Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 116 of 197

Wanderlust Tips Magazine March 2019: A journey through history

[Wanderlust Tips March 2019] In this issue, we will take you on a train back in time to the past, passing through stunningly legendary, ancient lands.

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The train will stop at the memories of a few years ago and continue to travel back thousands of years to return to ancient times, the era of historical mysteries which are still hidden behind the mists of time.

Hue: The sweet charm of nostalgia in Travel Inspiration section holds intimate and sorrowful yet charming nostalgia.

The beautiful Ban Gioc village and Pac Bo relics still bear the imprint of the time when President Ho Chi Minh worked and lived there which will make you Mesmerised by the magnificent scenery of Cao Bang (Discovery section).

Crossing the Vietnamese border, the train moves on to Zhangjiajie: Paradise on Earth (Destination section) in China which marks the glorious legend of the Zhangjia family. Here, the white clouds flutter around the spectacular sandstone rising into the sky making us feel like we are getting lost in a paradise.

Leaving Zhangjiajie, we will immerse ourselves in the wonderful ambiance of Night markets – The inherent charm of Taiwanese culture in the Discovery section to savour countless attractive sidewalk dishes sold on the colourful street stalls.

Next, let learn about Legend of the Plain of Jars (Destnation section) in Laos to understand more a testimony to human ability, with an invisible yet magical connection between the past and the present.

After that, the train stops in the Indus Valley – home to the amazing Harappa civilisation in ancient times via the article The mystery of the greatest civilisation in the ancient world – Harappa (Culture section).

Finally, we will return to the present and visit Dong Thap: Where flowers blossom in Sa Dec village and local hospitality blooms (Destination section).

After the journey, a variety of feelings may arise in different people; however, this journey will help us grow, appreciate what we have from the past to live meaningfully in the present and look forward to the future.

Wanderlust Tips

Córdoba: The Arabian nights of Europe

I embarked on a journey to Córdoba, a beautiful city of Andalucía. That morning, i caught a glimpse of dawn strolling along the roads stretching through the silvery green olive hills. The first rays of sunlight flashed, illuminating the undulating purple peaks of the Sierra morena mountains. I slightly lowered the car window, enjoying the cool air that still clung with a touch of mist. A new day begins in a new land.

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During my early spring road trip, I left from France, crossed the Pyrénées, through the deserts of Spain to get to Andalucía. If you have read the famous book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, you would know it as Santiago’s homeland and also the beginning of his adventure across the deserts to find treasure.

Andalucía is quite big, located in the far south of Spain, only the narrow Strait of Gibraltar apart from Morocco. As a bridge between Europe and Africa, Andalucía is a melting pot of diverse cultures, reconciling many civilisations and religions over thousands of years. Therefore, coming to Andalucía means coming to a whole new and different Europe. It is as romantic as traditional Europe, and also as charming and mysterious as the Arabian world of One Thousand and One Nights.

In the early 8th century, the Moor – Muslim Arabs from North Africa arrived in Europe and quickly invaded almost all of the Iberian Peninsula, including what is Spain and Portugal today. At that time, while the rest of Europe was engulfed in darkness in the Middle Ages, for more than 700 years, the Islamic Kings built up the prosperous area of Al-Andalus, establishing a superior civilisation and sumptuous wealth that no other Western European region could compete with.

Coming to Andalucía means coming to the heart of Spain with lively flamenco and raging bullfights. In this land, olive fields stretch across the hillsides, and almond orchards spread their wings, blushing in the wind of March. Orange and lemon groves bloom with fragrant flowers in the April sunshine, and when winter comes, the fruit becomes full, juicy, ripe and sweet.

I still remember that morning, I left the inn early to go to Córdoba, the beautiful city in Andalucía that I was about to set foot in. I caught a glimpse of dawn strolling along the roads stretching through the silvery green olive hills. The first rays of sunlight flashed, illuminating the undulating purple peaks of the Sierra Morena mountains. I slightly lowered the car window, enjoying the cool air that still clung with a touch of mist. A new day begins in a new land.

BACK TO THE ANCIENT CAPITAL OF ISLAM IN EUROPE

Córdoba, along with Sevilla and Granada, are the most beautiful cities in Andalucía. Córdoba once was the first powerful capital of the Islamic nation of Al-Andalus. In the 10th century, it was the biggest city and also the most highly developed in culture, architecture and art in Western Europe, a true “Western Baghdad”. Córdoba’s population was estimated to be from 250.000 to 500.000 people at that time, with more than 600 mosques.

The 13th century marked a turning point in Córdoba’s history when Catholic Kings began to conquer the lands of southern Spain. Since then, Córdoba has become the meeting point of three religions where Muslims, Jews and Christians all live together. Nowadays, if you have the opportunity to dream away in the labyrinth of the quaint old town of Córdoba, you can still feel the beauty represented in past remnants as thousands of years of history seem to be condensed right in front of your eyes. Córdoba’s architecture is the perfect combination of European, Islamic and Renaissance culture. Massive but also sophisticated works mark a golden age of many centuries ago.

THE MEZQUITA IMPRINTED IN HISTORY

The centre of Córdoba is located on the north bank of the Guadalquivir River, surrounding the Mezquita which is the cathedral of Córdoba and the heart of the city. It is considered as the pinnacle of Moorish architecture in the 10th century with distinctive variations in architecture. The high walls surrounding the Mezquita are elaborately decorated with traditional Arabic patterns and subtle engraved lines. From a Christian church built on a Roman temple, Islamic Kings turned it into a most magnificent work. Taking many centuries to complete, the Mezquita is the second largest mosque in the world, right after the mosque in the Holy Land Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Mezquita’s astonishing scale is made up of beautiful domes and 856 marble pillars over a vast area of 180mx130m, equivalent to 2,3ha.

In the 13th century, the Catholic Kings invaded Córdoba again, and the Mezquita became a Catholic church. Almost all of the original structure was kept, and only the middle part of the once mosque was converted into a cathedral of Gothic and Baroque architecture, equally majestic as the original construction, to assert the new authority and its beliefs.

Until this day, people still can distinguish the ancient vestiges from ancient Roman times, located next to the window frames and soft arches in the dominant Arabian style. After visiting countless religious buildings in the world, perhaps only the Mezquita, along with its historical vestiges, can make me feel so incredibly overwhelmed.

WANDERING THROUGH THE ANCIENT TOWN OF CÓRDOBA

Starting from the Mezquita, small streets radiate out around it. The Arab and Jewish neighbourhoods (Judería) together contribute to Córdoba’s lovely character with vibrant corners with a touch of a Moroccan market, bustling with souvenirs for tourists. Suddenly, after a turn, tranquillity returns in the shadows of freshly painted houses.

Going for a walk in the old town of Córdoba on a fine Spring morning filled with the scent of orange blossoms is an unforgettable memory. Walking from the centre to the San Basilio neighbourhood, glimpsing into the slightly open doors, you will be tremendously intrigued. Córdoba’s lovely narrow streets, as well as in many other cities in Andalucía, hold hidden surprises. Buildings often have patiocourtyards, a legacy of ancient Roman architecture, today these are quite popular in the South of Spain and North African countries. Small courtyards in the middle of the house, separated from the street outside by one or two gates, creating a quiet and peaceful silence in the burning heat of the South.

At the beginning of May, Córdoba is bustling with the flower festival Fiesta de Los Patios. This festival originated in the early 20th century, and is recognised as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Accordingly, every spring, the courtyards of the houses of Córdoba are splendidly decorated with colourful flower pots and open to visitors. In mid-May, the most beautiful courtyards and the best preserved ancient architecture are voted for. A bit away from the bustling downtown, Córdoba is a peaceful city where I enjoy visiting small squares in the gentle afternoon sun, such as Plaza del Conde de Priego or Calle Compás de San Francisco. Sitting down on a quiet bench under the shade of the orange trees and breathing in the sweet, fragrant orange scent, I feel at ease.

