Queen of the mountain

Happy Tuesday everyone, 

Unfortunately, I am writing this post from the bottom of my bed because the winter flu has finally caught on me. Not to worry, earlier this week I went all in on buying Christmas chocolates, cookies and tea for the cold evenings and now all of that has proven to be very useful. 

Lets talk about the weekend ! It was really one of a kind. 

We had a little Christmas party on Saturday so we gathered up at a friend's place to have some red wine, cookies and to practice singing Christmas songs. From there we headed to our normal Saturday spot where we were had Santa hats, mulled wine, Guinness and Christmas songs - just a very happy, cozy evening. 

I headed to bed early because I had arranged a hike for Sunday !

Got up early Sunday morning, had breakfast with my hiker buddies and luckily, headed towards Yen Tu mountain with a car. It is actually an interesting experience to be in a car in Vietnam; the roads are clearly designed for motorbikes and cars have no privileges in the traffic, just louder honks. We were looking to climb 8 km in three hours so it was very good that we didn't have to start the day by navigating through the cities on a motorbike for an hour and a half. 

The landscape in Vietnam is stunning, endless rice fields with distant mountains casting their blue shades on them. We found a beautiful temple resort before we actually found the root of the mountain where the hike starts. 

I bought myself an authentic 'rice hat' (unfortunately, this is the nickname I have always called them. Cannot remember the Vietnamese name) for the hike up. We were trying our best to hold back our excitement and pace ourselves. Prior to our trip we were advised to put aside our pride and buy a bamboo stick as soon as one was offered so that's what we did ! And for a good reason. The highest pagoda on top on the mountain is about 2 km above the sea level. The hike there is 8 kilometers long, full of steep steps and some pagodas on the way up. It is also possible to take a cable car up but in that case, you would miss all the pagodas and views on the way up. 

We got hot, sweaty, it started to ache muscles a little bit, and was dehydrating. But most of all, it was breathtaking and worth every second of it. We played some word games on our way up to keep our mind occupied as we continued to lift our feet rhythmically. We did stop at every platform to have another  'Oh my gosh' moment and some pictures. 

The final resting stop is 500 meters from the top by a 1.5 ton bronze Buddha statute. We bought some ice creams and water and sat down to enjoy the view. This is the first stop that is actually completely on top of the mountain allowing you to have your first 360 degree view. Turned out it is actually also possible to shower here ! I was desperately looking for a restroom so I could wash my hands and splash some water on my face. What I found appeared to be an army bunker with a shower; shampoo and towel hanging right there. I didn't actually shower but managed to transform myself from a drenched rat back into a human being! What an experience. 

Final 500 meters and there we were; on top of the world. I won't even attempt to do justice to the view by words. Everything is put to a perspective when you stand on top of an enormous mountain marveling the view; blue mountains reaching further than you can see, clouds surrounding you from all sides, the vales echoing an ancient tune. 

  Mira

Lovely Pre-Christmas

One more week and it's all over.

But lets enjoy it while it lasts !


We had a very lovely, productive pre-Christmas week here in Hai Phong.

On Tuesday I actually randomly got together with an old friend from South Africa  who was traveling around Vietnam ! It was very refreshing, and of course, fun. Had a lovely hot pot dinner and moved onto having some coffee and drinks with some live music.

A friend of mine had organised a Christmas celebration at a local orphanage for Wednesday. We wrapped up gifts and headed there after work. The kids were absolutely adorable, and the event worked out really well. We played some games and sang songs. At the end we gave the kids new toys and everything. It really boosted up my Christmas spirit and was a great experience.

After dinner we moved to my friend's house to have a little dinner party together. The boys had been promising to feed us some eyeballs, but until I saw the pig heart, eyeballs and brains on a plate I didn't believe them. Well, all I am going to say about that is that you have to try everything once, right?

