Vietnam Natural Discovery

Length of time: 7 days 6 nights 

This 7 day visit is intended for the individuals who need to overwhelm in nature and valid Vietnamese custom. Begin from a serene uneven town, we will find the excellence of low patio paddy fields, delight in pit fire with customary move in a stilt house, a rafting enterprise along Xia River, drifting along intriguing landscape of Trang A cave... 

Land in Hanoi you will be met and exchanged from the airplane terminal to your inn in Hanoi Old quarter. Rest of your day will be free for your investigation to Hanoi capital. Overnight in Hanoi. 

Vietnam Natural Discovery - Cat Ba Island

Delight in the ride through the paddy fields of the Old Doai town and road side town markets. Take a stop at Thung Khe Pass to watch the scene of the valleys and slopes. 

11 am: Arrive in Mai Hich and be welcomed by the town has in conventional dresses with icy beverages at Minh Tho Homestay. 

Have a home-cooked neighborhood lunch with woods fortes and new fixings. 

Evening: Cycle or stroll around the towns to appreciate the magnificence of the encompassing nature and country exercises in activity, including houses-on-stilt, fish lakes, low patio paddy fields, et cetera. Tune in a percentage of the day by day cultivating schedules of nearby agriculturists. Look at a customary weaving agreeable and have an opportunity to purchase some hand-made trinkets for your friends and family. 

18:30 pm: Have supper while appreciating the music and moves of Thai youth. Have an opportunity to learn and join the moves, and taste some nearby alcoholic forte a while later. 

Have an agreeable overnight rest at Minh Tho Homestay (with security, snuggled up, and complimentary wireless internet access) 

Discretionary: Campfire with simmered corn, sweet potatoes or chicken porridge 

Awakening the crisp and quiet morning of Tay Bac hilly zone! 

7 - 8 am: Buffet breakfast in the setting of nearby Thai market 

Vietnam Natural Discovery - Trang An

Related link: Vietnam travel

Alternative 1: 

Go out for a stroll through the corn fields, paddy fields and appreciate the day by day life of the neighborhood group. Delight in a rafting endeavor along Xia River 

Pack up and get ready to leave Mai Hich, withdraw Mai Hich to visit a customary art focus worked by the physically tested craftsmen in Lac Village. Attempt on customary outfits and shop for keepsakes in Lac Village. 

Eat at Quan Hang Homestay in Lac Village before drive to Ninh Binh 

Choice 2: 

Trek through the towns, bamboo woodlands, visit a neighborhood block manufacturing plant, visit Thai, Mai Ha, Chieng Chau towns on the path from Mai Hich to Lac Village. 

Have some gift shopping time at the middle of Lac Village. 

9:00am leave the inn for Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. In 968, Dinh Bo Linh pronounced himself as the King. From that point forward Hoa Lu existed as the capital for the following 41 years (968 – 1009), of which 12 years was under the Dinh tradition – King Dinh Tien Hoang, the nation named Dai Co Viet, and after 29 years was under the Le administration – King Le Dai Hanh. Hoa Lu turned into the old stronghold. In Hoa Lu there are presently 2 sanctuaries have been based on the ground of the old regal castle, one is devoted to King Dinh Tien Hoang, the other is to King Le Dai Hanh. The visit offers an opportunity to know all the more about piece of medieval traditions and recorded periods in Vietnamese history. 

A hour for lunch at nearby restaurant with neighborhood nourishment. 

After lunch, take the astounding pontoon excursion to visit Trang A grottoes which is a social affair of 31 valleys, 50 cross-water gives in, and home to 600 sorts of vegetation and in excess of 200 sorts of fauna, a large number of them in the Red Book of Vietnam. While paddling through Trang A cavern in the calm, natural quality of the good countries, with just the sound of winged creatures and the paddles blending the agreeable water and encompassed by grand forested mountains whereupon touch white goats, guests delight in a paradise on earth. 

Complete exceptional full day trek at your lodging in Hanoi! O/N at your lodging in Hanoi. 

8.00: Shuttle transport will get for a drive to Halong Bay. 

Welcome beverage is served. 

Meander around the maze of the Bay through the Fighting Cock, Canh Buom, and stop for swimming then try for going to Sung Sot buckle (The Sudden Surprise). Kayak to Luon hole, Dau Nguoi Mountain, Titop shoreline. 

08-09.30: Buffet breakfast while cruising over to Halong wharf and visit Fire Island, Dinh Huong Island, gliding town. 

10.30: Luggage hauls out. Eat. 

11.30: Arrive at the wharf. 

12.00: Shuttle transport will take you over to Hanoi. Supper on visitor's record. 