FOLLOWING THE FOOTSTEPS OF GAME OF THRONES

Córdoba is also famous for being in one of the scenes of the HBO series Game of Thrones that is beloved by viewers around the world.

Right next to the city centre, spanning the Guadalquivir River is the Roman Bridge, which is set as the background for the Long Bridge of Volantis in season 5. The construction of the Roman Bridge of Córdoba began in the 1st century BC and it was regularly remodelled until the 8th century when it found its present beautiful and solid appearance. The Roman Bridge is a part of the overall harmony of the beautiful architecture that the Moor’s left for Córdoba. Try entering the city from the southern bank of the Guadalquivir River, the Roman Bridge in the foreground, the ancient church bell towers and the striking Mezquita behind in the sunset. On the bridge, street performers beat their hands on hang drums, playing medieval tonal music, or strumming rhythmic Spanish guitar. At one point, I thought I was entering a fantasy world, like Tyrion Lannister and Varys entering Volantis.

Continuing the journey following Game of Thrones, I went to Almodóvar del Río castle and discovered another treasure of architecture of the Moors in the 8th century. The castle is only about 22km west of Córdoba, which is the real version of Tyrell’s High Garden fortress that appeared in the 7th season of Game of Thrones. Just as in the series, Almodóvar del Río is located on a high hill, between green fields. Try climbing one of the eight ancient towers of the castle, then looking out over the golden rapeseed fields to enjoy the fabulous Andalucían Spring.

W.TIPS

IDEAL TIME TO TRAVEL

Córdoba, like all of Andalucía, has scorching hot summers, so the best time to visit is April to May and October to November when the weather is cool and pleasant. Especially in spring, Córdoba has many festivals and from the beginning of April, the patios of colourful flower vases are open for visitors.

If you do not like crowded places, you should avoid Holy Week – Semana Santa (the week of Easter, varying from March to April depending on the year). This is the week that Spaniards often go out together with many outdoor activities taking place and the price of services also rises, hotel prices can be even three times more expensive.

TRANSPORTATION

>> To Córdoba

Córdoba is a small city, but its train station is located in a convenient spot at the intersection of multiple railway lines, including the LGV expressway from Madrid to the major cities of Andalucía.

Thereby, getting to Córdoba from abroad, you can fly to one of the major cities such as Madrid, Sevilla or Málaga and take the train to Córdoba from there.

>> In Córdoba

Like many other ancient Spanish cities, tourists will have some difficulties in finding a place to park as the ancient paved streets are very narrow. The best way to explore this UNESCO Heritage listed city is by walking. Strolling in the scent of orange blossoms, listening to Spanish music and visiting tapas bars is a charming experience.

ATTRACTIONS IN CÓRDOBA

Córdoba is small enough to visit in a day, with the following key attractions:

>> The Mezquita is a Muslim Mosque – Christian Cathedral, the most spectacular and stunning architecture in Córdoba.

>> Next to the Mezquita, near the Guadalquivir River is Alcázar. Alcázar is transcribed from the Arabic word “AlQasr” which means palace. This place is quite small and not as spectacular when compared to the Alcázar in Sevilla or Granada, but this is where Cristóbal Colón (also known as Christopher Columbus or Cristoforo Colombo) had the honour to meet the King and Queen of Spain – Ferdinand II d’Aragon and Isabella I de Castilla in 1486. And from there, Cristóbal Colón gained the support of the Spanish Court to embark on his 1492 journey which is one of the most famous in history.

>> Judería Old Town is where you can take a leisurely walk, exploring the beautiful streets and bustling shops. >> The tiny San Basilio area has many patios for tourists to visit and enjoy the flowers. Some require tickets, but there are also many free or voluntary donation visits.

>> You should visit the Roman Bridge across the Guadalquivir River to look at the poetic scene of Córdoba backed by a bright red sky at sunset.

Avoid going to Córdoba on Sundays and Mondays because the city’s attractions close early on these two days, some do not even open on Mondays at all.

If you stay for another half day in Córdoba, you can go to the Almodóvar del Río castle, 22km from Córdoba. To get there, you can take the M-250 bus from Córdoba di San Sebastian, stop at Almodóvar del Río (Parada de Consorcio). Travel time is about 45 minutes, and the ticket price is 2EUR (~ 52,000VND). When you arrive at the parking lot at the bottom of the Almodóvar del Río castle, don’t follow the paved road to the main gate but take the trail to climb the hillside on the right of the parking lot (if you are facing the castle). This trail leads you to some beautiful scenic spots with not many people around.

CÓRDOBA’S CUISINE

Food in Andalucía and especially in Córdoba is cheap and delicious. Here are some suggestions:

>> Salmorejo: the first speciality that people think of when it comes to Córdoba’s cuisine. This cold soup is ground from tomatoes, bread crumbs, garlic and olive oil, sprinkled with a little bit of ham or boiled egg.

>> Rabo de toro: Bull’s tail is an indispensable speciality on the menus of every traditional Córdoban restaurant during the bullfighting season (from May to September).

>> Tapas: If you haven’t eaten Tapas it means you haven’t been to Spain yet. This is not only a dish but also a lifestyle in this country. In Spanish, they even have the word “tapear” which means go eat tapas. Tapas are appetisers, each part is as small as half a hand, but it is also possible to order as much as you like to eat as a main dish. Andalucía tapas bars often give you free tapas when you order drinks, and there are countless delicious tapas bars in Córdoba.

>> Tortilla de patatas: This potato omelette is also one of Spain’s specialities to try.

>> Jamón Ibérico: This is one of the best salted and smoked hams in Spain. The Jamón Ibérico of Córdoba originated in the famous Los Pedroches valley.

Some appealing restaurants that you should visit in Córdoba:

>> Santos Bar: tapas bar located right next to the Mezquita where they have the best tortilla de patatas in the city.

>> Taberna El Paseo: located in Plaza Cruz del Rastro, on the waterfront, east of the Mezquita. They have many types of tapas, especially the delicious Jamón Ibérico.

>> Taberna La Viuda: a traditional Andalucían and Córdoban restaurant located in the San Basilio area. It is pretty with a green patio and has good food at reasonable prices. You need to reserve a table in advance.

Wanderlust Tips

Zhangjiajie: Paradise on Earth

Since ancient times, Zhangjiajie has been a beautiful paradise on earth. Those who visit this place are struck by the majestic sandstone peak forest, by the sea of clouds covering the sky, and by the wonders people have built in this land. I made for Zhangjiajie, not with the mind of a wandering traveller carrying an oversized camera, i came here to find a paradise on earth, Zhangjiajie.

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THE LEGEND OF ZHANGJIA

Zhangjiajie was originally named Luanchuan (rotten ship planks) Canyon. Legend has it that Zhang Liang, living in the era of Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang while attempting to avoid being killed by the enemy decided to move to the South as a way to survive. At first, Zhang Liang climbed Tianmen Mountain, then moved to the Luanchuan Canyon to settle down, pursue his religious beliefs and continue the line of Zhangjia’s descendants in this land. It is said that in order to make Luanchuan Canyon more beautiful, Zhang Liang planted seven maidenhair trees in the South. When the seven tall trees were fully grown, they became seven great canopies, beautifully adorning the entire region.

