It is a good thing I was questioning all the locals about Marriage chapels in Dalat yesterday, because someone has fallen in love with me...mosquitoes. Yes, it is true I am their favorite thing and I imagine if they could they would propose.
Two nights ago Christina and I heard a few of the guys on the trip talking about how they slept with their windows open, and how amazing it was. The breeze, the sounds, just everything! They went on for what must have been 10 minutes. We decided to give it a try, and I woke up covered in large red welts. While I thought I was dreaming about buzzing, it turns out I was wrong... I was being attacked.
Well two days and quarter size welts later I am still truckin'. We had our long bus ride back to Ho Chi Mihn city yesterday and each group gave a cultural presentation about their city on the way back. It was great fun learning about the longhorns, and the spaceneedle and we were back by around 6 p.m.
For dinner we had the Vietnamese McDonalds as our leader, Jeff explained. There were five choices:
1. Grilled Chicken Combo
2. Fried Chicken Combo
3. Hamburger
4. Cheeseburger
5. The Loteria (The Big Mac of Vietnam)
Playing it safe after my upset stomach earlier in the week I went with a grilled chicken combo and fries. Mind you I still anticipated this being different than a US grilled chicken sandwhich. If you are asking why I played it safe wait until later. Our friends Lee and Brian however attempted the Big Macs. They were lured in with promises of special sauce, and visions of grandeur.
They both received slices of beef with chili sauce on a bun. Playing safe paid off, and I received a strange but edible grilled chicken sandwhich. Brian and Lee offered to escort Christina and I to the night market (my new passion) so I could buy a backpack I had my eyes on. Brian and I bought matching backpacks and we attempted to haggle.
Haggling is an art-form. Whether a God given talent or a honed skill- everyone haggles in Vietnam. It is expected, built into the price, yet still extremely satisfying The exchange usually goes about like this.
Store Owner: "Hey Miss, do you like t-shirts? I have your size."
Innocent Shopper: "Oh, well yes I do like t-shirts, and you have my size! Well how much is this one?"
Store Owner: "Usually 70 dollars but I like you, so 35 dollars for you"
This is how it starts, on anything for any price. However when you get down to a third of the original price, it is hard not to become addicted. That's when the hardcore haggling begins-- walking away instead of countering, pretending to only have a $5 dollar bill in your pocket. I'm sure there will be a support group started soon enough...Hagglers Annoynomous and whatnot.
We ending up buying our backpacks after being out-haggled, but were satisfied none the less. We all went back to our respective rooms and after watching Suite Life on Deck in Vietnamese for a bit we went to bed for our early morning wake up at 4 a.m.
Today we flew to Hue in North Central Vietnam. We were a bit delayed due to fog, but soon boarded our flight and were headed North. We landed and were greeted by a new bus and a new driver. I find our new guide and driver very difficult to understand which is leading to me learning what I'm sure is some very wrong Vietnamese history. It is fun none-the less to attempt to dechiper it.
We took a boat ride down the river, and visited several Pagota's. We took a tour of the Imperial Gardens of Vietnam and walked through the ruins. Our Dinner was delecious and entertaining as teh restraunt we went to served all our courses disguised as animals. Rice in the shape of a tourtoise, papaya as a dragon, ect.
Tomorrow we head to the beach so I am going on a hunt for a Vietnamese nail salon. I have a lead so I'll let you know how the search ends. As for tonight I'm sure it will end with some phase 10 and another night of memories.
Until Tomorrow,
Andrea
Sounds so fun!
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