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 |   Theses are my thoughts and ramblings as I forge my way through this thing they call life. |
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These are my thoughts and ramblings as I forge my way through this thing they call Life. I blog with these groups:     "Blogging Circle of Friends "  [E] 
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 30 Day Blogging Challenge Brasilla, Brazil Phew, that flight was long. 20 hours on a plane. What a way to celebrate my 64th birthday. We're going directly to our hotel and catching some much needed rest before we go out for dinner. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g303322-d1507171-Reviews-Hotel_Royal_Tu... https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g303322-d2348030-Reviews-Taypa_Sab... Happy Birthday Lyn's a sly fox   !!! Thank goodness we are flying in the direction we are going or you may have missed your birthday completely! Brazil! WooHoo! We are in the capital of Brazil. I think I am going to enjoy the sun and the pool while I rest. Maybe even walk along the lake. After the sensory experiences in Morocco, I think my body needs a break to just close my eyes and enjoy the warmth that is a serious beachy resort. The lines of this hotel are a curving delight. Calming in a way, after the boldness of Morocco. We all join in to celebrate Lyn's birthday - a great excuse to party. Taypa Sabores Del Peru does not disappoint, but the portions are tiny, scrumptious, but tiny. Afterwards, we headed over to the Carcassonne Pub to play some board games and enjoy some local white beer and some snacks The staff were lovely and very helpful in explaining the rules of the games. We had a roaring good time. Blogging Circle of Friends Discuss some famous people from Brazil - https://www.gapyear.com/brazil/famous-people-from-brazil or discuss favorite Brazilian food - https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/top-10-foods-try-brazil or write a recap of our trip thus far. This is the only person I recognize... Carmen Miranda (1909 – 1955) Carmen Miranda was as famous in the 40s and 50s as Angelina Jolie is today. She achieved worldwide stardom through her performances in both film and theatre, perhaps gaining most fame from her leading part in The Gang’s All Here, in which she wore a fruit hat. As you do. Her last performance was on the Jimmy Durante Show, during which she suffered a mild heart attack. She didn’t even realise, finished the show, then departed this world the following morning in the wake of a second, decidedly more severe heart attack. This video shows her in The Gang’s All Here wearing that legendary hat. As for the food... barbecue sounds fabulous to me. They even have a fried cheese recipe! This also looks yummy: moqueca... a fish stew that is more than a mere fish stew. It is served with theatrical flourish as the piping hot clay pot is uncovered at the table amid clouds of fragrant steam. Baianos (residents of Bahia, in the north-east of the country) and Capixabas (from the neighbouring state of Espírito Santo) both lay claim to the origins of the dish, and both serve up equally tasty variations. At its simplest, fish and/or other seafood are stewed in diced tomatoes, onions and coriander. The Capixabas add annatto seeds for a natural red food colouring, while the Baianos serve a heavier version, made with palm oil, peppers and coconut milk. It’s teamed with rice, farofa (toasted manioc flour – ideal for mopping up juices) and pirão (a spicy fish porridge made with manioc flour – far tastier than it sounds). I think I would be willing to try both versions of the stew, as long as they threw in some pao de de quelijo. This is cheese and bread brought together in glorious union. It is said to be a snack enjoyed at any time of day. Crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, the gluten-free bread rolls are made with tapioca flour, eggs and grated curado minas cheese (a cow’s milk cheese from the state of Minas Gerais), rolled into small balls. For a naughty twist, keep an eye out for pão de queijo served in fist-sized rolls (or even a cake-sized bake), stuffed with cream cheese or various meaty fillings. And dessert. One must not forget dessert. Brazil’s answer to the chocolate truffle, brigadeiros. The sweet balls are made by simmering condensed milk with cocoa powder, then whisking in butter and shaping the mix into balls before rolling in chocolate sprinkles. Guaranteed to give an instant sugar high, they’re cloyingly sweet for some palates. Brazilians won’t hear a word against them, though. This might help to balance it out though - quindim is a glossy yellow sweet treat made with nothing more than eggs, sugar and coconut (with butter a common addition). Baked in cupcake-sized moulds, the bottom is toasted and golden, dense with grated coconut, while the top is a smooth, firm custard that sticks pleasingly to the roof of the mouth. The name is said to derive from the word ‘kintiti’ (meaning ‘delicacy’ in Kikongo, a language spoken in Congo-Brazzaville, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola), while the recipe itself was inspired by the Portuguese love affair with egg yolks in sweets and pastries. Something tells me I am in food heaven. Good thing these are all calorie free... but lots of swimming in the pool will go along way to burn off the calories. |