Overnight in Hanoi 

Day 7: Hanoi takeoff (B) 

Free at recreation until our auto and aide lift you up and exchange to the airplane terminal for flight. 

Trust you have extraordinary time in Vietnam. See you next excursion. 

On the off chance that you need to extend your vacation in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, we'd like to hel

VietNam Discovery tour 14 day

Investigate Vietnam on an inside and out trip that takes you from North to South. Begin with the pilgrim appeal of Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, then fly out to the characteristic wonderland of Halong Bay and trek through Sapa's terraced rice paddies and slope tribe towns. Visit the antiquated capital Hue and lounge on the shorelines of Hoian. Investigate the lavish scene of the Mekong Delta and the brilliant lights and urban clamor of Saigon. This visit takes you profound into our lovely nation, submerging you in our rich society and exquisite scenes.

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam's clamoring frontier capital. Your driver and aide will reach you outside the stuff case of Noi Bai Airport and take you to your inn in the downtown area. Toward the evening, delight in an introduction walk, going to Hanoi's principle attractions: the Opera House, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. At night, relish a welcome supper of real Vietnamese nourishment at one of Hanoi's finest restaurants.

Today you have a full day to investigate Vietnam's beguiling capital. With its wide tree-lined lanes, French pilgrim building design, quiet lakes and antiquated oriental pagodas, Hanoi is a diverse blend that offers something for everybody. Your city visit will take you to Hanoi's key locales: the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and stilt house), the close-by One Pillar Pagoda; the Presidential Palace; the Temple of Literature; the Quan Thanh Temple, the steady Tran Quoc Pagoda & West Lake; and one of the city's galleries (a decision between the History Museum and the Ethnology Museum). At night appreciate a customary Water Puppet Performance – an one of a kind Vietnamese Art structure hailing from Southeast Asia's wet-rice society – before heading to the train station to get your night train to Laocai.

Related post: Vietnam travel

The train lands at the Laocai track station in the early morning. Your aide and driver will reach you there and tackle the 40km drive to Sapa – Northwest Vietnam's chief travel end. Delight in breakfast at the inn then get a couple of hours of rest before starting your enterprise in this excellent mountain scene and home to numerous minority slope tribe people groups. In the late morning, your aide will tackle a two hour trek through the terraced rice fields to visit the towns Cat and Sin Chai, where you will look into neighborhood customs and day by day life. Rest of the day, you are free at recreation or investigate the town all alone.

Revel in breakfast at the inn, before setting out on a full day's trek to investigate Sapa's social differing qualities and frequenting characteristic excellence. Take a guided climb through yawning valleys enriched with terraced rice fields and pass through remote slope tribe towns. You have three trekking choices to browse: Soft trek (~ 3 km), medium trek (~ 6km) and long trek (~ 12km). Trekking is an amazing approach to investigate the day by day life and acquaint yourself with the societies of the H'mong, Dzao and Dzay individuals who populate the locale. Eat at a slope tribe town then drive over to Laocai to get your return night train to Hanoi.

Land in Hanoi in the early morning. Your aide and driver will reach you at the tracks station and take you to a nearby restaurant for breakfast, before setting out on a 3 to 4 hour drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Halong Bay. Use 24 hours on a conventional Junk Cruise in the astounding sound: a common wonderland made out of bulging limestone islands and shimmering turquoise waters. Touch base at the dock around twelve and board your garbage. Appreciate a gourmet lunch of crisp fish locally available as we cruise out into the enchanted straight. Toward the evening, voyage around some of Halong's numerous islands, including Dinh Huong and Ga Choi. Along the way visit one of the inlet's 3 biggest hollows (Thien Cung, Dau Go or Sung Sot). Stop at an island bay with a shielded white-sand shoreline and take a plunge in the warm waters of the Tonkin Gulf (climate allowing). Pass the night on your garbage, hushed to rest by the tender shaking of quiet waters.

Wakeful early and partake in Tai Chi on the top deck or essentially unwind and appreciate the first light over the sound's towering islands. Appreciate a morning container of espresso or tea, before embarking to investigate close-by islands by skiff. Come back to the garbage for breakfast then exploit the sundeck and respect the astonishing rock establishments of Bai Tu Long Bay as we explore once more to Halong City. Have brunch ready for pontoon before coming back to Halong wharf. Your driver will reach you at the dock and take you to Noi Bai Airport of Hanoi for your in-nation flight to Hue. Upon entry, your aide and driver will reach you and take you to your inn.

Use a whole day visiting the Vietnam's previous aged capital. Begin the day with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, home to the Imperial City and Forbidden Purple City – once the Emperor's private habitation. The Imperial City was made in the nineteenth century and displayed on the Forbidden City in Beijing. The Imperial Enclosure houses numerous royal residences and sanctuaries inside its dividers. Toward the evening, proceed your visit halting at the Imperial Museum, Tu Hieu Pagoda and dynamic Dong Ba riverside market.

