"I am the Lord your God, who brough you out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have not other gods besides me." Exodus: 20:2-3
Today we ventured south of Ha Noi to a place called Hoa Lu, which was once the capitol of Vietnam from 968 to 1009 A.D. during the Dinh and Le dynasties (the capitol moved to Ha Noi in 1010, the 1000 yr. anniversary coming soon). The reason Hoa Lu was chosen as the captitol during the Dinh dynasty is because the Vietnamese were under attack from China (surprise!) This region is positioned quite defensively within the hills and rivers of the Ninh Binh province. There are two temples erected near one another to honor each of the two kings of this period. We visited both, followed by a new sales technique I can't wait to try. You see, when we first entered the grounds of the temples, these vietnamese women ran up to us acting VERY friendly, asking questions, and using every english word they knew, including asking our names. I don't recall them really trying to sell us anything, but on our way out of the area when we were all hot and thirsty, they were right there waiting and using our first names to get our attention. It was quite ingenious. Here we thought they were really just being nice to us upon our arrival...ha!!
We drove about 20 kilometers to the area of Tam Coc where we enjoyed a lunch of soup, goat, pork, beef with rice and pineapple, rice, and bannanas. Tam Coc (also known as "dry Ha Long Bay") is a most remarkable sight to see. It is set on the Hoang Long river surrounded by limestone mountains which will run along their riverway for several kilometers. The reason I know this is becuase we saw it all from a small boat rowed by two local persons for about 6 kilometers. The view was breathtaking and serene. Sarah fell asleep on Heather for the second half of the journey, leading to a sore tail bone for Heather in the not-so-comfortable boat! Of course, the locals pulled right up alongside our boat, offering cool drinks and hand-crafted items.
Both Heather and Sarah are feeling better today. Sarah's nose did not run as much, her voice has returned, and she coughed less than the past two days. Thank you for your prayers. We leave tomorrow night for Sapa and will return to Ha Noi on Monday morning. We are really looking forward to seeing the highlands and enjoying some cooler weather. Not too sure if we'll have any internet connection in Sapa, so we'll do our best to post an update as soon as possible!
| View | Add Favorite
4 comments:
Well, everything is just beautiful. A thousand years, wow!
That rash looks bad, is it a heat rash?
Does it hurt? I hope not.
Sorry, Sarah is not feeling well, but great that her spirits are still good and it sounds like she is handling it okay.
My friends are really enjoying the blog and so am I. I have one friend that said it is the highlight of her day, when things get her down at work, she checks in with the Homans to see the latest and it makes her feel better!
Keep posting, we miss you,
Jean Anne
Heather, Michael, and Sarah, Glad to hear the two girls are feeling a bit better -- just hope it continues. Heather the rash looks uncomfortable -- hope it looks worse than it is.
The area you visited is beautiful. Vietnam is blessed some very unique terrain --- I know it has to be neat to see.
Enjoy your trip to Sapa -- take the medicine. Look forward hearing about your ventures.
Not too many more days before you come home -- we are all ready. Love You
It is beginning to storm so not sure how long I can type. Sounds like springtime outside!
The pictures are great as all have been. You've captured great visual memories for you and to show Sarah. I think the blog has become a Reality Show for many.
So thankful Sarah and Heather are better tho Sarah little cheeks sure looked red in photo. Take it easy. Perhaps the weather will be more comfortable as you travel inland and into higher elevations.
Will you have sleeper cars for the train ride? Hoping you can sleep so that you'll be fresh for seeing the area upon arrival. Enjoy this area and take even more photos.
Coming a downpour and tornado warning are up so best end. Love to all. MOM
glad you got to go to tam coc. i've been there before, so the pictures brought back lots of memories. those folks that do that (rowing the boats), only get one chance a week to do this and that is their income (from the tips you give them and the embroidery that you buy from them.) we brought home some great embroidery pieces made by the locals there. it was a great time. the scenery there is just incredible. thanks so much for sharing all that you are going through there. it is so good to hear your journey. sorry about the rash. hope that is better today. God bless you guys.
Post a Comment