Many years later, a greedy governor named Truong Van Xung, wearing royal garb and sitting in a large palanquin, visited Luanchuan Canyon. After witnessing the fascinating scenery of this enchanting land with its seven maidenhair trees like seven giant protectors, he was overcome with the desire to usurp the whole area for himself. Van Xung invited a famous sculptor to engrave on each maidenhair tree in large letters: “The territory of Commander Truong Van Xung”, using those seven trees as markers of a 50-mile-wide area where people were prohibited to enter. At the same time, he chased away the Zhangjia to capture this beautiful place for only himself. When the ban was put in place, the people who lived in the surrounding area did not dare enter even when they went cutting firewood or walking their buffaloes, and the Zhangjia had to move on elsewhere to live.

One day, a hunter named Truong Gia Hung went to the mountain to hunt wild animals and came across the seven maidenhair trees. He saw flows of golden water dripping from the bark like tears and looking up he saw the wicked words that Van Xung had engraved on the trees, and he suddenly understood what had happened there. In a moment of anger, Gia Hung swung his knife changing the two words Van Xung into Gia Hung, and smashing the signs marking the territory. The people of the land stood behind Truong Gia Hung when they heard what he had done, which made Truong Van Xung fly into a fit of rage. He sent 300 soldiers to besiege Luanchuan Canyon and arrest the brave hunter, but his plan was unsuccessful. He exasperatedly vented his anger on the people, declaring that he would cover-over the words on the trees with the blood of the villagers.

As if striking down Truong Van Xung’s evil and ruthlessness, at that time, suddenly strong winds and heavy rain swept across the land, bright light flashed across the trees before plumes of golden water spouted from the seven trees sweeping Truong Van Xung’s 300 soldiers away into Jinbian Brook. People were frightened when they saw this, immediately kneeling down to pray under the maidenhair trees. Then from a cloud above, they heard: “Listen! Dear hearts! This land was created by God, a heaven on Earth, so this land will never belong to Van Xung and his descendants! My god has ordered the God of maidenhair trees to banish them to the great sea. Now this area belongs to Zhangjia and their descendants.”

After saying that, the prophet pointed his fly-whisk at the seven maidenhair trees and immediately seven great golden words appeared on the trees: “Heaven on earth, Zhangjiajie”. Since then, the entire Luanchuan Canyon has had a new name – Zhangjiajie.

GET LOST IN THOUSANDS OF SANDSTONE PILLARS

It can be said that the majestic sandstone pillars are the most characteristic geological beauty of Zhangjiajie. In the whole area, there are more than 3,000 towering sandstone pillars like a giant spike board pointing up to the sky. In particular, there are stone pillars which are higher than 800 metres, and standing hundreds of metres away, we can still see their shadows casting out over the land.

Those who have set foot in Angkor Wat of the Khmer empire (Kingdom of Cambodia) cannot fail to be enchanted by the architectural blocks covered with sculptures of the huge sandstone slabs in the temple. If we see Angkor Wat as a symbol of human power and ability, then Zhangjiajie is like an architectural, artistic symbol of heaven. It is not only the sandstone pillars which are as wide as the length of three human arms but also the hundred-metre tall natural stone towers with irrepressible trees in between.

The Chinese are very good at naming beautiful places, but perhaps in Zhangjiajie, those exuberant names cannot do justice to its mysterious natural beauty. The most majestic mountain located in the middle is named Tianzi Mountain, meaning the Son of Heaven. The name is an affirmation of the nature of this beautiful mountain which is up to 1,212 metres high and surrounded by a large range of towering sandstone pillars in the deep woods. At the centre of Zhangjiajie, we can find sandstone pillars of all shapes and sizes, and like precious treasures, each stone pillar has its own charming name such as Ngu But Phong, Tien Nu Tan Hoa or Thach Pham Xuat Hai.

Perhaps the beauty of the prophetic treasures fascinated and inspired the Hollywood film director James Cameron to create the magical planet of Pandora in the famous movie “Avatar”. In Zhangjiajie, the spectacular sandstone mountain “Pillar of the South Sky” is the inspiration for the legendary flying islands. Here, Chinese tour guides still tell foreign tourists about a “Pandora on Earth”.

WANDER ABOVE THE CLOUDS IN A FAIRYTALE LAND

On the journey to discover the wonders of Zhangjiajie, I stopped at the biggest souvenir shop in the national park. Coming here, looking at the artworks of Chinese artists and photographers, I found a special feature in all the pictures and postcards, clouds. Zhangjiajie would only be pillars of loneliness if it were not for the clouds enveloping them all year round. At all the famous attractions in Zhangjiajie like Tianzi Mountain and Yijiajie or Tianmen Mountain, everyone seems to be filled with happiness when they see the waves of clouds flowing around the majestic pillars.

In particular, on Tianmen Mountain, a giant sky gate 130 metres in height is located on top of the mountain. Every time when a large cloud passes through that towering heavenly gate, the surrounding space is covered by white mist while people standing only a few metres away are unable to see each other clearly, and the grass and trees reach out to catch the dewdrops from the clouds. Then when that cloud passes, the gate to heaven seems to open again, the sunshine radiates and gleams on leaves full of glittery dewdrops, the transparent droplets reflecting the golden sunlight. Those who are privileged enough to witness this magnificent spectacle of nature cannot express anything by words, only hurriedly take photos with their cameras. I suddenly remembered the old footage of Journey to the West in 1986 co-produced by China Central Television and The Ministry of Railways. The former director Yang Jie built an image of a luxurious, heavenly place with vast fields of clouds and mist. When I silently watched the scene of Zhangjiajie sinking in a sea of clouds, admiring the streaks of golden sunshine and pillars reaching the roof of nature, I realised that I was standing in paradise.

TOURISM SERVICES IN ZHANGJIAJIE

Tourism in China is particularly unique as travel companies and managers have to face not a few hundred thousand visitors every day, but up to several million. They have to find ways to satisfy billions of domestic and foreign tourists on a yearly basis and in a place recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site like Zhangjiajie, we can find an impressive array of services.

If in Vietnam we often strongly condemn human intervention in majestic natural landscapes such as the construction of cable cars and walkways in sightseeing areas, I saw no such opposition towards any of that in Zhangjiajie.

Here, in the area of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a glass elevator named “Bailong” has been built which can take people to the height of 362 metres at the top of a mountain. The entire elevator car was made of glass so that tourists from the inside can experience the feeling of watching the sandstone pillars from the foot to the top of the mountain. The giant Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge is the tallest glass bridge in the world, joining two 300 metre high mountains and spanning nearly half a kilometre.

A 7.5-kilometre cable car has also been built up Tianmen Mountain for tourists to observe the primaeval forest, and after they can descend the mountain by 999 stairs from Heaven’s Gate and through 99 winding bends from the height of 1,300 metres to 200 metres, symbolising the 9 palaces of heaven. There is also the Coiling Dragon Cliff Walk, a glass walkway around the edge of the sandstone mountains. Going on the glass and then looking down is a nerve-wracking experience for those who are afraid of heights.

A special feature of all these artificial structures is that we cannot see them from other locations in Zhangjiajie. The Chinese build tourist facilities such as cable cars, glass bridges and elevators to maximise the ability to serve tourists and create new experiences while still respecting the natural landscape. Whether you choose to admire the scenery by walking around or travelling by modern forms of transportation, no damage to the wild and natural beauty of Zhangjiajie can be seen.