Ha Noi | Report 11 | The People of Tay Bac

Photo © Tewfic El-Sawy-All Rights Reserved

All good things come to an end. Sort of.

The People of Tay Bac Photo Expedition ended at breakfast this morning (Ha Noi time), where it has become noticeably cooler and less humid.

Seizing on the opportunity to shoot in the streets without exuding a ton of sweat, I worked the small streets of Hanoi and its tiny alleys, where impromptu small pho establishments suddenly appear out of nowhere. I've been encouraging the group to look for layers in their street photographs, and I practiced what I taught.

Ha Noi's Old Quarter is rife with such opportunities, but one has to pick an interesting spot and wait...or lucky enough to stumble on one or more of such scenes. I normally shoot from the hip in such instances; not because I don't want to appear sneaky but because I don't want the subjects to freeze, or wave, or proffer the V sign that's very popular in Asia.

Mostly working with my new Fuji X-T1, (and occasionally with a Leica M9), during the past couple of weeks convinced me that the era of DSLRs for me is over. The X-T1's capabilities, performance, ergonomics as well as image quality, are very impressive. It has a few quirks and irritants, but these are easily either ignored or worked around.

In a few days, I'll write up a review about the Fuji X-T1, and feature it here on this blog.

Images From The Amazon

I haven't written too much about my trip to the Amazon yet. I'm still working out the details on the book deal. ;) Just kidding! But expect stories on the trip to be appearing on Gadling in the very near future, and I'll post links here when they go online.

I did, however, want to share some of my photos, and my first video from the Amazon. You can checkout 100 or so images from the trip in my Amazon 2009 Gallery. Overall, I'm fairly happy with the way the photos turned out, although I battled a number of issues with my camera while on the trip. First, the humidity made it difficult to keep the lenses dry and clear at times, and on top of that, I had a failure of the autofocus engine on my telephoto lens, rendering it in manual focus mode only. That isn't necessarily a terrible thing, unless you're trying to capture shots of wildlife on the move. Still, all in all, the photos aren't half bad.

One thing I did learn on the trip is that I think I'm beginning to outgrow my DSLR. It is a consumer level model, and when I bought it a few years back, I was aware of the limitations of the model, but didn't think they would matter much to me. As I've learned more about photography however, those limitations have become a bit more evident, and I'm considering moving up to a more capable camera for future trips.

One piece of equipment that I did enjoy however was my handheld HD video camera. This was the first trip I took it on and it worked wonderfully, and captured some great footage. You can see an example of that below in my first video on YouTube. And if you want to watch it in HD, click here.

I hope you enjoy the photos and video. I'll post more in the near future, and stories on my Amazon adventure will be coming soon. :)

Welcome to Vietnam’s bustling - Tour HoChiMinh - HaLong Bay

Maybe there is no preferred time to visit Vietnam over now – where the guiltlessness of its kin stays unspoiled by modernization, where crude excellence can in any case be seen steps far from extravagance solace, where the yearning to strive is felt in every beat of life, in each one movement of contact, where your knowledge of Vietnam is not what is seen by the eye, however how its felt by the heart, where extravagance travel can be characterized at its most astounding standard…

See more: Vietnam travel

Welcome to Vietnam's clamoring, lively and money related center: Ho Chi Minh City, in the past Saigon. Upon landing in Tan Son Nhat International Airport, meet your visit guide and driver then get exchange to your inn in the downtown area. Revel in whatever is left of the day at your recreation to recuperate from plane slack and investigate the city all alone. At night, relish a welcome supper at the Award Winning Mandarin Restaurant.

Early today, you visit the War Remnants Museum, look into Vietnam's late history at Reunification Palace, visit the close-by neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the City's Center Post Office before passing by the fancy Opera Theater and the City Hall. Wind up at the Ben Thanh Market, where merchants show an immeasurable cluster of merchandise and crafted works, speaking to each taste.

The Cu Chi Tunnels are an underground maze of ways, utilized by the Viet Cong amid the Vietnam War (or "American War" as its alluded to here) as security against American air attacks. Those slanted are welcome to slither through determinations of the passages to better comprehend what life was similar to for the Vietnamese officers amid wartime.