On Thursday we were developing our pool and poker skills again. Pool is starting go quite well ! Poker not so much.. Friday was my first girls' night in here ! It was great; some yummy red wine in an old cigar club. Not exactly what the boys thought we were up to !

Now I am off to do some more Christmas shopping.  I found myself a perfect Christmas tree dress so I am excited to wear it later for our special live Christmas music evening.


Love,


Mira

Ten days to Christmas

Happy mid-December everyone !


The fact that it is the end of the year and nearly Christmas has definitely added up the pace at work and brought pressure for all social events. It is rather obvious that the homesickness is hitting all of us and that the fact that we don't have any days off is wearing on us. Lately, our social events have been great and I feel that we have relied on each other more now that we are fully able to comprehend that this is the family we have for this year.

We did a road trip on our bikes on Sunday. I just had Bob checked up and oiled so he was running like a Ferrari. We started the morning with a cozy breakfast at our favorite rotation cafe ; The Universal Cafe. From there we headed to the highway and towards the Do Son beach town.

We were blessed with a nice, warm day and good, clear roads. I am quite proud of myself and my driving, I am happy I drove myself - the traffic in Vietnam is crazy with 16 dead motorbike drivers a day. The boys were a good sport and the pace was chilled so we had some time to actually enjoy the drive. 

The beach was nice, but rather shallow to swim in. We decided to head for the view point and secret pagoda on top of the Elephant Mountain. The climb was gorgeous; it wasn't too high, but the sun was fully grilling us on the way. The view from the top was worth every sweat drop; 

There were three pagodas overlooking the ocean and the city. You could hear traditional Vietnamese music echoing from the city entwining with the wind bells clinging. The vibe of the place was out of this world. Describing the serenity won't even do justice to it. 

Down the mountain back onto the beach to have lunch, swim and play football. We decided to take a secret road back through the rice fields. It was breathtakingly beautiful, we were lucky to hit the sunset perfectly. On the way we stopped for a beer and the guys were playing football with these adorable little kids. 

The rest of the journey home was rather dark, but I am happy with how smoothly it went ! Evening was spent watching my colleagues and friends playing their basic Sunday football match. 

Have  a lovely week, 

Mira 

Frosty greetings from Hai Phong

Happy mid-week everyone !


Winter has finally arrived to Vietnam, though, I should say Northern Vietnam. The temperature has definitely cooled down in the last two weeks, and now we have had a few very perky mornings. I usually leave for work at half six in the morning, and driving a motorbike truly requires a few layers of clothing. I have created this new habit to go buy a new soft, warm jumper after all my morning classes before cuddling a hot coffee cup in bed. Luckily, the prices are appropriate to facilitate this new habit.

I am now very settled in Hai Phong, I have my weekly routines and my classes are going well. We have been busy with speaking tests so I have heard many presentations about Vietnam, Hai Phong, Christmas and TET holiday in Vietnam, and Vietnamese foods. It has all been quite fascinating, and definitely very educational. It has also allowed me to lay back a little bit and develop new methods to teach and communicate with my students.

I have actually somewhat learned how to play poker ! I have become a regular football supporter at the Maritime University of Hai Phong. Hanging around at the Uni has allowed me to meet even more foreign people, but also some amazing Vietnamese people. I have somehow become an unofficial motivational speaker; a friend of mine and my teaching assistant both teach English privately, and I have been visiting various of classes encouraging students to talk to me in English and to focus on their studies. I have genuinely enjoyed this ! The students have been very welcoming, and I hope at least some of them took my words to heart,

I have a new hobby as well; we spent our days off hunting all the secret cute cafes in Hai Phong. So far found quite a few ! Even though it is getting cold, the days are usually sunny and quite lovely. I feel quite at home in this weather - I really love wearing jeans or skirts, a nice jacket with a scarf!Sunday was spent driving around to see some of the city centre sights; the war memorial, central park... We found a cozy book shop so now I have something to read in bed in the evenings while drinking some tea.

