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Articles Tagged ‘Vietnam’

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Highlights of Vietnam

Thursday, April 13th, 2006

Vietnam was one of those countries that was on the list of places we’d like to go but didn’t HAVE to go. We are both so glad we went. Can’t say enough about how wonderful it was. For obvious reasons we were concerned that, as Americans, we may not have been welcomed. Boy were we wrong!  The people were wonderful to us at every stop. The food was fabulous as well (love the Pho)!  Not to mention, Vietnam is VERY affordable. A room in a 15 cottage beachside resort was $14 per night including breakfast! We’ve listed just a few of the highlights below. most of these are backed up with some photos in our pictures sections. Enjoy!

Christmas (Chistmas to some folks) and New Year’s Eve in Ho Chi Minh City

Being shown HCMC by our friend/guide/local Richard Nguyen

The Cu Chi Tunnels

The “American War” museum in HCMC (they don’t called the Vietnam war of cours)

Kite Surfing for 3 days in Mui Ne

The open-air fish/meat markets in the Mekong Delta

“shopping” in Hoi An (Terra made me do it)

Sightseeig in Hanoi (including seeing Ho Chi Minh himself, he isn’t alive)

The most amazing meals

Even better people

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I can drive in Bali

Tuesday, November 1st, 2005

Decided to rent a car/scooter to see the island. Even though the traffic seems crazy (driving on the wrong side of the street, steering wheel on the wrong side of the car, hundreds of scooters and cars combined going at high speeds, no apparent traffic laws) we thought we’d give it a shot.

First decision was whether or not to get a drivers license. FIRST TRAVEL TIP IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON DRIVING IN ANY FOREIGN COUNTRIES: GO TO YOUR LOCAL TRIPLE “A” (IN THE STATES) AND GET AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT.

I failed to do this so I would either have to risk getting pulled over ($200 USD fine for no license) or figure out a way to get the license. Surprise, surprise, I took the less risky route and went to get the license. First, let me say that this wouldn’t have been at all possible if it hadn’t been for Peter at Flashbacks. He took me into Denpasar on his scooter and sheparded me through the process AND IT WAS A PROCESS! I must admit that it wasn’t too different from the DMV in the states. Lots of people milling around waiting for something to happen. Not really sure where to go or what will be asked of you once you get there. “Officials” who don’t seem to intent on making things happen more quickly etc.

One big difference…the price is negotiable. there are no posted fees for anything and the amount you pay for your permit is based on how well you negotiate with your official. Again, thanks to Peter, I got off easily. Only cost me $22 USD. Not sure how much of that went into the pocket of the officer but I would guess it was $15 or so. It was not uncommon for me to see an official take money from a patron and put it squarely in his/her shirt or pants pocket. Such is life in Bali. It is not corruption, it is simply the way things work. And they do work. I was able to get through the process in a few hours and left with my permit in hand. It is rare that this happens. Usually you must submit your information one day and pick up the permit (motorcycle only) the next.

Needless to say, I was bushed after this process so I promptly retreated to the pool at Flashbacks and relaxed with beer in hand for the rest of the day. I’m getting tired thinking about it. Better go lie down.

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