaotic! OK, I planned to explore this city in the same way that I’ve explored others; lot’s of walking, taking in the sights and making my way to landmarks. Not so fast there GIRLIE…I got out before 9am to stroll around before it got to hot. It was nowhere near 90 degrees yet.…
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Hoi An – massage and lantern release
I woke up with a tight back so while walking around, I decided it would be a good idea to get a massage. After all, it had only been a few days since my last one, and a girl has to take care of herself. Right? So, I signed up for a 120 minute, deep…
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My Son Sanctuary
I booked a tour the My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring a collection of ancient Hindu temples built by the Champa civilization between the 4th and 13th centuries. It is located in Quang Nam Province, about an hour southwest of Hoi An, and is known for its intricate architecture and historical significance.…
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Hoi An – a delightful place!
I’m now in Hoi An, just a 30 minute ride from Da Nang, but different in many ways. It is way more laid back, more village like, with amazing markets and places to eat. I already know, being here less than 24 hours, that this is my favorite place in Vietnam. I’m staying close to…
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Da Nang – tough thoughts and final days
The last few days in Da Nang have been tough. The weather has been cloudy and rainy, so I’ve not been able to get out as much as I typically do. I did take a tour up to Ba Na Hills to see the Golden Bridge. Unfortunately, by the time we got to the top…
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Da Nang – from the beach to the mountains
The weather is warm, but the sky is overcast. I decide to walk to the beach and was not disappointed. The waves were crashing in. I had dinner on the beach. I think because the beach is more touristy, there are lots of restaurants that serve food other than Vietnamese (BBQ, pizza, Indian food, etc.)…
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Down the coast of Vietnam to Da Nang
I had tried to get a berth on an overnight train to Da Nang but no lower berths were available on the date I need, so I decided to give the overnight bus a try. I went to the “bus station” for a 6pm departure. The station was actually a gas station with no place…
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Beautiful Ha Long Bay Cruise
About an hour out of Hanoi, I boarded a small ship to cruise Ha Long Bay for 3 days. After another transportation nightmare (that I won’t even go into), i made it to the pier and boarded the ship. Beautiful room, comfortable bed, BONUS. We headed out into one of the most beautiful places I’ve…
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First impressions of Hanoi
I landed in Vietnam during Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. It is the most important and widely celebrated holiday in Vietnam. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year and is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and welcoming the coming year. It’s often the only time that people living in major…