W.TIPS

OVERVIEW OF ZHANGJIAJIE

Zhangjiajie is a prefecture-level city in the northwestern part of Hunan Province in the People’s Republic of China. It is famous for its majestic landscape of lofty mountain peaks, deep canyons, waterfalls and giant stone pillars as well as being home to many wild plants and animals. Therefore, Zhangjiajie has many famous natural wonders such as Wulingyuan (including Zhangjiajie National Park, To Khe valley, Tian Zi Mountain, Bao Phong lake and Golden Dragon cave) and Tianmen Mountian (belonging to Tianmen Mountain National Park).

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Zhangjiajie is a stunning destination where each season has its own unique and attractive features. You will love to admire its scenery covered in white snow but still exuding the magnificence of nature in winter. In the spring, the whole area of Zhangjiajie is covered in a deep green colour like a soft silk strip separating the sky and the earth. Summer comes with air which is neither too hot nor cold, suitable for tourists who want to take part in challenging activities such as climbing mountains or walking the glass walkways without being afraid of suddenly pouring rain or cold winds. Autumn in Zhangjiajie is warmly dyed with red leaves, and the weather is romantic. Each person with different interests and desires can choose to enjoy Zhangjiajie in their own way.

GETTING AROUND ZHANGJIAJIE

>> Depending on the location of your accommodation, you can access Zhangjiajie’s sightseeing areas by walking, taxi, long-distance bus or local buses.

>> Particularly in the area of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (belonging to Wulingyuan), there are many attractions such as Tian Zi Mountain, Yijiajie or Bailong elevator which are accessible by bus. The bus system in this area is numbered on maps very clearly; however, before starting your journey, you should get ahold of an attractions map and a bus map which are available at hotels and information booths. In particular, these bus routes are completely free as bus journeys are included in the price of the entrance ticket.

LANGUAGE

Not many local people speak English or any language other than their native tongue. You need to prepare some English – Chinese or Vietnamese – Chinese translation apps before you leave. However, you do not need to worry because tourism in Zhangjiajie is quite developed with signs often in English, and in tourist areas, there are also enthusiastic volunteers wearing orange or green who can help you in English.

D.N | Wanderlust Tips

Wanderlust Tips Magazine April 2019: Travelling through movies

“I mean, I love waking up in the morning not knowing what’s gonna happen or, who I’m gonna meet, where I’m gonna wind up.” is an inspiring quote by Jack Dawson, the lead male character in the classic Titanic. How can a person with an adventurous mind not dream of journeying to numerous lands all over the world via movie?

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Every film has its own meaning, opening up a world of inner feelings of the characters, or displaying magnificent horizons and dream-like beautiful landscapes. This is exactly why the audiences who once fell in love with great films will constantly dream of setting foot on the sets of those films in real life. Thus, travelling through movies is the very theme of Wanderlust Tips this month, helping to satisfy your passion for travel and cinema.

In stark contrast to the characters she has played in movies of Vietnamese women bound to the out-dated standards of a feudal society, Hong Anh is a modern woman with an open personality. The Conversation section in this issue will talk about Actress and film director Hong Anh to have a better understanding of her two greatest passions in life, including cinema and travel.

Next, let Around Hong Kong through famous movies help you enjoy the aftertaste of nostalgia and romance in Hong Kong dubbed as Hollywood of Asia in the Travel Inspiration section.

After that, the article Looking for romance in New York in Destination section will amaze you with high-rise buildings and modern architecture and is also where we will find a so-called American romance so often mentioned by characters in Sex and the City.

Leaving buzzing New York, we travel to Spain to discover various destinations, featured in the epic Games of Thrones. It is Córdoba – The Arabian Nights of Europe in Discovery section.

And the wind will also bring you to the S-shaped land with countless stunningly beautiful scenes featured in renowned films like “Indochina”, “I see the yellow flowers on the green grass” or “Silent under the dark abyss” via the article My Vietnam in movies in Discovery section.

Finally, return to Dalat with a lover in Destination section to understand why Dalat is associated with dreams and romance, a paradise of passionate love stories.

Wanderlust Tips

Share the love: A journey through history

[Wanderlust Tips March 2019] With the theme “A journey through history”, Share the love section of Wanderlust Tips travel Magazine March 2019 will share with you memorable travelling stories, helping you appreciate your past and aim to a great future.

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I ALWAYS REMEMBER STEPPING BACK IN TIME, ON MY JOURNEY TO TIBET

LUKA GOY, TRAVEL BLOGGER, HANOI

I have a keen passion for travel and adventure, having travelled extensively through more than 24 countries and counting. One of the main influences that inspires me to travel is the prospect of seeing and experiencing a different way of living than that of my own. As a travel blogger, photographer and potential adventure inspirer, in documenting my adventures and misadventures I hope to provide inspiration for you too, to get out and explore the beautiful, the crazy and the wild that this world has to offer.

I have travelled to many places that have a rich history or are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These include old castles in France and Germany, the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat, the Great Wall of China and the temples and palaces of Tibet. If I had to choose my favourite place of historical significance it would be the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. To most of the world, at least the Western world, the name Tibet conjures up images of a mystical far away land, shrouded in secrecy and religion. Just being in Lhasa you can sense that you are somewhere special, you definitely feel as though you have somehow managed to sneak past the curtain of mystique and see into a world unseen. The Potala Palace is the epitome of this, with its elevated position and backdrop of mountains, it sets a very imposing figure. A place that combines the beauty, charm and history of a faraway land hidden on the roof of the earth, the Potala Palace certainly leaves a lasting impression.

On my travel list for 2019 – I’m currently weighing up between an extended trip through the Philippines, Indonesia and a re-visit to Sri Lanka or a blow-out in Japan, maybe taking in a little bit of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in September.

TRAVELLING HELPS US APPRECIATE THE PAST AND HEAD TOWARDS THE FUTURE

LAN ANH HA, VIETNAMESE STUDENT WHO STUDIED ABROAD IN SPAIN

In Vietnam, my hometown is Hue but I am living in Hanoi, my parents live in Quang Binh and my family used to live in Nghe An, so every time I go home, I make a trip from the North to Central Vietnam. After every journey, I fall even more deeply in love with the lands and people I met. That’s why when starting my life as an international student in Madrid, although at first I felt a bit uneasy and life here was unfamiliar, I quickly adapted. The one and a half years there was also a time when I dived straight into local life and participated in all ranges of festivals in Spain, from big to small ones and experienced all forms of emotions.

I remember most vividly the experience of welcoming in the Vietnamese New Year with the Vietnamese Embassy in Spain. I met many Vietnamese expatriates from other cities coming to Madrid. Vietnamese, my familiar native language, was a bridge for everyone to come together. Handshakes, new year wishes, group photographs, happy laughing and chatting voices along with familiar Tet songs performed by Vietnamese far from our homeland brought us the greatest comfort and happiness.

I hope in the future, I will have enough courage to travel to many distant lands. Going far away is also a way to help people appreciate their homeland, along with the past and look forward to a better future.

PRESERVING TRADITIONAL CULTURE OVER THE YEARS

THUY LINH PHI, MISS AO DAI VIETNAM 2018, HANOI

My family’s tradition of making Uoc Le sausage (Vietnamese traditional sausage) has existed for many generations. My great grandmother passed the skills of the craft to my grandmother, and then my grandmother, in turn, taught these family secrets to my mother. Since the time I was young, I was familiar with the cherished scene of my family gathering to make traditional sausage and from the age of 7 until I got married, every year, I always helped my family make this dish. When I was a child, I was assigned the task of arranging leaves and helping my parents but after I had grown up a little, I was in charge of guiding the guests to line up to receive their orders.