30 Day Blogging Challenge Marrakech, Morocco https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g293734-d1676197-Reviews-Royal_Mansour_... All I can say, is we've been very lucky when it comes to hotels thus far but no sleeping in for us because we have a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. We have an extended check out so we'll be hanging here until our flight. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g293734-d15305958-Hot_Air_Ba... After our hot air balloon we're going shopping. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g293734-d15000784-Marrakech_... 30DBC - write a poem or write a story about your adventures in Marrakech. I emerge from my private residence, a traditional Moroccan Riad, into the darkness of Marrakech. We are bustled off to the sight where our hot air balloon awaits. From what I am seeing so far, I am beginning to miss the trees. The lushness of shade is just not here. I can't say the experience is as breathtaking as in Tanzania, but it is lovely to see the views and watch the sun rise up over the horizon. The breakfast was quite good... a new taste experience for me. I am not the spiciest of people, but some of these spices are very good. I make sure to source them out when we ventured into the market later. I do like the architecture of the place. Moroccan. Our hotel is full of the intricate details and designs. The market was a feast for the eyes - colours, so vibrant I had to pick out at least one blanket - which I may have to hang as a tapestry of memory. I made sure to purchase some of the spices. I just hope I can smuggle them back home. I pick up a woven basket bag for my mother. I also find us each a pair of slippers. I even find a beautifully designed tagine pot which I could not pass up. I even found a leather briefcase that would be great... not that I need it, but the price was right and it looks fabulous. I will surely have to send this stuff home packaged up really well. Visiting Marrakech’s warren of souks was quite an experience. I could imagine that it’s easy to get lost in these colorful outdoor markets. Our local guide kept us all on track, steered us to the best artisans and shopkeepers, and shooed away the touts who tried to spoil our visit. Blogging Circle of Friends Day 2839: August 25 Marrakech,Morocco Prompt: Marrakech is a beautiful place. Look at Things to do in Marrakech https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293734-Activities-Marrakech_Marrakech_T... and find something you think is beautiful. Why do you think it is beautiful? https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g293734-d11989887-Atlas_Moun... The idea of seeing snow on mountains when riding on camels was surreal. This is not what I think of when I think Morocco. Exploring Morocco’s Atlas Mountains with a local guide enabled me and my party to interaction with Berber villagers. Enjoying a local lunch and tea ceremony in a Berber home. On this day trip from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains and Valleys, Berber Villages, Camel ride & Waterfalls you will see the most amazing and beautiful places: Atlas Mountains, Imlil Valley, Asni Valley, Amizmiz Valley, walk and visit around 9 Berber Villages, have tea with a Berber family and learn about their life, walk up to the waterfalls and see a wonderful views. visit to Argan women's cooperative. The tour started at 9:00 AM, from our hotel and ended back in Marrakech around 3 pm. |
30 Day Blogging Challenge Nouakchott, Mauritania. A bit of interesting history - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nouakchott https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g293815-d10339182-Reviews-Nouakchott_Ho... We're doing a private tour today, looks like an interesting variety. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g293815-d14779091-Nouakchot_... We're writers and here's a golden opportunity to see a famous library and a shipyard graveyard. Our muse should be inspired by one them to discuss. Maybe even both. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-libraries-of-chinguetti-chinguetti-mauri... https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/bay-of-nouadhibou-ship-graveyard and our interesting dining choice. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g293815-d4022339-Reviews-Restauran... Discuss what you enjoyed on the tour or the library, or the shipyard graveyard or even the restaurant. Maybe all of them. Have fun! Wow, only 6 days left of our journey. Okay, my ignorance is showing. The first thing I have to do is check a map. Thank goodness our first tour was the perfect introduction to Mauritanian customs and culture. It was a private guided door-to-door tour of the nation’s capital, Nouakchott. We visited markets, mosques, the port, the beach, and the National Museum of Mauritania. We sipped Mauritanian mint tea, and learned about the history of the region. Just what I needed. Later I was able to check out the libraries in the city of Chinguetti. It contains some of the world’s most important Quranic texts amid its simple earthen libraries. Established around 777 CE, Chinguetti became an important trading outpost on the Timbuktu caravan route to the Mediterranean. At the same time it became a gathering place for Islamic pilgrims on their way to Mecca. With the steady traffic of holy people through the city, a large, stone mosque was built and small libraries were founded to contain the growing number of religious texts left behind. Preserving the tradition of trading and passing down such holy writings, most of the original Chinguetti libraries exist in largely the same state as when they were deposited. Today there are five such libraries left in Chinguetti containing some 1,300 Quranic manuscripts, as well as civil records including contracts, bills of sale, and legal judgments. The dry desert air and dedication of generations of custodians have helped preserve the fragile parchments, often rolled inside bamboo tubes. From Atlas Obscura. |
