Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Stoked in Nam...
Stoked to have found a spot, drummed up a board, caught a swell, and had the chance to go surfing in Nam...
Monday, February 7, 2011
Vietnam
I was warned by more than a few travelers before coming that Vietnam was a "full on" crazy place filled with locals that constantly hassle you and aim to rip you off. It's no wonder I was hesitant to make my way from the laid back mountains of Laos (with a population of only 4 million) to the rustle & bustle of the 80+ million that occupy this land. Maybe it was because I was primed for the worse, Or maybe because I have a fair amount of traveling under my belt, Or maybe its because I come from a culture heavily influenced by Asia... Whatever the reason, my immediate impression of Vietnam was that it was a unique, colorful, special place and one I could sink my teeth into! I've been here for only a couple weeks but, dare I say, this just might be one of my favorite places I've experienced on my travels so far. Here are a dozen things that have made my time in Vietnam memorable:
#1 The authenticity of the culture - Vietnam isn't Western. It's not trying to be Thailand or China or anywhere else. It is simply Vietnam. Where as many places in the world are allowing the culture to be diluted into the ever increasing size of our global melting pot, Vietnam seems to be holding on to the traditions and way of life that make it unique. Few activities are commercialized, there aren't any McDonalds, and the people take tremendous pride in their national identity. Being here you feel like you are in a very REAL place... Vietnam is welcoming to tourists but doesn't put on a front!
#2 The curiosity of the people - I was able to blend in pretty well in Europe and the Middle East but here in Asia it's obvious I'm not a local. Though always cautious about the motives of friendly locals, time-and-time again I've been blessed by the kindness and genuine interest of the Vietnamese. Whether in regard to practicing their English, questions of pop culture, or inquiries about my experiences so far in their country, each day is full of conversations with the some new character. With a welcoming greeting, smile, and desire to interact the curiosity of the people (and consequent interaction) has been an enriching part of being here.
#3 The constant honking of horns - Motorbikes, motorbikes, and more motorbikes..... You've never seen so many in your life! And the only way to keep some space from the mob around you is the toot of the horn. Add the buses into the mix and no matter where you go in this country your sure to hear an orchestra of honks around the clock!
#4 The awesome hats & helmets - You'd think only the laborers in the rice fields would be sporting the traditional hat but no... People everywhere, and even into the night, rock it! The novelty of the headdress for photo appeal has yet to cease. And, if not, then the military style 70s era helmets provide some eye candy and keep you entertained!
#5 The vast number of flags throughout the country - Seriously... Everywhere!
#6 The crazy rave music and disco tech videos on the busses - for some odd reason the sleeper buses you catch to get around the country on overnight routes all seem to be equipped with DVD players containing late 90s rave music with images of scantly clad western women dancing at disco techs that are projected on the in-bus large screen TVs. Every hour or so they give you a reprieve and mix in some cheesy love music and/or Vietnamese comedy that's sure to make certain your iPod is fully charged. Go figure!?!
#7 The peoples love of Karaoke - If the buses were over the top then the Karaoke takes it to a whole nother dimension! The people are simply enamored by it. With eyes closed, mic clenched, and voices blaring, you can find people singing their hearts out anytime around any corner!
#8 The noodle soup and French bakeries - Pho is the national dish (noodle soup) and is the breakfast, lunch, and dinner for many Vietnamese. Though simple (consisting of rice noodles, veggies, broth, and the meat of your choice) it never seems to disappoint. Coupled with the stellar French colonial influenced bakeries and you have yourself a recipe for satisfying cheap eats everyday :)
#9 The fishermans round boat baskets - You'd think round wouldn't work but they do! These traditional round boat baskets are just plain cool. The fisherman have an amazing way of using the fixed oar to propel and steer them too. I can tell you from experience that they are fun in the water too!
#10 The rice patties - They're everywhere!
#11 Crossing the street in the cities - With all those motorbikes on the road crossing the street makes for a precarious stroll where you lay your life on the line each time... Okay, so I'm exaggerating just a bit.... After a while you get the hang of it (the timing, the eye contact, and the speed of which to shuffle your feet) so that it only somewhat death defying!
