The Purple Gypsy

Well how can I explain Ho Chi Minh City .....busy, busy, busy. Hanoi, the city I used to live in is rather busy, but Ho Chi Minh City is another level of busy. But besides the buzz of the town there are also a whole lot of positives. I had the opportunity to visit a whole lot of amazing sites that I really enjoyed. The Saigon Central Post Office I visited Ho Chi Minh City in December (I know it was long ago, I have been busy), and so it was around Christmas time. The highlight of the visit to the Post Office for me was seeing little children come and post their letters to Father Christmas. Since living in Asia and being a teacher, children are the first thing I notice wherever I go. I love seeing their reaction to their surrounding or the situations they are put in. But other than the cute children, The Post Office was absolutely beautiful. Clocks representing times of different countries in the world hang from the walls, the roof was hal...

As most of you know, I had an amazing experience on a tour to Thailand in February. One of the stops was Khao Sok National Park. A place I had never heard of before. So, naturally, I looked to Google for some answers and the pictures I saw were something out of a dream. And it proved to be just that. We took a short drive from the train station to a very small port. There we got onto a long tailed boat and we traveled along a natural beauty. The lake is surrounded by beautiful lime stone mountains that are covered in a thick and dense jungle. The one fact that absolutely puzzled me, was that this lake was man-made. I still don't believe it, because it is massive and just so natural. We then stopped in a little lagoon and had a swim. It was so beautiful. The water was calm and just pure perfection. After a short journey, a row of floating bungalows came into view. It was amazing and this was our accommodation for the night. The resort was ...

I was very surprised when I got back to Hanoi to see the true spirit and festivity that surrounds Christmas everywhere. I noticed decorations hanging on most shops, Christmas trees in the shops and restaurants and even certain restaurants serving Christmas related foods. I suppose I never expected it because Vietnam is a predominately Buddhist country, however there are many Christians that make up their population. As well as Vietnam being one of the most celebratory nations. When I say celebratory I mean that on every holiday they go all out. Halloween was crazy here. Everyone had their spider webs and witch outfits hanging around there shops and homes. On independence day the city looked like a sea of red and yellow due to every building, shop, home and restaurant hanging out there Vietnamese flags. Buildings light up on holidays and the streets of the Old Quarter are packed from one side to the other.  Children are all dressed in red with Santa Claus outfit or ju...

1. Explore the Water Coconut woods on a basket boat This was one of the things I was most looking forward to doing in Hoi An. We did a tour and it ended with a ride on basket boat. Firstly, riding on the actual basket boat was a huge adventure. It amazing to see how they paddle it.And then, the beautiful scenery. Traveling through these woods was absolutely stunning and picturesque.  2 . Walking through the Ancient Town at Night Hoi An quickly became one of my favorite places I have visited so far, this was a lot to do with the look of the streets at night. The town is incredibility lite up by lanterns hanging from shops, restaurants and across the streets. There is a buzz in the air like no other place I have been to. The river is also lite up by beautiful boats and Lanterns you light and let go on the water. I felt like everywhere I looked I found another amazing views. 3. Shop the streets for beautiful leather and tailor made goods. Well who doesn't love ...

I could help but do a photo gallery post of Hoi An because it is just filled with so much beauty. I was absolutely blown away by the streets, beach and river bank in Hoi An.  I hope you enjoy my photo gallery. The town by day... The town by night..... The Coconut forests and basket boats..... The beautiful countryside..... An Bang Beach.... Hope you enjoyed! Lots of Love xxx