30 Day Blogging Challenge Johannesburg, South Africa Johannesburg is the place to go to mix big-city culture, shopping, dining and nightlife with outdoor adventures, up-close wildlife encounters and visits to historical sites. Explore caves and nature reserves, or visit a traditional village by day, then enjoy dinner at a hip cafe or five-star restaurant. And if you're a shopper, bring an extra, empty suitcase. With malls, open-air markets and places that blend the two, you'll find plenty of unique souvenirs. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g312578-d2322502-Reviews-The_Residence_... https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g312578-d313843-Reviews-Apartheid_... This museum is not something anyone should hurry through. Enjoy the (2000+) photos, discuss some of the ones that appeal to you. Did you discover the other name for Johannesburg and what is it? Jo'Burg Johannesburg, Jo'Burg, Jozi, Egoli – The many names of the City of Gold. Johannesburg, commonly known as Jo'Burg or Jozi, is South Africa's second largest city with a population of over than 3 million. I am not a fan of staying in South Africa, but at least I can take my time wandering the Apartheid Museum. The signage disturbs me - Blanks and Non-Blanks. Even as a child of 5 I had an issue with discrimination of any kind. My northern Ontario school had a separate door and seating areas for Boys and Girls. I remember thinking 'why was that necessary?' Why should it matter? I followed the rules... but I remember going into the school one evening to get my shoes I'd forgotten and running into the boys section to touch the windows just to show some defiance... I was only 7. It was very liberating, even if my mother was the only one to see me do it. The fact that this kind of signage existed bothers me to the core, making my time in South Africa (virtual or not) uncomfortable. There is beauty here - in its natural form, but there is an ugliness as well. A kind of unclean that inequality leaves, like a film... one that I fear will take a long, long time to get rid of... if it even happens. I find it interesting that the tickets designate you are white or non-white on an arbitrary basis - giving you a taste of what it may have been like. Going to Mandela House is another place I would like to venture to just to get an essence of the man who was willing to go to jail to speak out against the injustice of the system. Our hotel is much more quaint here. Cape Town was over the top, Johannesburg seems more down to earth... even if it is a far bigger city. The pool was shaded with lovely trees and I felt it easier to breath here. Not so opulent. I had no interest in shopping and decided to stay in and write for the evening once I had enjoyed a lovely dinner. It just felt like a more reflective thing to do. Blogging Circle of Friends Nelson Mandela, was a complex man. Discuss what you learn with one of the links. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g312587-d2436621-Reviews-Mandela_H... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Mandela#:~:text=Widely%20regarded%20as%20an... Being able to be in the place where Mandela's family spent their lives was good. A quiet neighbourhood. A house full of memorabilia that spoke of the man and his family. The enlarged photo of his wife, Winnie, made me smile. Now there was a strong black woman raising her daughters and fighting the fight while Mandela spent his 27 years in jail. What a life that must have been. https://europeansting.com/2019/07/19/here-are-10-of-nelson-mandelas-most-inspira... There are 10, but I have included 6 of my favourites here: 1. Be passionate “Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.” 2. Nothing’s impossible “It always seems impossible, until it is done.” 3. Make a difference “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” 4. Be optimistic “I am fundamentally an optimist. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.” 5. Learn and teach “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” 6. Make mistakes “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” One must not forget Desmond Tutu as well. Here are some wonderful quotes: Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together. Without forgiveness, there's no future. |
