Happy Holidays from Dalat!
A special post-holiday collage of my first Christmas in Vietnam (last year at this time, I was gawking at orangutans in Sumatra.) Indeed, I truly couldn’t have asked (Santa) for a more wonderful Christmas here in Dalat.
About the Author
Dyanne Off-the-beaten-path travel is my passion,and I’ve always lived life “like-a-kid-in-a-candy-store” – eager to sample as many flavors as I can. Indeed, my life motto has long been: This ain’t a dress rehearsal, folks!
You might also like...
Stray Asian Anecdotes: Medical Miracles →
Might I Offer You a Spot of Grubs, My Dear? →
Off-the-beaten-path travel is my passion, and I’ve always lived life “like a kid in a candy store” – eager to sample as many flavors as I can. Indeed, my life motto has long been:
Nice holiday 🙂
Indeed it was a most memorable holiday, and I miss my dear L’Aurberge Ami “family”.
Congrats on an easy visa extension. $55 sounds like a bargain. The fee is now $95 at the airport for a multiple entry 90 day. But am I complaining? No way. I’m sorry I won’t be able to meet you personally, but I’ll hope that our paths will cross in the future. Thanks again for all the help that you’ve given me.
Yes, cheaper of course for a single entry, but after so much travel this past year, I’m ready to stay put for the next 3 months (well, leastwise only flit to places right here in Vietnam like Hoi An, Hue and the Mekong…)
Now just…4 days for you – woo-HOO!
What I meant to say was that although I missed Christmas in Vietnam this year, I’m looking forward to celebrating New Years. There are still a million things to do, but I’m getting them done. I can’t wait:-)
Just… what? F.I.V.E days now? Don’t forget to take a breath, girl!
Sorry but I won’t be able to meet you personally upon arrival in HCMC, Mary (as I first thought). Happily, I got my visa extended easy-peasy this time (mainly ‘cuz I’d so conveniently left/returned to Vietnam on my Oz trip). A Vietnamese friend here in Dalat happened to be headed to HCMC to visit her daughter that’s going to school there – so she kindly ferried my passport to a travel agency there that lickety-split got me another 3 month extension for just $55 – yay!
Beautiful images and I’m sure equally delightful memories! Although I missed Christmas this year, I’ll be able to enjoy New Year’s! See you soon!
“missed Christmas” Mary? Why, ‘cuz of last-minute prep for “The Great Asia Adventure”? Goodness, but it won’t be long now – just… what? NINE days til lift-off? I’m so excited for you!
In retrospect, a H.U.G.E. Leap of Faith, and no doubt your adventure into the Land of Expat EFLdom here in Vietnam will be completely different than mine. But trust me, you’ll never regret taking the leap – after more than a year now, it’s still, bar-none, the very BEST thing I ever did!
This post put a smile on my face! We too stayed “home” in Shanghai this year, having dinner with good friends and gawking at the interesting decorations around town. So glad you were able to create such a special holiday in your adoptive home. Merry Christmas!
Yes – like you, I’m a bit “traveled out” this year, so it was nice to create some new holiday traditions here in my new “home”. Who knows what/where 2013 may bring to each of us!
Wonderful!
—Ronni
Glad you enjoyed it Ronni. I hope you too, had a lovely holiday there in my beloved Seattle. You certainly have enough twinkly lights to brighten up the neighborhood!