Two Extremes

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The theme this week at i heart faces is “My Story In Photos: Places I Love”

Two places come to mind, Vietnam and New Zeland

The Honeymoon

At first there was culture shock. Lots of culture shock.

It’s not until you go overseas that you realise how few people there actually are in Australia. We were in Vietnam for 4 weeks for our honeymoon. And at first it was overwhelming. At the airport there were guards with automatic weapons. There were people everywhere, and a traffic system that I in no way understood.

But this soon passed and there were so many places to explore in Hanoi. I loved the walks around the lake. And the way the lights reflected in it at night. Amidst the thunder of traffic, it was an oasis.

I’m not much one for cities, generally. But we had an amazing time exploring all of the beautiful old buildings, back alleyways and gardens. The best part was all the places we happened upon by pure accident.

And then Sapa. The place I most wanted to visit. I love everything to do with climbing and hiking. I’m most at home on a mountain. So I was excited to arrive in the misty mountains.

The fact that I am anaemic and had forgotten my iron supplements was a very big mistake on my part. By the third day I was horribly sick and felt like I couldn’t breathe. Due to anaemia and a high altitude. To struggle to breathe for an extended period of time was really scary.

But I loved Sapa so much that even this was a small price to pay. On our way to this hike, we walked through a giant bamboo forest drenched in mist.

And then, near Hoi-An, another hike (perhaps you are seeing a pattern) to these religious monuments, battered by the Vietnam war:

It was so heart-breaking to see this sacred site, which had stood proudly for over a thousand years, used as a pawn. But still, there they stood, as proud as ever.

The only ill-advised part of our trip – thinking that it was a good idea to be away for Christmas. Looking at this tiny candle Christmas tree was more depressing than I would care to remember. But at least we were depressed togeether.

The Escape

I went to New Zealand years ago with my sister at a time where I really needed to get away. I didn’t have a mobile phone for two weeks. Which was liberating. And the one thing it had in common with Vietnam was . . . yes, more hiking.

The volcanic hot springs in Rotorua – it has to be seen to be believed. It did have quite a smell. But you get used to it after awhile, and the colours were truly breathtaking.