#1 The authenticity of the culture - Vietnam isn't Western. It's not trying to be Thailand or China or anywhere else. It is simply Vietnam. Where as many places in the world are allowing the culture to be diluted into the ever increasing size of our global melting pot, Vietnam seems to be holding on to the traditions and way of life that make it unique. Few activities are commercialized, there aren't any McDonalds, and the people take tremendous pride in their national identity. Being here you feel like you are in a very REAL place... Vietnam is welcoming to tourists but doesn't put on a front!
#2 The curiosity of the people - I was able to blend in pretty well in Europe and the Middle East but here in Asia it's obvious I'm not a local. Though always cautious about the motives of friendly locals, time-and-time again I've been blessed by the kindness and genuine interest of the Vietnamese. Whether in regard to practicing their English, questions of pop culture, or inquiries about my experiences so far in their country, each day is full of conversations with the some new character. With a welcoming greeting, smile, and desire to interact the curiosity of the people (and consequent interaction) has been an enriching part of being here.
#3 The constant honking of horns - Motorbikes, motorbikes, and more motorbikes..... You've never seen so many in your life! And the only way to keep some space from the mob around you is the toot of the horn. Add the buses into the mix and no matter where you go in this country your sure to hear an orchestra of honks around the clock!
#4 The awesome hats & helmets - You'd think only the laborers in the rice fields would be sporting the traditional hat but no... People everywhere, and even into the night, rock it! The novelty of the headdress for photo appeal has yet to cease. And, if not, then the military style 70s era helmets provide some eye candy and keep you entertained!
#5 The vast number of flags throughout the country - Seriously... Everywhere!
#6 The crazy rave music and disco tech videos on the busses - for some odd reason the sleeper buses you catch to get around the country on overnight routes all seem to be equipped with DVD players containing late 90s rave music with images of scantly clad western women dancing at disco techs that are projected on the in-bus large screen TVs. Every hour or so they give you a reprieve and mix in some cheesy love music and/or Vietnamese comedy that's sure to make certain your iPod is fully charged. Go figure!?!
#7 The peoples love of Karaoke - If the buses were over the top then the Karaoke takes it to a whole nother dimension! The people are simply enamored by it. With eyes closed, mic clenched, and voices blaring, you can find people singing their hearts out anytime around any corner!
#8 The noodle soup and French bakeries - Pho is the national dish (noodle soup) and is the breakfast, lunch, and dinner for many Vietnamese. Though simple (consisting of rice noodles, veggies, broth, and the meat of your choice) it never seems to disappoint. Coupled with the stellar French colonial influenced bakeries and you have yourself a recipe for satisfying cheap eats everyday :)
#9 The fishermans round boat baskets - You'd think round wouldn't work but they do! These traditional round boat baskets are just plain cool. The fisherman have an amazing way of using the fixed oar to propel and steer them too. I can tell you from experience that they are fun in the water too!
#10 The rice patties - They're everywhere!
#11 Crossing the street in the cities - With all those motorbikes on the road crossing the street makes for a precarious stroll where you lay your life on the line each time... Okay, so I'm exaggerating just a bit.... After a while you get the hang of it (the timing, the eye contact, and the speed of which to shuffle your feet) so that it only somewhat death defying!
#12 The fact that the local currency is the "Dong" - Need I say more?
Laos Laos
Laos (pronounced "Lau") is a country to the north of Thailand, west of Vietnam, and south of China. It's sparse population, lack of economic strength, and proximity to the high profile nations around it keeps it overlooked by much of the world. Admittingly, before I began researching destinations for my travels, I didn't even know it existed! As the most heavily bombed country in history (many of the bombs during the Vietnam war where actually dropped across the border in Laos) the history of this nation is sad and troubling. However, the people hold no grudge and moving through the rural villages you are struck by the sense that the locals are content living their lives apart from the rest of the world...
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