Almost every new year in the spring, all of my family are always busy but we feel warm and happy. To make this sausage, we have to wake up at 2am to go to the market, choose fresh meat, then wash and puree it and add spices. The meat is then wrapped in banana leaves which is very important to shape the meat and create the special flavour of the dish. There are many different types of fare including pork sausages, beef sausages, pig ear sausages, chicken sausages, cinnamon pork and pork meatballs in green sticky rice, each of which has their own delicious taste.

Until now, even though my job is so busy, I still spend time with my family making traditional sausage. For me, it is more than just making a simple dish but a childhood memory, a family connection and a precious part of local culture.

SPIRITUAL TOURISM TO SACRED TEMPLES

QUYNH HOA TRAN, MAKEUP SPECIALIST, NGHE AN

One of the spiritual destinations that I visit every year is The Saint Hoang Muoi Temple located in Xuan Am hamlet, Hung Thinh commune, Hung Nguyen district, Nghe An province. It is said that The Saint Hoang Muoi Temple is very sacred and that your every wish will come true. As for me, the fresh and pure air here, the smell of incense lingering in the air, the bells ringing and the sound of the bamboo prayer bowls all make my heart feel free of burden.

Every year, the new year festival is held in the third lunar month and the festival of Saint Hoang Muoi is celebrated in the tenth month of the lunar calendar. The festivals attract numerous local people and tourists, offering many interesting activities such as the boat parade to carry a royal seal from the Nguyen family church to Saint Hoang Muoi Temple, chầu văn (a trance-like chanting) and cockfighting.

For me, these cultural and religious traditions are really beautiful, they remind people of the legends of the past as well as offering meaningful life lessons and creating a connection through the generations from the past to the present and to the future.

Wanderlust Tips

Sheraton Grand Danang Resort introduces new kids ambassador program with Chu Diep Anh

Sheraton Grand Danang Resort, a stylish luxury beachside resort on the stunning white sands of Non Nuoc beach, is delighted to introduce its new Kids Ambassador program starring Chu Diep Anh, the 8 year-old star of several movies and the popular Vietnamese TV series Nguoc Chieu Nuoc Mat.

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Designed exclusively for Sheraton Grand Danang’s younger guests and their families, the new Kids Ambassador program features memorable experiences inspired by Chu Diep Anh’s visit to the resort and her favorite activities and special tastes.

“We’re delighted to launch our new Kids Ambassador program in collaboration with Chu Diep Anh,” said General Manager Frank Bochmann. “Our resort is ideal for families and we are excited to be able to offer tailored and engaging activities to keep our youngest guests active and happy.”

Sheraton Grand Danang Resort is an expansive luxury resort offering 258 guest rooms and suites – each with a view of the ocean. Sheraton Grand Danang Resort is distinct from other Danang hotels, offering the city’s longest outdoor swimming pool as well as six signature restaurants and bars featuring a variety of local and international cuisines.

Just 20 minutes from the airport, Sheraton Grand Danang Resort provides direct access to Danang’s most prestigious beaches, tourist and cultural attractions and close proximity to UNESCO Heritage landmarks such as Hoi An Old Town and Hue Ancient Capital.

Chu Diep Anh is a popular child television and movie actress as well as a model and ambassador for several retail brands. Just eight years old, she has already starred in three movies and one television series. Miss Anh visited Sheraton Grand Danang Resort in May and enjoyed an activity-filled vacation. She joined Chef Warwick Thomas for a tour of Tra Que vegetable village and picked her favorite herbs and ingredients. She then joined Chef Warwick in the kitchen where they made authentic Phở cuốn and her favorite dessert, passion custard cake. She also visited the Sheraton Grand Danang Kids Club where she made toys out of recycled products and flew kites at the beach.

Inspired by Miss Anh’s visit, Sheraton Grand Danang Resort is launching a new program as part of its Kids Club featuring her favorite activities. Children who stay at the resort will have access to all of these activities and more, including:

Kids Cooking Class – Join Chef Warwick Thomas in the kitchen to make Miss Anh’s favorite dishes, including Phở cuốn and passion custard cake
Kids Club activities – Make toys from recycled hotel products
Beach Activities – Kite making class from recycled newspaper and kite flying
Kids Menu – Featuring healthy Vietnamese cuisine inspired by Miss Anh’s favorites
Bedtime – Vietnam traditional Stories for bedtime and a goodnight wish from Miss Anh

Sheraton Grand Danang Resort

Location: 35 Truong Sa Street, Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District

Tel: 84 236 398 8999

Website: www.sheratongranddanang.com

Wanderlust Tips

Vietnamese fermented rice delicate sour features in Vietnamese cuisine

Thanks to the fermented rice, many dishes from simple to sophisticated ones are not too intense in taste, helping diners feel the richness but also the serenity, the gentle sourness and sweetness at the same time.

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Many people often say markets in Vietnam are a miniature culinary world where you can find everything you need and fermented rice is a staple that is always available. In the tradition of families in Northern Vietnam for hundreds of years, each family often has their own jar of fermented rice beside the jar of sugar and the jar of fat in the corner of the kitchen. The vinegar may run out, the dracontomelon and tamarind are seasonal fruits, but fermented rice is always available.

Making fermented rice is easy. When you want to make a batch, all that is required is a visit to a neighbour’s house to ask for a bowl of fermented rice, then put it in a clean porcelain jar and keep it carefully sealed. Cold rice is the most efficient and clean ingredient to begin the process. After several days, the cold rice will begin to ferment and the rice’s odour will turn to a slightly sour smell when it has turned into fermented rice. Fermented rice that is well stored can be used for a long time and any left which is not used is still carefully taken care of in case a neighbour asks for it when cooking. A jar of fermented rice becomes a bridge connecting people in a small neighbourhood.

People skillfully add the fermented rice in their cooking of all the delicious dishes served with rice: grilled sliced meat with lesser galangal and fermented rice, a special pork dish, deliciously cooked snails with banana & soya curd and the not to be forgotten fresh and delicious sour fish soup. These are traditional dishes that are familiar to many Vietnamese families; however, nowadays talented chefs also inventively create an array of dishes using ingredients combined with fermented rice.

Dong Tao chicken is prized for its succulent texture combined with an intensely deep flavour and is often cooked with lesser galangal and fermented rice creating an iconic Northern delicacy. Chicken cooked with fermented rice is not only soft and savoury but also has an exquisite taste and is invitingly served with vermicelli noodles. Meanwhile, Ha Giang wild boar cooked with lesser galangal and fermented rice helps to balance the heavy earthy aromas from the black pigs living in the forest. When it is grilled, the thick pieces of meat do not dry out and become tough but remain tender and juicy, the skin still crispy and crunchy.

Another mouthwatering dish is fermented rice cooked with Ha Long cobia fillets dipped in green pepper. The cobia is sliced thinly and has a firm texture, filled with the flavour of the fermented rice and piper lolot. Tasty sour soup with Phu Quoc green pepper is full of character with an enticing aroma. The mild spiciness of pepper and the warm hot pot became the perfect comfort food on cold rainy days.

It is thought that people who eat fermented rice too often are prone to stomach problems; however, in moderate amounts, it will aid digestion. Fermented rice is always an indispensable ingredient in Vietnamese kitchens, which contributes to enriching the culinary culture of Vietnam.

The article features exclusive content from Vietnamese Luk Lak restaurant

Address: 4A Le Thanh Tong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Number: 0943 143 686

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The mystery of the greatest civilisation in the ancient world – Harappa

Harappa: The mystery of the greatest civilisation in the ancient world

Thousands of years ago, ancient history has revealed the existence of a flourishing civilisation in the Indus valley, situated in what is Pakistan and the west of India today. The Indus valley civilisation, also called the Harappa civilisation, was once one of the largest in the ancient world, along with the Egyptian and Mesopotamia civilisations. Harappa is also considered to be the earliest known urban culture on the Indian subcontinent.