Sometimes I find myself sitting back and looking at my life thinking 'how on Earth did I get here' and how random is this all. I have studied some Vietnamese and I feel quite at home here. Had you asked me even six months prior I could have never even imagined being where I am now. I do feel happy here, the life style seems to suit me and I enjoy the lessons I am learning along the way. Many people have wondered why would I choose Vietnam over Thailand, and I can honestly say that I think I made the right call. It might take a little bit longer to get into or understand Vietnam but it is truly a beautiful, mesmerizing country with very curious, helpful people in it. Yes, there is a lot of corruption and the people are sometimes way too curious but that's just how it is and it's okay.

Lastly, I want to tell you about my plans for the future because I am very excited !

I am going to spend Christmas down south (where it's still hot) at a friend's house. They have a huge party planned and I am happy to get out of Hai Phong for a few days. It's odd how the weather is so different when the distance does not seem like that much.

For new years we are planning to go even further up north to Sapa. You may have heard of Sapa, I believe it to be the most beautiful part of Vietnam. Acres and acres of untouched rice fields and hills. Perfect peace and quiet in a cozy cottage in the middle of nowhere. It will absolutely be freezing  but that's okay !

Vietnam's favorite and biggest festival TET takes place in the first full lunar month of the year (end of January usually). TET holiday lasts for ten days and during this time everything closes and everyone runs off to the countryside and the coast to spend some quality time with their families. My plan is to go to Cambodia, meet my friends there and spend some days touring around to see the ancient temples and ruins. After that, we will fly to Northern Laos and enjoy the rest of our holiday zip gliding, trekking and cycling around the beautiful villages of the area.


Have a lovely, cozy week !


Mira

Big sissy

Happy Birthday Nora, you are my favorite. I hope you have a lovely day and that you get all the good that you deserve.


Reaching quarter century is awesome, and I am proud of all the things you have accomplished in it. You are my inspiration to the fact that geeks can be cute too. Without a doubt, you are the smartest person I have ever met, and we both know I would still be stuck in primary school without your help and guidance.

I thought I could reminisce our journey here together -

Koli National Park, Finland

We have been to some great places together. 

And some amazing places apart. I would have never spread my wings so wide without your example.  

We were together in the ups. 

And I was always the crazy one. 

But you had my back anyway. 

You taught me about kindness and caring - now we are both vegetarians and humanitarians. 

You showed me that quality amounts to more than quantity. Though, looking at those cakes we were clearly out of our minds on this day, haha. 

We could always have a piece of home with us on our travels. 

Nottingham, UK

And you made me fall in love with England. You took me to one of my favorite cities first, which led to the best decision of my life. 

Nurmes, Finland 

You are small and cute. 

Ja sä olet mulle todella rakas. 

I will see you soon, sissy. 

Love, 

The youngster 

3 months in

Afternoon,


Monday started casually. In the afternoon I walked into my favorite class and to my surprise they had got me some teachers' day flowers ! Such sweet hearts. I received some more flowers during the week, teachers' day was celebrated on Friday as a national holiday.

On Wednesday we had a teachers' training and the final decision that I will be staying in Hai Phong was made. I am happy about this decision and the certainty is very comforting. Now I am busy with house hunting. We had a training for the up coming speaking test, and then we moved to a Chinese restaurant for dinner. We actually ended up sitting outside discussing politics till about 3 am. I always find it very interesting to converse with people from different countries, and ages.

On Friday morning I made breakfast for the colleagues in the celebration of teachers' day. We had some fresh coffee, omelettes, fruits, juice and baguette. It went well, and after I headed to the bus stop to catch a bus to Ha Long. This time the bus journey went smoothly, and I arrived to Ha Long without any headaches. Finally got to see my favorite flatmate, eat some lunch and chill. Then we headed towards Tuan Chau for a teachers' day BBQ. We had the meal by the beach at Paradise Suites Hotel. It all worked out very well, and it was just lovely to see my friends again ! We moved onto the local night club to listen to a live Philippine band and dance. Nights like these will definitely be the part I will miss the most in Ha Long; amazing people and crazy dancing.

