Monthly Archives: April 2015

Marble Mountain, Central Vietnam – Part Two

27 April 2015AsiaDa Nang, VietnamGrace

On our way from Da Nang to Marble Mountain which is located on the outskirts of the city.

In addition to the swing-bridge of Han River, Da Nang also boasts the Dragon-shaped Bridge (seen here), the Tran Thi Ly sail-shaped bridge, and Thuan Phuoc Bridge – the longest cable-stayed bridge of Vietnam.

Firstly, morning tea at a marble factory with all monuments and merchandise carefully crafted on site.

Just a bit overweight this Buddha (with our guide Tham), the company can ship home any purchases made.

Don’t tempt me?

Beginning with Xa Loi Pagoda, a beautiful stone tower which overlooks the coast. Immediately to the left as you enter Ong Chon Gate, is the main path to the rest of Thuy Son.

This spectacular Pagoda captures your attention immediately giving a sense of peace and serenity.

At Marble Mountain we’re briefed about the importance of this region as Ngu Hanh Son includes five mountains: Kim Son (Metal Mountain), Thuy Son (Water Mountain), Moc Son (Wood Mountain), Hoa Son (Fire Mountain) and Tho Son (Earth Mountain).

Looking back over the township with the South China Sea to our left.

Ty shows us the way around some places of worship before negotiating the caves.

A steep climb but so worth it.

Tami shows us to perfection how it should be done.

The entrance to this spectacular chamber is guarded by two administrative mandarins.

I’m glad this is not the way out …

The temples being of Hindu, Buddhist and Confucian shrines are significantly important and admired for their sheer beauty within these caves. An easy three hours were spent exploring the area before we moved onto our next place of exploration.

Stay tuned for Part Three.

Good Morning Vietnam, Da Nang – Part One

15 April 2015AsiaDa Nang, VietnamGrace

Good morning Vietnam and great to be back after an eleven-year absence.

Australians require a visa and the cost is AUD95.00 per person. Or if In a hurry the same day issuance is approximately AUD170.00 – cash only at the Vietnamese Consulate located in Edgecliff, Sydney. Other nationalities reading this need to contact their own country’s Consulate for further visa information.

There’s quite a number of airlines which fly into central Vietnam and on this occasion my trip starts in Da Nang. Flying across from Hong Kong as a stopover, it’s an easy couple of hours flight with Dragonair which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hong Kong’s flag carrier Cathay Pacific – being an affiliate member of the Oneworld airline alliance.

An early stroll along the beach area shows relatively calm water and appears to be quite clean and warm.

This funny guy telling me about the places I should visit whilst in Vietnam – very friendly and helpful.

Motorbikes are still the main mode of transport for carrying goods and passengers.

A stay at the Eden Plaza Da Nang proves to be a mixture of European Classic and modern architecture with 110 beautifully furnished rooms.

The pool area at the Eden Plaza Hotel, very clean and quiet.

Just next door to the Eden Plaza is the Military Museum. It covers all Vietnamese resistance to foreign occupation from the Chinese, the First Indochina War with the French, the Vietnam War and the current standoff with China over the Spratley Islands and the Paracel Islands.

The Museum’s opening hours are from 07:30 to 10:30 and from 13:30 to 16:30 daily except Monday. Admission is free for Vietnamese and VND 40,000 for non-Vietnamese, plus VND 10,000 to take photos.
(On today’s exchange rate VND10,000 = AUD0.62 cents.)

By far one of the best Vietnamese restaurants I’ve eaten at ever! Khu Vhdl Khong Gian Xua, Da Nang.

And the food was incredible – easy to see why the premises fills so quickly.

For dessert, sliced fruit with a combination of spices, but mostly salt and chilli. Yum!

Lovely gardens manicured to perfection.

The obligatory dragon.

Vietnam historically is one of the most interesting countries you could ever visit. Here with our guide for the next week Mr Trinh from Travel Town based in Ho Chi Minh City.

Often seen as a symbol of peace, it’s seen often and aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Having a cold coffee on ice and it’s just what I love to drink on a hot day. We’re preparing to move onto Hoi An, central Vietnam.

Luckily we’re not being transported like this family. Great to see helmets are now mandatory to wear as the last time I was in Vietnam it wasn’t the case.

Stay tuned for Part Two Hoi An.

