So we flew from Phu Quoc to HCMC to Dalat. We arrived and just hopped in a taxi thinking, finally, no one bugged us and pushed us into some $35 adventure.. then realized, holy shit, this is a far ride to the city from the airport. Dainit! We should have taken the $2 shuttle versus the $25 cab ride! Grrr. Oh well. Lesson learned.
Anyhoo, I was disappointed when we first arrived as I thought we arrived in the middle of a forest fire, the haze and smoke over the mountains was so thick you could barely breathe and the drop to 24 degrees from 35, was definitely noticeable.
But the next morning, we woke to beautiful blue skies, 25 degrees and an incredible city. We rented a scooter, and Steven navigated us through the city, and we had a blast at "The Crazy House". This house would be the equivalent on being on mushrooms and being in the Alice and Wonderland film, but basically, rooms we animal themed, staircases went to no where, and you could sit in the tiniest room and have a tea. It was so much fun! We had a blast getting lost in its walls and could see that the house is still expanding and breaking about 100 Cdn construction laws we walked through the construction zone seeing where the house would be in a few years!
Then, on the bike we went. I'll be honest, this portion of the ride is where Steven lost his temper with me. Rightly so. I was freaked out on the back of the bike a huge bus past us and I yelled "HOLY F*** Steven" not at him, but at the bus, and unfortunately jolted the bike as well. It was at this point I was duly corrected for being an ass on the back of a bike as it puts both of us in danger.. but holy shit, I could have had put my elbow out and touch the bus it was that close. I feel my actions were justified, but not the moving of the bike portion...
We then made it to Datlana Waterfalls, walked all the way down to the base saw the mediocre falls and then walked back up to take the "rollercoaster" down and back up again. Apparently Steven got enough speed to put his cart on 2 wheels, but I was to afraid to get that much air!
We then went to Prenn Falls, which was the beginning of the cheese. Picture a theme park with fake animals everywhere... it was so odd it was creepy. We then walked to a pagoda on the top of a mountain, I swear there was over 3000 stairs, to see a group of Vietnamese workers burning brush, start a tree on fire, and have them scream and laugh as they tried to avert a disaster. They just burn all the fallen branches, not really allowing for true decomposition to occur.. i wonder what will happen to their nutrient source in their soils in a few years time...
The next day we did the same, rented a scooter, went to the Emperor's Summer Palace, another great 1930's building decorated so uniquely, we both loved it. We then took a gondala ride over the city, and then went to the Valley of Love. The whole day was out of "how to be a cheesy couple 101" book, but man, it was too funny to pass up. Picture a park, now picture, everything cheesy about relationship paraphernalia (swan paddle boats, water fountains of people holding hands, you name it!), then put in the creepy kids play ground with no one in it (amusement rides) and doves everywhere.. the only thing good about it is that its a natural area that they keep clean. The water was clean, the grounds were clean... one of the few place in Vietnam without garbage!
We are back in HCMC now. Today the plan is to shop and then tomorrow hit the CuChi tunnels and then home Sunday.. Crazy!
Aunt Elaine: I don't have your email addy here, but I just wanted to let you know I am thinking about you, Laura and AJ. Uncle Dennis made me laugh (i.e., a good guy has to drive a truck and be from Saskatchewan!) and I am so happy the four of you were together and you had my mom with you. Sending you a big big hug and I wish I could be in Regina for you. Love you lots! xx
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