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THE BIRTH OF HARAPPA

The name Harappa comes from the first discovered site of this ancient civilisation. After its discovery in 1800 it was not written about until 1842 when for the first time in the “Narrative of Various Journeys in Balochistan, Afghanistan and the Panjab” Charles Masson described the city of Harappa as a “ruinous brick castle”. In the following years, there were a few small investigations undertaken, but it wasn’t until 1920 that an excavation was seriously started at Harappa, and then in other cities like Mohenjo Daro, Kot Diji, Lothal and Kalibangan. Since then, people have discovered an ancient civilisation stretching across most of Pakistan’s territory as well as a part of India and Afghanistan. The total geographical area of the Harappan civilisation covered about 1,250,000 sq. km which was more than 12 times the combined area of the Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilisations.

Scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology – Kharagpur and the Archaeological Survey of India published their research findings in the Nature magazine (25th May 2016) that the Harappa civilisation was at least 8,000 years old, not 5,500 years old as previously thought by scholars. If so, the Harappa civilisation was born and existed longer than that of the ancient Egyptians and Mesopotamians.

Despite being long-standing and flourishing, the Harappa is the least known of all civilisations as until today it is still impossible to decipher their writing, even though we have found traces of characters and letters on many broken ceramic pieces, seals and amulets.

REVEALING THE SECRETS OF THE PAST

Many research papers have shown that during its most flourishing period, the Harappa civilisation had a population of up to 5 million inhabitants. The two largest urban centres were Harappa and Mohenjo Daro, along with other cities including Kot Diji and Lothal which featured identical architecture and were built in the form of a chessboard, proving the civilisation’s advanced and modern perspective of urban planning and the environment.

The period between 2800-2600BC can be considered as the peak period of their urban civilisation when cities had sophisticated water wells and drainage systems. All houses were built from clay bricks featuring the same standard and size, equipped with toilets and bathrooms, while wastewater was also directed to flow into sewers from the drainage system to places where fertile mud used for agricultural purposes settled.

Along with the development of urban areas, the Harappa economy at that time was quite diverse and took advantage of transport techniques such as ox-drawn carriages or large and small ships. Archaeological evidence has shown that the people of The Indus Valley Civilization had regular contact and exchange of goods with the Sumer by road (through Iran today) and sea (via present-day Bahrain). Further proof of this was found in the tomb of Queen Puabi who lived in about 2,500BC in Mesopotamia, where there was jewellery made of carnelians from the Indus Valley.

In agriculture, it is difficult to gain an understanding of the techniques of the people living in this period because there are too few archaeological discoveries from the era and even traces of dams or irrigation canals have not been found. However, with such a large population, Harappa’s civilisation must have had a very high crop yield to sustain its many thousands of people.

Since the discovery of Harappa, archaeologists have also tried to identify the ruling classes of cities in this ancient culture. However, unlike other urban societies, the ruling class seems to have taken control through trade and religion instead of military power because there were almost no monuments built and no paintings showing war or conquest of new lands.

Unlike the Mesopotamian or Egyptian civilisations, there are no traces of large religious buildings such as temples, pagodas or places of worship. It can be said that the people of Harappa were only concerned about faith, but not the concept of religion and their beliefs and faith were only at a primitive level. Some historians conclude that the beliefs of Harappan people were the precursors of Hinduism. This is visible in seals found engraved with patterns which look like the gods of Hinduism, with one displaying repetitive motifs of a man sitting in a yoga posture surrounded by animals, looking distinctly like the Hindu god Shiva.

Harappan writing is composed of short strings of symbols and uses about 400 of these images. Archaeologists believe that these symbols and characters were used between 2,600-2,000BC. However, today we still cannot decode these symbols and characters, and consequently, the interpretation of documents is still controversial.

A CONTROVERSIAL DISAPPEARANCE

Until today, scientists still cannot explain the decline and disappearance of this ancient civilisation. Many historians have given different opinions as to why “The Indus Valley Civilisation existed separately and gradually disappeared”. Scientists at the American Geophysical Union have argued that an earthquake is the cause of the collapse of not only the Harappa but also other civilisations in human history such as the Togo or Maya.

Others have studied at greater depth, identifying that the shock waves from earthquakes caused the topography of the region to change, blocking the flow of large rivers in the region, leading to agricultural destruction while more floods occurred submerging cities under mud.

There is another thought-provoking hypothesis of an invasion by the Aryans. However, this theory is shrouded in uncertainty because if the Aryans invaded Harappa, they would have imposed both their culture and religious beliefs on the Harappan civilisation. Also contradicting this view reality shows that in Indian history, the worship of Shiva has continued for thousands of years without Interruption.

Most recently, in Climate of the past magazine, 13th November 2018 issue, geologist Liviu Giosan published his research to prove Harappa’s disappearance was due to climate change with the main reason being the changes in the monsoon. People in the Indus Valley lived and cultivated crops relying on monsoon winds instead of irrigation, therefore, when the monsoon moved to the East causing the climate to become cold and dry, the water supply simply dried up. This forced the Harappa people to migrate toward the Indo-Gangetic Plain where climate conditions were more favourable to build new villages. However, these small villages could not create surpluses to support large cities, leading to a reduction in production, limited external trade activities and the cities of the Harappa civilisation gradually being abandoned and disappearing.

Despite the efforts of archaeologists and historians, many truths about the Harappa civilisation are still obscured by the mists of time. We need more time, effort and even luck to reveal all the mysteries of the world thousands of years ago.

Wanderlust Tips

Dong Thap where flowers blossom in Sa Dec village and local hospitality blooms

On the fifth day of our journey to visit the southwest, we went to Dong Thap, a fertile land on an estuary of the Tien river. In the previous days, our group of three young people had travelled to Can Tho, Tien Giang and Vinh Long, granting us the chance to absorb the true essence of the mekong delta. From Vinh Long, we rented motorbikes and set off driving along the Tien river to dong thap.

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At first, all of us thought perhaps it would be similar to the other lands on this journey featuring canals, monkey bridges, floating markets and orchards. However, Dong Thap and especially Sa Dec brought a huge surprise. A deep imprint was left in our hearts not only during that trip to the Mekong delta but also until now when i have visited many other places in Vietnam and abroad.

FAMOUS ORNAMENTAL FLOWER VILLAGE ON THE BANKS OF THE TIEN RIVER

We visited Dong Thap in December, at the end of the flood season. Although it is not the best time to visit, it offers double the fun for those who love to seek experiences as we not only could enjoy the remaining essence of the flood season but also dive straight into the bustling atmosphere of the spring in the most famous ornamental flower growing area – Sa Dec flower garden.

When Sa Dec flower village appeared before our eyes, overwhelming feelings rose in our hearts. The road along the banks of the Tien River was covered with flowers and there were flower gardens spreading over an extremely large area assembling like vast rice paddy fields.

The flower growing industry in Sa Dec originated in an area on the banks of the Tien River, formerly Tan My hamlet, in Tan Quy Dong commune. Thanks to the alluvial soil the land here is very fertile, which makes the flowers have beautiful bright colours and the flower growing industry has developed throughout Sa Dec. Sa Dec flowers are not only famous for their variety and beauty but also their diversity ranging from traditional varieties to many foreign species, from popular flowers to poisonous and exotic ornamental ones. In recent years, florist’s daisy has become a popular flower, increasing the area this flower is grown; however, roses are still the flowers which are grown over the largest area.