Farewell Fiji – Part Six

10 April 2015FijiNadi, Taveuni IslandGrace

Well it’s back to the office at Qamea and time to say farewell to all the wonderful staff members and management who have looked after us.

Sonja’s turn to supervise the luggage as it waits to be picked up.

While waiting for our bus transfer to Matei Airport, I’m having a chat with little Vani and her grandmother who have just set up shop a couple of weeks earlier to sell bananas and other small goods.

If you like there’s a coffee or tea too.

Dropping off one of the workers as we make our way on the partial dirt road to the airport.

Back at the airport where the post office is located as well and handy for any deliveries and collections.

My turn for the jump seat and I’m not touching a thing …

Ready for take off and away we go.

Emergency – hope not.

All good.

Flying very close to the mountain range and onto Nadi airport.

Arrivals and departures are much preferred to be to the south, due to the closeness of the Sabeto mountain range to the immediate north of the airport. A large turn around area, suitable for Boeing 747s, is to the left of the threshold of Runway 02, in case meteorological factors make departure to the north necessary.

Located less then ten minutes from Nadi airport, ‘Essence of Fiji’ is a newly-opened business whereby passengers can relax and have a spa treatment before going to the airport should they need to fill in time before their departure flight. Costs are incredibly inexpensive and can be charged in either Fijian or Australian dollars. There’s an arrival and departure board which shows your flight so you can keep tabs on how the time is going and updates on any delays.

Well, it might be Welcome Home for some, but for us it’s time to return home to Australia and we’ve had the most amazing trip to an area of Fiji which has graciously given us an insight into their daily lives and we certainly feel much happier for the experience.

Qamea along with its Local Community, Northern Fiji – Part Five

6 April 2015FijiQameaGrace

Next day out, we’re visiting the local community who entertained us the night before, have invited us to visit the village where they live.

It’s an interesting walk into the lives of very humble Fijians who take this path daily.

Vine-covered trees are just the norm and although humid we’re feeling a nice breeze from the sea.

And who should we run into? Some of the school children about to have their lunch. If you have the opportunity to visit a school, make sure you clear out any pencils, stationery etc to take with you as they appreciate these small tokens to assist them with their everyday learning.

Cute and not too sure about us coming over for the day.

Soon enough we’re met by our host for the day and again inviting us to join them for a morning tea and sing along.

Quality locally-made handicrafts are for sale which assists the locals in maintaining the school and local’s living expenses. Many of the villagers are employed and trained by Qamea in its daily operations such as hospitality; food and beverage service along with outdoor activities and the upkeep of the property.

The unpretentious Church is set up for everyone to visit and reflect.

Kava, also known by its Fijian name yaqona, is an indigenous plant that has been long used by Pacific Island cultures for its pleasant relaxation effect. In the past it was solely used by Fijian chiefs, but is now enjoyed by everyone. It is still customary and good etiquette to participate.

And at the end of the day, we make our way back through the humungous vegetation and glad there’s a well-worn path to follow.

Qamea Resort and Spa, Northern Fiji – Part Four

6 April 2015FijiQameaGrace

Saying goodbye to Matangi wasn’t easy but hello Qamea around the corner with a short speed boat ride from our next host makes the transfer seamless. About ten minutes makes a quick crossing from one island to the next.

Site inspection of Qamea Resort and Spa reveals some truly magnificent, well-thought-out structures, built and considered for clientele looking for exclusivity.

My home for the next two nights, the Honeymoon Suite … I’ll keep this Bure in mind for when it really does happen – that’ll make headlines!

Again louvered windows allow a warm but welcome breeze through this very stylish, contemporary Bure with a separate bedroom, study and lounge area. The shower facilities are available both inside and also outside as a closed-off recess which includes a spa.

Chess – for big people like me.

At Qamea Resort and Spa, we’re given a welcoming from the community’s locals including the children who entertain us with their traditional story (Meke) through dance and song.

An offering of Kava to the nominated ‘Chief’ of our group for the ceremonial greeting of the guests.

As each community has its own Meke this is definitely one of the best as the youngsters really thrive in showing off their cultural inheritance which will be passed down for generations to come.

And, if you’re like me and salivate over Kokoda (which is a raw fish salad), Qamea have cooking classes as well to show you how it’s made the traditional way.

And just when you didn’t think sunsets could be any better than the last one you saw in Fiji.

Travel Gracefully

May Grace be with you …