My First "Weekender"

Ninh Binh is in the Red River Delta region of North Vietnam. Goat meat is its local delicacy, while touring brings in outstanding views of its beautiful National parks, temples and pagodas, and wetlands that show you the true countryside of Vietnam.

Qyunh, a Vietnamese friend, was kind enough to take myself and two other international volunteers to stay at her parent's home in the town that is Ninh Binh. Qyunh's family were true hosts, cooking delicious food, while providing very comfortable accommodation. And yes, I did try goat meat. Although that is where I draw the line. No dog meat, cow tail or pig's feet for me!! These are just some of the "exotic" meats that are sold in Vietnam.

A visit to Tam Coc brought in more magnificent scenery. 60,000 VND included four boat rides, entrance to several Pagoda's, and the opportunity to visit the caves there. Rather than the traditional walk through sky high caves, we were rowed through very dark, very low caves in between different parts of the lake.

These Vietnamese women must have extremely strong arm muscles, as they rowed us (one boat of three Western people, and one boat of three Vietnamese), around for a couple of hours.

However I guess they get to work in these sort of conditions!

When we got a break onto land, I got to do this:

Then hopped back on the boat, and relaxed viewing magnificent architecture such as this pagoda:

Tam Coc was very beautiful, although it did take it's toll on my body! More mosquito bites, more walking up and down many stairs, and more heat. However, no complaints! I recommend this small "undiscovered by tourists" destination to anyone.

The Phat Diem Cathedral was less painful, as we only did a small amount of walking, and lots of sitting (on the bus). At first I thought the Cathedral was actually a Buddhist temple, as that is what it looks like on the outside. Qyunh could not explain it very well in English either.

However on closer inspection, you can see a cross at the top and once you go outside, it is so obviously a Catholic church. Very beautiful architecture shown here.

Mass was being held while we were there, so there were several Vietnamese waiting for mass to finish so they could go inside. These kids entertained me while I waited to go inside the Church.

Those kids looked like they were doing what they were told, however these boys hung around lying in a hammock picking fruit off the trees.

The Cathedral drew in a large crowd, yet there were some spots so quiet you could actually hear yourself think:

Another beautiful day out, and not too hot.

Only 2 hours back to Hanoi, but with many memories of a Qyunh's generous family, some amazing architecture, and magnificent scenery.

Before I sign off, I'll attach a photo of the friends that I have made while here. There are only a couple of international volunteers, and the others are all Vietnamese.

And, one last thing - a trip to a Western Supermarket could not go undocumented!

Lots and lots of different brands of water, catering to foreigners, and I recommend La Vie, or Aquafina.

Love.
Cat.