On Saturday morning I was hanging around with my flatmate trying to decide what we should do for the day. She told me that she would finally teach me how to ride a motorbike so of course I was all up for that ! We went to an open area behind our apartment and I had my first go on the bike. It all went actually rather well, it does take some getting used to how heavy the bike actually is and when to change the gear but I drove us for a lunch after and no one got hurt so all was well.

During lunch we actually decided that I should really buy a bike but getting it to Hai Phong might be a problem, I was no where near confident enough to drive it on the highway. Then it hit us - I should spend my two days off at the famous Cat Ba island and take the bike to Hai Phong that way. Once the idea was out the plan was formed. I packed and left for the harbor. There is a ferry to Cat Ba from Tuan Chau for 90 000 dong (3,5 dollars) with a motorbike, The ride takes just over an hour and is, as usual, such a beautiful route.

I met some English guys on the ferry so we decided to find Cat Ba town together. The ride to the city from the ferry takes about 30 minutes, and the views are breathtakingly beautiful. Unfortunately, I was quite busy focusing on the driving so I didn't get a chance to admire the views as much as I would have loved to. I was happily surprised how well the driving went ! We arrived to Cat Ba town and went for some dinner. In the evening a group of us went to a local club to have some drinks and play card games and pool. It was a very relaxed, fun evening ! The beds in our hostel were super comfortable and I got some well earned good sleep.

In the morning, I headed out to explore Cat Ba before taking the ferry to Hai Phong. I found a few secret beaches and nice cafes. I went back to the mountains to capture some pictures from the scenery and the wild life. Along the roads cows and goats are roaming around, not caring about any traffic. I took a speedboat to Hai Phong, the trip takes 45 minutes and cost me 130 000 dongs.

This week -

Due to having an upcoming speaking test, all my classes were focused on the preparation for the test. Nothing special really happened during the week because of this. I started my apartment hunt, the hotel life is really not for me. On Monday a friend of mine was trying to teach me how to play poker. I think I did quite well actually! I spent Tuesday night having some red wine on the rooftop as usual. We were suppose to have a thanksgiving meal together on Thursday but unfortunately, the power was out most of the day so we just ended up ordering in and playing all sorts of games. I was invited for a lunch at my teaching assistant's house on Friday; the lunch was super lovely, very good comfort food (though once again, I failed to be a vegetarian) and a pleasant time. My TA is amazing, she is very good at her job and she usually gives me good insights to the Vietnamese lifestyle and language. Friday night was movie night, I believe everyone was quite exhausted from the week, classes tend to be quite exhausting when you are not doing much and keep on repeating yourself.

Saturday morning I and a friend of mine headed for a secret waterfall. The waterfall is located between Hai Phong and Ha Long, hidden in the mountains. The ride there took about an hour and then we had to hike upstream for 30 minutes. The place was extremely beautiful, peaceful and green. There was no one around. The water was quite chilly, but we still ended up going for a quick swim before hiking back ! It was super refreshing. The rest of the Saturday was spent chilling, in the evening we headed central to listen to some live music. The day was really nice, I was just very exhausted from the week so I had an early night.

This morning was spent driving around Hai Phong hunting different cute, hidden cafes. We had breakfast on top of the city in a cafe that rotates around. I am just about to head out to find some tofu for dinner and then I am going to the Maritime University to watch a football game. We visited the University earlier and I met the men who usually play against my colleagues every Sunday. Should be fun !

The weather is definitely getting colder and gloomier. It has rained a few times and I definitely need a thick jacket when on a motorbike.


I hope you all had a fun week and enjoy the next one !


Best wishes,


Mira

Cat Ba Island

Hey lovelies,



Some pictures from my weekend trip to Cat Ba island ! Story coming up later :)


Thank you for being patient with me.