An interesting feature of the flower fields in Sa Dec is that the flowers are grown in separated baskets. The baskets are placed on bamboo frames 0.5 metres above the ground or waterway. There are flower fields located on the water’s surface where growers row small boats along the flower beds to water and take care of the flowers. The method of planting flowers on a truss in Sa Dec only appeared a few dozen years ago making use of the wetlands as it helps the farmers to irrigate more easily and prevents pests from spoiling the flowers, along with the flowers which are planted in baskets being easier to look after and harvest. The flower trusses have spread over a large area becoming a unique beauty you cannot find anywhere else.

FOLLOWING THE LOCALS TO EXPLORE SA DEC

We were so lucky to meet Cuong – a young local who currently manages a fan page named “Sa Dec Flower Village” with over 10,000 fans on Facebook. Cuong is the fourth generation in a famous flower growing family in Sa Dec who after graduating in information technology in Ho Chi Minh City returned to his hometown to start his own flower-growing business which also offers tourism services. In the past, farmers only focused on growing and selling flowers, but since more and more tourists have come to Sa Dec, tourism services here have been developed. The gardens are more neatly arranged with flower gates and mini gardens being decorated eye-catchingly for tourists to take pictures as well as the garden houses, flower coffee shops, flower homestays and car hire services being developed and becoming more diverse. As a trendy intellectual, Cuong quickly captured the trend to provide services for tourists and became a professional tour guide. The schedule Cuong made for us was quite impressive, including visiting the beautiful famous flower gardens of Sa Dec, meeting the famous rose growing artist Tu Ton, trying our hand at planting flowers in the flower garden of Cuong’s family, enjoying flower coffee, staying overnight in a homestay, visiting the ancient house of Huynh Thuy Le and tasting special dishes. Cuong not only offered us an amazing sightseeing trip but also inspired in us the enthusiasm of a young person who loves the beauty of his homeland.

Sa Dec not only attracts tourists with flowers or the rustic beauty of the Mekong Delta, but it is also well known from the novel “L’Amant” (The lover) published in 1984 and the film of the same name released in 1992. “L’Amant” by the famous French writer Marguerite Duras tells of her first love with a wealthy patron named Huynh Thuy Le living in Sa Dec in the early years of the 20th century. To this day, the ancient house of Huynh Thuy Le established at 255A Nguyen Hue Street in Sa Dec City is still preserved as a valuable trace of this famous love story. The house is a harmonious combination of Eastern and Western architecture, built in 1895 and restored in 1917, the entire surrounding wooden wall was replaced by lime and “ô dước” compound (made of lime, sand, adhesives, dó paper and activated carbon) and this structure has remained until today. The house is a destination that attracts many tourists, especially foreign travellers who have read or watched the sad love story of “L’Amant”.

That night we stayed at Bamboo Homestay. It consists of about 10 bungalows built entirely of bamboo in the simple rustic architecture of the Mekong Delta region, surrounded by orchards, lakes and countless flowers. The rooms were quite basic and not luxurious but contained all the necessities. We also spent time talking to the owner, Mr Phong who is a retired teacher from Sa Dec and intently listened to him recounting stories of the history, culture and beauty of this land. The next morning, we woke up to the sounds of birds chirping and the fresh air. A cosy breakfast with vegetables and fruits grown right in the garden was prepared by teacher Phong and his wife. All of this entwined together creating our beautiful memories of the days we stayed in Sa Dec.

UNIQUE CUISINE OF THE MEKONG DELTA

When visiting Dong Thap in general and Sa Dec in particular, you should definitely not miss the local specialities here. In the flood season, you have to enjoy a hot pot of Carp cooked with Sesban or a bowl of vermicelli served with water lily and poached fish. Carp, Sesban and water lily are seasonal products which are only available when the waters of the Mekong river from upstream flow here, bringing along much needed fertile silt. And do not forget to try Sa Dec hủ tiếu (clear rice noodle soup) with its soft white noodles and sweet yet not fatty broth.

If you are an adventurous person, don’t be afraid to enjoy an unusually strange food, both literally and figuratively, vole (field mouse) meat. For the locals here, vole meat is a typical dish of the countryside sold quite often on roadsides, especially in the flood season and after each harvest. The meat can be incorporated into a variety of dishes such as stir-fried vole, shredded vole, grilled vole, fried vole, stewed marinated vole, boiled vole with fermented rice and the most special dish to mention, roasted vole. A fat vole was cleaned and marinated with spices then hooked into a large jar. As it cooked the jar turned steadily, fat and spices were added and about 1 hour later the vole turned golden brown. When the voles were cooked to perfection, opening the jar, we saw the vole had turned golden and had a fragrant aroma, then they were garnished with salt mixed with lemon and pepper, Vietnamese coriander and green banana. Its skin was crunchy, the meat was as tender and as delicious as sambar deer, hence the locals also call it “sambar deer of the countryside”.

As a passionate tour guide, Cuong also led us to visit some dessert shops, which no one at our age can resist, offering ice cream, pancakes of the Mekong Delta and Vietnamese fried shrimp cakes. We will never find the unique tastes of these local specialities elsewhere in this S-shaped country.

Saying goodbye to Sa Dec – a wonderful land with beautiful flowers and the amazing hospitality of the locals, we continued our journey to other tourist attractions in Dong Thap such as Cham Chim National Park, Gao Giong eco-tourism area, Lai Vung tangerine garden and Phuoc Kien pagoda (La Sen pagoda). Our extended journey brought us beautiful and unforgettable experiences.

W.TIPS

ENTERANCE FEES

>> Flower village and Sa Dec flower park: VND20,000 per adult, VND10,000 per child.

>> Huynh Thuy Le ancient house: VND30,000 per person.

TRANSPORTATION

>> From Hanoi, visitors can take a car, train or plane to Ho Chi Minh City. Then you can catch a bus to Sa Dec (about 160 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City), or if you are a good driver, you can rent a motorbike and ride to Sa Dec.

>> In Sa Dec, you can easily rent a motorbike or bicycle at a reasonable price for sightseeing and exploring the city.

ACCOMMODATION

Sa Dec accommodation services are still not well-developed; however, there are several options for you such as:

>> Homestay: Maison en Bambou Phong-Le Vent (Bamboo homestay), “Ngôi nhà Hoa Ếch” (Flower & Frog) homestay and Huynh Thuy Le homestay.

>> Some suggested guesthouses in the city area include Thanh Cong hotel, Phuong Nam 2 hotel, Hoang Duy hotel, Sao Khue hotel and Minh Dien hotel.

CUISINE

As mentioned in the article, you cannot miss Sa Dec’s famous dishes such as Mrs Xam’s clear rice noodle soup (known as ASEAN’s best clear rice noodle soup) and dessert lovers should not miss Aunt Mai’s ice cream shop. In addition, you can also visit Sa Dec market to enjoy dishes such as dried snakehead fish, Lai Vung fermented pork rolls, Lap Vo fermented pork skin, dried vole, roasted vole in large jars, snakehead fish salad, Vietnamese Noodles in Coconut Cream and Vietnamese fried prawn cakes.

TAKING PHOTOS

If you are a keen photographer, here are some ideal times for you to take photos of locations in Dong Thap:

>> 6.30am: taking photos of Tan Quy Dong Flower Village in the early morning sunlight

>> 8.30am: taking photos of a florist’s daisy garden

>> 10am: taking photos of Sa Dec ceramic and brick kilns

>> 1pm: visit Lai Vung tangerine garden

>> 2pm: Visit Dinh Yen sedge mat village

Wanderlust Tips

Hue: The sweet charm of nostalgia

It seems like i share a peculiar fate with Hue – the ancient capital of Vietnam. From the first time i found my way to this magical land when i was a very young man, till the day i came back full of contemplation at the age when people are supposed to get married, i have returned over ten times. But it is interesting that all my trips to Hue are very different from each other.