| Blogging Circle of Friends Day 2836 Prompt: Pick out one of these things to do in Cape Town https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g312659-Activities-Cape_Town_Central_Wes... and write a story, article, or poem about it. The natural world calls to me And I find myself walking the rugged shore line And scampering over craggy rocks To find myself on fine sand Shared with tuxedo-ed birds Who languish in the winter sun. So different from their southern neighbours Who huddled in the snow and ice These penguins dip and glide in the surf Like they are on some foreign vacation Like me, they avoid the touristy traps And save their money For more authentic ventures. When I do head back into town I venture to the market's of Hout's Bay And wander the stalls Filled with arts and crafts Made by local artists and artisans I am drawn to the colourful Vividness and diversity of the place As night draws us in Music fills the air Lulling me into a place Where I feel at peace And one with my my heart In this place Still cut by its past. |
30 Day Blogging Challenge Arusha Tanzania We're staying at Arusha Serena Hotel and Resort Spa. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g297913-d304446-Reviews-Arusha_Serena_H... https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g297913-d15883436-Miracle_Ex... As dawn breaks over the horizon, you serenely drift over the magnificent marvel of nature, The Serengeti, enjoying an eagle’s eye view of the wildlife theatre as it unfolds below you. You will have ample opportunities to spot wildlife from a different perspective. If you are fortunate, you might be able to spot the Big Five: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino, as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo, crocodile and a variety of birdlife. Your game viewing opportunities from the sky are endless. Following the flight, you will celebrate with sparkling wine and a splendid bush breakfast in the middle of the Serengeti, capping off what is sure to be your most memorable morning in the skies of Africa. The afternoon we'll be enjoying some of the awesome amenities at our hotel before the BCoF people take us to our next adventure. My room is an oasis in an of itself. A huge bed. A curved desk just under the window with a view that is quite inspiring. I can prop my door open and get a little fresh air. I can even pull a curtain of netting around the bed. Our hotel is set at the heart of a traditional coffee estate in the majestic environs of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, the exquisitely appointed Arusha Serena Hotel, Resort & Spa ( formerly Lake Duluti Serena Hotel) offers heady views over verdant tropical forests, cool mountain walks, a wonderful array of wildlife, roaring fires and superlative cuisine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnMSCYqBBR0 Now this is Africa at its finest! City Tour and history of Arusha, Tanzania - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0iXTd1NcnA The balloon ride is is a unique way to experience a safari. It was one of the most magically memorable of the Serengeti experiences. A balloon safari allowed us to drift in silence above the splendour of the plains. We dipped down to visit the hippo pools of the Grumeti River and enjoyed a bird's eye view of the wildlife theatre as it was enacted below us. This is Africa!!! We were awakened by an early morning cup of tea, then we were driven to the balloon take-off point. There, we met our balloon pilot and watch as the team inflates the enormous rainbow-coloured balloon. As dawn breaks and the balloon slowly rights itself, we were helped into the wicker basket, the sandbags were cast off and the balloon rose majestically into the cool of the morning air. After a 45-minute flight, our balloon descended to the plains, where the ground crew greeted us with a glass of chilled champagne. Later, we had a full English breakfast, which is traditionally cooked on the burners of the balloon. After breakfast, we enjoyed a leisurely game drive back to the lodge. |
| Blogging Circle of Friends Day 2829 Prompt: Check out Fifteen best things to do in Cairo https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g294201-Activities-Cairo_Cairo_Governora... pick one, and write a story or a poem about it. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g294202-d11464487-8_Hour_Pri... 8-Hour Private Tour of the Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum and Bazaar including Camel Ride and Lunch from Cairo Hit Cairo’s essential sights in just a day with your personal Egyptologist and Wi-Fi–enabled minivan on this time-saving door-to-door tour. See the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and ride a camel across the desert, then enjoy a restaurant lunch. Spend the afternoon at two signature city attractions: the Egyptian Antiquities Museum and the Khan Al-Khalili bazaar. Egypt's treasures buried in the sand We ride camels out into the desert To see history rise up As pyramids in Giza. The Sphinx watches us With eyes that are all seeing All knowing... We look through antiquities of time Displayed within an Egyptian Museum, Before enjoying delicacies of the region And walking the stalls of the Khan Al-Khalili bazaar. After taking an extra day in Bhatan to soothe my rioting soul... I joined the group for a time - honoured trip among the pyramids. What a great way to put time into perspective. In reality, I spent my day in virtual workshops learning how to use technology to improve my teaching. 5 and a half hours of virtual workshop today and another 5 and a half hours tomorrow. I may be laying low.... |