Cat Ba is so green all over, it was incredible 

Secret beaches everywhere 

Goats and cows on roads all the time, beware !

A little stormy morning but it was just breathtaking 

Took a speedboat back to Hai Phong. 

Back to the happy side

Hello,



Okay, let's get back to the happy side now; a story about how my weekend improved !


So I finally made it to the Bay side. I was running down the Tuan Chau bridge like a crazy person when someone from the cruise came to pick me up. I was rushed onto to the ship and immediately it started moving. The room I was placed in costs 1 500 USD a night. It was absolutely beautiful; I have a king size bed (the most comfortable I had ever tried), my own dining room, private deck and a glorious bathroom with a rain forest shower, bath tub and huge windows.

All the worries and depression washed away as soon as I got onto the ship. I only left my lovely shower because I was promise a lovely seafood lunch with some wine. And it was probably the best lunch I have had in my life. Four courses; green salad, tomato coconut milk soup, a seafood platter and fresh fruits with Vietnamese coffee. The first day was for me to relax and enjoy the archipelago, I would be leading a yoga class on the next morning.

We toured around the Ha Long Bay and visited the famous caves on a bamboo boat. The crew introduced us to the history of Ha Long Bay and showed us some of the most beautiful islands and rock formations. We also visited an oyster farm, they showed us how to clean oysters and impregnate them to get pearls. It was very interesting !

In the evening we took part in a Vietnamese cooking and drinking course at the ship. We made authentic spring rolls and learned how to toast with Vietnamese rice wine. For dinner, we were provided with the traditional Vietnamese outfit; Bao Dai. All of us dressed up and had dinner together; traditional squid cakes, tofu soup, grilled prawns and ice cream. Yummy. Followed by a nice relaxed evening with some wine. I ended the evening by taking a luxurious bubble bath in my room. All together just as relaxing as was necessary after the week I had had.

I woke up at 5 am next morning to watch the sunrise and have some coffee on the deck. Worth waking up for; it is almost impossible to describe the serenity and peacefulness at the sea. Little wind but a fresh and a warm morning with the sun climbing up between the islands. Next, I headed to another ship for my yoga class. The class went very well, I was pleased with myself and the turn up. We ended up doing some tae kwon do at the end as well, it was great to refresh my memory of the moves and get to teach something that I know very well and truly love. We all had a little giggle about how absurd the situation was; there we were sailing in one of the most beautiful places in the world doing yoga on the deck of a five start cruise ship. I would have never thought that I could get to do something like that !

I headed back to my own ship for a continental breakfast on the deck and spent the morning reading outside. We arrived back to Tuan Chau around noon and I went for a very lovely lunch with the managers of The Paradise Hotel.

Quick visit to my apartment in Bai Chay and I had to head back to Hai Phong.

All together, even though I barely slept at all, an amazing weekend and very much needed.



Love,


Mira

Some recent pictures !

Hello,

Thought that I would publish some pictures first so that the post won't disappear under them :)

These are mostly from my amazing weekend cruise; luckily, I over came the awful Friday and had amazing time.

Paradise Peak Cruise Ship

My lovely 5 star room

Dinner views

I had the loveliest bath with some great views 

Did some kayaking in the caves 

Famous caves of Ha Long Bay

Stone found in rare places, reason why this is a UNESCO heritage site 

Amazing ships 

Cleaning oysters at the farm

How to impregnate oysters so that they produce pearls 

That's one billion  oysters 

5 pm

We did a cooking course 

Bao Dai - traditional attire for the evening 

I was teaching yoga on the deck at sunrise. Worth waking up for !

Sunrise 

Local breakfast, yummy

Th bed was the most comfortable thing ever ! I really wanted to stay in bed but didn't want to miss the views so I just took the bed out with me hehee

1 500 dollars of luxury 

Private dining room and a deck 

'Casual' seafood dinner for one 

Oyster farm - they demonstrated the different sizes of oysters depending on how old they are. The ones usually served are about 3 years old.