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One trip, I came here when I was just a talkative young boy. One trip, I was an inexperienced tour guide clumsily leading a tourist from the North seeking out Vietnamese poem conical hats as gifts for his mother and wife. One trip, I was a lonesome man smoking and walking alone on the small street Huyen Tran Cong Chua at the foot of Vong Canh Hill on a rainy afternoon. One trip, I was a happy man together with my girlfriend as we drove along the Perfume River enjoying the serene atmosphere of the ancient capital. And on my most recent trip, I made my way back to this city with my old friends. Each time, Hue has granted me different extraordinary experiences, but my impression of Hue always bears the colour of nostalgia.

MEMORIES OF THE ANCIENT CAPITAL

The old walls along the streets are steeped in history in this ancient capital. The smell of gunpowder seems to still linger around the old bullet-riddled walls of the Imperial City. The iconic yellow walls covered by green moss, the romantic purple and pink Bougainvillea in the afternoon sunlight or the dusty walls painted with squiggly advertising slogans.

I often wake up early in the morning, walking along the poetic bank of the Perfume River, crossing the breathtaking Trang Tien bridge and finally stopping by a small café opposite Dong Ba market. Leaning against the yellowcoloured wall with its foot covered with the colours of coffee and iced tea, I quietly enjoy a popular iced milk coffee while listening to the bustling sounds of the city.

The taste of iced milk coffee has not changed since the time I drank it alone five years earlier or more recently when I sat down and enjoyed it with my friends at the gate of Dong Ba Market. It still has the sweet flavour of the milk, the subtle taste of coffee beans and the smelll of intimate nostalgia.

Unlike many tourists who come to Hue to visit the royal tombs, I just love to ride around the Imperial City of Huế on an old bicycle I borrow from an acquaintance. Because only then, can I truly indulge in Hue’s ancient atmosphere.

I ride slowly along Doan Thi Diem street to one of the “20 beautiful places in Hue” that King Thieu Tri described in his poems, Tinh Tam lake, where “The porch is reflected off the water along with the starry night sky” and the slender Hong Cu bridge crosses the lake to Bong Lai island and Bong Doanh palace featuring its ancient glazed roof tiles. It is truly the sightseeing and resting place of the kings. The exceptionally charming scenery located in the middle of the capital city city is changing is changing every day, as the local houses, restaurants and shops are built more closely to each other. It is also one of the few places where the shimmering history of the ancient capital still exists today.

TRADITIONAL MELODIES ECHOING ALONG THE RIVER IN THE AFTERNOON LIGHT

But perhaps the place where the most authentic features of the city of Hue of the past can be found is on the winding road at the foot of Thien Mu Pagoda, where I took a photo of my tall, thin day-dreaming friend.

At the end of this road is the Temple of Confucius of Hue and also where the old village of Huong Ho was in the past. In front of the Pagoda, the peaceful and gentle Perfume River can be found flowing quietly through the majestic mountains in Binh Dien and on the inside, the Phuoc Duyen tower stands solemnly and quietly. Occasionally, we heard melodious singing mixed with traditional music echoing across the river. All the features blend extremely beautifully together but I felt a sense of sadness lingering in the air.

Absentmindedly plodding along the path by the lazy Perfume River on a melancholy afternoon, I suddenly remembered the words of a famous song. “Hue …! …Do you know… What song is echoing from the boat? Is anyone waiting for another to cross Trang Tien…”

I rented a small wooden boat from a poor old husband and wife living by the river at the foot of Thien Mu pagoda and then travelled upstream to Trang Tien Bridge. Perhaps this spontaneous and strange decision brought me the most unexpected emotions during my journey in the ancient capital.

The upstream waves were rocking the moss-coloured boat as the sound of the boat’s engine stirring up the water called out as if it wanted to awaken the quiet river. At that moment, there was only the sound of an old cassette radio of the old fisherman who was bashfully singing the sad melodies of “hò Huế” (Hue’s folk music) accompanying the afternoon sun on the green river. The three of us were all silently sitting on the boat; the old man gently guiding it with a cigarette pursed in his lips while his wife was selecting summer vegetables for dinner. I sat with my eyes looking far away to the centre of the ancient capital, contemplating the impermanence of romance by the Trang Tien Bridge.

In that quiet space in that inattentive moment, I felt like I was beginning to fall in love with the melancholy beauty of Hue!

LEAVING MY SOUL IN THE MELANCHOLY ALLEYS

One afternoon, I was taking my girlfriend to a sweet soup house in an alley off Hung Vuong Street, which I called the saddest sweet soup house in the world. She asked me why I called it that but I didn’t know how to explain it, so I told her to just to come and find her own answer.

We walked into the alley which was neither big nor small, the sweet soup house was neither small nor big, the face of the seller was neither happy nor sad, the cup of sweet soup was neither delicious nor bad, and the price was neither expensive nor cheap. The only thing that has stayed in our memories is the flavour of the sweet soup and the calming quiet space.

When we walked out onto the busy streets, we felt like it was so different from the space in the alley and I asked her if she had found the answer. She looked so contemplative, a little sorrowful and her eyes looked up to the blue sky as if she had fallen in love with Hue.

I felt the same as her, fascinated by the ancient capital whenever I arrived. Letting my soul dive straight into the silent ancient abyss and becoming speechless from the familiar smell of the plants and river here.

After visiting Hue many times, I found that I was addicted to the feeling of losing my soul to the melancholy beauty of Hue and only when I went back did I realise. I will definitely return to the ancient capital to satisfy my nostalgia for the intimate moments of my past in my heart.

W.TIPS

TRANSPORTATION

Travelling to Hue: From Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city, you can travel to Hue by various means such as plane, train, car and even many people like to drive motorbikes. >> Travelling by plane is the most timeefficient option with only a 1 hour flight time to Phu Bai airport in Hue. Currently, airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air and Jetstar Pacific have regular flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Hue.

>> If you have more time to spare, you can travel by train or bus. Travelling by train from Hanoi to Hue is about 13 hours and about 20 hours from Ho Chi Minh City and although the travel time is longer, you can admire the scenery along the way. A bus takes a similar length of time to a train and the fare will usually be cheaper.

>> Choosing to drive a motorbike or a car to Hue is favoured by travel lovers but for this option make sure you are an experienced driver, have good health and always pay attention to safety throughout the journey.

Moving around Hue: to explore Hue fully, you can use several forms of transport including cars and motorbikes for remote locations and walking, cycling or cyclo in the downtown area. In particular, taking a boat on the Perfume River is an exciting and not-to-bemissed experience.

WEATHER

There are two distinct seasons in Hue: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season usually lasts from March to August when temperatures can reach 35-40 degrees Celsius and the weather is hot and muggy. The rainy season is from August to January with temperatures generally from 18-20 degrees Celsius although sometimes dropping below 10 degrees Celsius, and from October onwards being the typhoon season. Especially, from the end of January to the end of February, the weather is always particularly beautiful with cooler temperatures and sometimes it is even cold with the late season winds. It is also the time when Sakura flowers bloom. The rainy season lasts from September to December, however, Hue artfully turns this season into a special feature.

CUISINE

Hue cuisine is also extremely popular with many delicious dishes such as: Banh khoai (plain rice flan), Mussels with rice, Bánh cuốn (Rolled cake), bun thit nuong (rice noodles with grilled meat), Bun Bo Hue (Hue-style beef vermicelli soup), Sweet soup…