30 Day Blogging Challenge I don't know about you but I'm needing some quiet time, we've been with a lot of people. There are many things available for you to explore. Discuss what works for you. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g321541-d14994126-Reviews-Bhutan_Spirit... Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, is known for its monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs) and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. In the High Himalayas, peaks such as 7,326m Jomolhari are popular trekking destinations. Paro Taktsang monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest) clings to cliffs above the forested Paro Valley. Imagine a place of tranquility and beauty. A place where you connect to yourself and all that surrounds you; body, mind and spirit. This is the newly opened (August 2018) Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, located high in the beautiful Neyphu valley in Paro. We are a 5+ star boutique resort, aiming to create a lasting positive change in our guests’ daily lives. As guests in our home experience what ‘Inspirational Hospitality’ means to us. We are the only well-being inclusive property in Bhutan, which means all services are included in our room rates. From all meals and snacks to all drinks and minibar (only excluding alcohol) to individually designed well-being programs, including a consult with the traditional medicine doctor, yoga/meditation classes, as well as a wide variety of wellness treatments such as Kunye (Tibetan massage therapy) and Hot Oil Compression. Enjoy many more complimentary services such as art classes, cooking classes, and short excursions surrounding our Sanctuary. First thing I needed to do was check a map and I see that Bhutan is east of Nepal and north of Bangladesh. It is south of China. Intriguing. Another place of beauty. Our hotel - https://bhutanspiritsanctuary.com/ was relaxing just to walk and explore the grounds and my room. It was not long before I found myself in the infinity pool letting the stress of travel slip away. Some yoga and meditation sessions also helped me re-balance after all the traveling we've been doing. TIGER’S NEST I was intrigued by this place. After my swim and sessions of yoga, I headed off to trek to the world famous Tiger’s Nest, a Buddhist monastery high up in the mountains, and only a 45 minute car ride from the Sanctuary. Our guides were amazing. After our intense hike, I took them up on their recommendation for a herbal hot stone bath in the Sanctuary. I later enjoyed more yoga and some time to meditate. "Paro Taktsang, is a prominent Himalayan Buddhist sacred site and the temple complex is located in the cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. A temple complex was first built in 1692, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for Four Months in the 8th century. Padmasambhava is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan and is the tutelary deity of the country. Today, Paro Taktsang is the best known of the thirteen taktsang or "tiger lair" caves in which he meditated. The temple devoted to Padmasambhava is an elegant structure built around the cave in 1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye. It has become the cultural icon of Bhutan." Blogging Circle of Friends Day 2827 The hotel offers many "CLASSES". I avoided the cooking classes in favour of the art studio. I tried my hand in a pottery class where we could take home our hand-made ceramics. I sent mine knowing it would not make the rest of my journey. I also tried painting and couldn't wait to capture the essence of the place in watercolour. Some of our group were interested in the traditional Bhutanese sports such as darts and archery in the apple orchard,but I opted out of that as well. My activity was saved for the hike to Tiger's Nest. I also loved to spending time in "The Library". I found a quiet little corner full of light where I could write and explore the varied collection of books and magazines on well-being, meditation, yoga, mindfulness and travelling. Such an elegant place, decorated by wall covering tapestries of the former Bhutanese kings. The "Tea Bar" was also be a welcome spot. It is a restaurant that offers over 20 herbal infused teas, each focusing on a different aspect of balance between the body-mind-spirit. The restaurant team gladly informs guests about the benefits of each tea. This was both informative and lovely. |
30 Day Blogging Challenge Halong Bay, we're going for an up-close look at its amazing limestone islands, rock formations and caves. Whittled away over centuries by wind and water, they’re breathtaking. Today we're going to see Sung Sot Cave (Surprised Cave) and Titop island. