VN Highlights: Hue

Hue, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, was another must-see for us culture-seekers. We just spent a night there/a full day, which was drastically short compared to our stay in Hoi An (2 nights and 2 full days).

The weather was already below 20 degrees, and we were still in Central Vietnam. The constant, but occasional rain didn't help at all. Thanks to hot and spicy pho, our weather woes were somewhat relieved.

We visited the emperor's Ancient Royal Tombs (for the emperors of the Nguyen Dysnasty) and the Forbidden Purple City. Along the way, we witnessed how they make incense and the trademark conical hats. =)

the coolest way to get around: by motorbike!

it's an experience itself.

Thien Mu Pagoda, the biggest in Hue

playing around in the courtyard of Emperor Tu Duc's tomb (the fourth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty)

(yes, those are incense sticks)

incense and conical hat making

another rainy day. in the Forbidden Purple City.

ELEPHANT!!!!!!

bullying the koi fishes in the moat

VN Highlights: My Son

Dubbed as a mini Angkor Wat in Vietnam, My Son (Holy Land), was the site of religious activity for the kings during the Champa Kingdom. It was also a burial place for Cham royalty and heroes. My Son is one of the first Hindu temple complexes in South-East Asia, together with Borobudur in Java, Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Bagan in Myanmar, and Ayutthaya in Thailand.

VN Highlights: Hoi An Ancient Town

Suddenly became too busy with work. Anyway, here are some highlights of our recently concluded Vietnam trip. =D

I absolutely LOVE this place!! Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient buildings and architecture are very well-preserved. While walking around, you get a feeling of being transported back to times when it was known as "Champa City".

Lots of tourists and backpackers go there for all the cheap finds and uniquely Vietnamese food, handicrafts, paintings, and what have you. The walking tour is also very interesting as you get to visit temples, old houses (really well-preserved), and conference halls.

messing around in one of the temples

dragons in the pond

i love the streets of the Old Town

one of our many food adventures: white rose

the alleys of Hoi An

Hoi An's popular lanterns

I'm on patron tequila!

With my party-mates Cham and James, rocking Globe's Embassy party during the 21st Philippine Advertising Congress.

Globe Party from gelopots on Vimeo.

Seeing Double

Rainbows are always a happy sight, especially for a big rainbow fan like me. =) But you almost never see a full rainbow or, even rarer, two rainbows at the same time. On NLEx, en route to Manila, we were witnesses to these 2 spectacular events happening at the same time.

At first I thought it was just your normal rainbow sighting, with majority of it concealed within/underneath the clouds.

After a while, another one revealed itself. Just couldn't resist the photo-op.

Lastly, just when I was about done looking at these simple wonders of nature, the inside rainbow showed itself in its full splendor.

Ah, the simple joys. =)

Vietnam!!!

Finally, after 2-3 long years, I had the guts to say yes to Vietnam trip with my friends, which was initiated by Cebu Pacific's Seat Sale. The last time was way back in 2006 during my Macau days when I had all the time and money.

I'm soooooo excited!! Can't wait to see the breathtaking and "magical" Halong Bay, absorb the wonders of Vietnamese culture, and taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Real pho, real spring rolls, and so much more. =)

Hoping this trip will be worth the upcoming months of savings and "discipline."  GOOD LUCK TO ME =P