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g293923-d17475877-Halong_Bay... https://indochinatravelblog.com/tag/sung-sot-cave-wikipedia https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293923-Activities-c57-t54-Halong_Bay_Qu... Discuss what you've learned and what you felt seeing the pictures. The first stop on our adventure today is Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave). We get to go beneath the bueaty of the surface to venture into the bowels of the land. Here rock formations delight as we make our way through he biggest cave in the area. We dock at the bottom of Bo Hon Island. We got out and began to climb up 100 or so steps to the mouth of Sung Sot Cave. The cave covers a staggering 10,000 square meters (that’s twice the size of the White House if that’s anything to go by). The cave is about 30 meters high and sports a 500-meter long passage - no worries for anyone with issues with claustrophobia. The views were extraordinary and I took lots of photos. The entire cave is strewn with stalactites (tite to the ceiling) and stalagmites (come up from below) which apparently serve as endless material for the legends and lore of the area. Within the formations you can make out shapes and animals. Our tour guide did an amazing job pointing out the patterns and telling us the tales. One that we were told was that one of the stalactites greatly resembles a horse and a long sword. That horse and sword belong to the legend of Thanh Giong (Thanh can be translated to Saint in English) who is a pretty famous figure in Vietnamese folklore, who left these items here to protect Halong Bay from evil demons. Our guide also pointed out other ‘recognizable’ formations - mammoths, elephants, seals, flowers, and even a general gathering his troops. We we also lucky to be one of the first groups to tour through today so it was not so packed. That was really nice. https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g293923-d456290-Reviews-Sung_Sot_Ca... https://indochinatravelblog.com/destinations/sung-sot-cave-the-surprising-story-... We headed off to Titop Island for more amazing views. It was so worth the climb just to see the panoramic views. Thank goodness I was able to pan a video of the experience. My mind circles with ideas for story here - I am indeed filling my creative well. It was also walk along the warm sand. I took my shoes off and let the grains work away at my soles naturally. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293923-d4795456-Reviews-Ti_Top_Is... Blogging Circle of Friends BCoF prompt is Halong Bay is located by the sea so needless to say there are a variety of local fruits and vegetables and you can also check out the local seafood. There are huge mounds of crabs, jump shrimp and fish here, and if you want to set up your own beach barbecue later then this is the place to source your produce. Take us on a shopping excursion.What's different about Vietnamese markets versus ours? https://www.visithalongbay.com/travel-tips/halong-bay-food-guide.html https://vina.com/halong-night-market/ https://www.fareastour.asia/guide/detail/what-to-eat-in-halong-bay-22.html Sa sung is the only thing on the list of seafoods I wouldn't want to try - sea worms. Nah. But everything else....I am so open to try. The Halong Squid cake was quite good. As was the Horseshoe Crab (Sam) and the Drunken Prawn and Lobster dishes. I am liking the night markets. Browsing the interesting collection of items and talking to the locals. The lights and buzz and hum of the place is welcome after a couple of days in tranquil heaven on Halong Bay. I picked up a T-shirt and some trinkets. And of course, I took lots of pictures. |
30 Day Blogging Challenge Halong Bay, Vietnam We're doing a 2 day/2night cruise Day 11 and Day 12 will be in Halong Bay. https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g293924-d20211050-Halong_bay... Kayaking, swimming on the beach. learning how to make Vietnamese spring rolls and after dinner squid fishing. Let your imagination get carried away, discuss what fun things you've experienced. This place is beautiful. My room has a view that is spectacular. Our cruise ship is just the right size for slipping around the grand outcroppings of rock that rise like untouched fortresses in the sea. Lush green clings to the steep limestone and the bay is a turquoise dream. I can handle a couple of days and nights here. I took so many lovely photographs! Kayaking in warm, calm water was so very different from Antarctic... are you sure we're still on the same planet! The icebergs have been replaced with rocky mounds piled with lush greens. Swimming in this water is FINE. I could float away. End credits rolling. We even got to try our hand at making Vietnamese spring rolls. Mine taste better than they look... just saying. More a spring dump than a roll. Squid fishing. Now that was an experience. We even got eat one that we caught... after they cooked it, of course. Day 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N1ppVq_yNk Day 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMRm5Hl2yqM Spectacular views - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLbbzNdbhX4 Blogging Circle of Friends Day 2825: Halong Bay, Vietnam Prompt: Pick out one of the five legends/myths in this article: The Legend of Halong Bay: Discover Myths Behind The Names https://www.visithalongbay.com/insight-guides/the-legend-of-halong-bay.html and write a story or poem based on the legend/myth. Legends of Hanh Cave Some do say, that in Halong Bay three women lost their way Stories told, from the very bold their lives, into the walls did fold. So captured by the beauty, enraptured tides swept in and their lives were fractured The stories rave about Hanh Cave, But take care, it's your soul you must save. https://www.visithalongbay.com/caves/hanh-cave-the-longest-cave-in-halong-bay.ht... |
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