Today you go to the Mekong River Delta on a day outing to investigate the rich society and lavish fluvial scene. After breakfast, your aide & driver will reach you at your inn and take you to Cai Be. Board on your private sampan to visit Cai Be's vivid skimming business sector, passing by a wonderful church. Continue to nearby cabin businesses, home industrial facilities to perceive how rice glue, rice treats and coconut confections are made, alongside the longan apples and oranges drying procedure and a journey to the evergreen islands amidst the wandering waterways. Revel in a heavenly lunch served at an Indochine Villa in the cool shade of products of the soil plantations. Walk lackadaisical couples of minutes to Ba Bon Bridge where your driver will lift you up to exchange once again to Saigon.

You are free until the midday when your driver exchanges you to the air terminal for a northwards flight to the shoreline city of Nhatrang. Register with the Evason Ana Mandara Resort, arranged on an excellent stretch of shoreline and gloating in excess of 20,000 square meters of tropical enclosures neglecting the ocean, one of Vietnam's most attractive coastline areas. Rest of the day, invest your spare time on the shoreline. You have a decision of indoor, veranda or shoreline eating with a dynamite surrounding perspective of Nhatrang Bay. Advance your day with a liberal universal breakfast smorgasbord and current fine feasting food for an enchanting supper at the resort.

A morning vessel outing on Nhatrang Bay visits a percentage of the adjacent islands where you will have the chance to swim and snorkel in the warm turquoise waters. After a crisp fish lunch, you come back to shore. Toward the evening, investigate Nha Trang at your own particular pace. Don't miss a 90 moment spoiling treatment at the Ana Mandara's impeccable Six Senses Spa, placed close by the shoreline in a coconut manor, sets new benchmarks in spa outline with the utilization of characteristic tones, customary Vietnamese style and water components (Sensory Spa Journey bundle – The Soul of Six Senses).

On entry, your driver will reach you and exchange to The Nam Hai – a brilliant resort set in the midst of the lavish scene of the East Sea. Found along an one kilometer stretch of immaculate white sand shoreline on Vietnam's Central Coast, The Nam Hai offers a rich tropical setting helpful for rest and unwinding.

Submerge yourself in the serenity and appeal of this sluggish riverside town. From the sixteenth to eighteenth hundreds of years Hoian was a flourishing universal port frequented by Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab brokers, who came to exchange the brilliant silk still delivered in the locale. Today, Hoian is an unwinding resort prevalent with travelers for its varied structural planning, talented tailors and various bistros. Take a half-day strolling visit through the limited slowing down of the old town focus, going to Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Hall, the 200-year old Tan Ky familial house and the renowned Japanese Bridge. After lunch, take a short pontoon outing to a close-by island and visit a workmanship town represent considerable authority in pottery. Come back to the inn in the late evening.

A choice of going by Myson – Holy place that is known for lost Champa Kingdom or an Eco-trip to field is accessible, please contact our travel expe

North Pole 2009: Optimism and Frustration

It has been another busy couple of days for the arctic teams, who continue moving forward, with reportedly warmer weather and overall better ice conditions.

The Victorinox North Pole Team consisting of American's John Huston and Tyler Fish, posted another one of their weekly recaps a few days back with insights into the highs and lows of making an expedition to the North Pole. They talk about how excited they were to cross the 84º point last week, having made it in 18 days, right on their pre-expedition schedule. But since then, they feel like they are making slower time and covering less distance than they had hoped. The team felt like once they got passed 84º north they'd see an increase in speed, but that hasn't materialized just yet. They also report that they came across tracks in the snow of a large polar bear and her cubs, but they were moving in the opposite direction, which made them feel a bit better about having the predators in the area.

The Catlin Arctic Survey Team welcomed spring in the Arctic, and are happy to have -24ºC days as opposed to those -40º days (-70º windchills) they had not so long ago. Expedition member Pen Hadow notes that while everyone trains very hard for their journey to the Pole, none of that training can prepare you for the real experience out on the ice, where it is colder, windier, and darker than you expect. Early on in these expeditions it's dark for nearly 24 hours of the day. The team has now been out on the ice for nearly 24 days, and they estimate that they could be out for as much as 70 more, a reality that is just now sinking in, and making them realize how demanding their journey could be.

The Peary Centennial Team is also reportedly making progress and claim that they passed a few pleasant milestones in the past few days as well. For one, they actually say that the sleds are beginning to feel lighter, and not just because their supplies are dwindling. Improved ice conditions have made it easier to pull their gear, and the -10ºF that they first had over the weekend was a 40 degree swing in their favor, making it a more pleasant experience all around out on the ice.

Meanwhile, on Baffin Island, the Baffin Babes have finally dropped another dispatch, reporting a close encounter of their own with a young male polar bear. The bear was heading directly for them at one point, and they readied their flare guns and rifles just in case, but before he strayed too close, the big guy moved off in a different direction looking for something else to eat. The Babes moved forward after that, but were quite cautious for some time. They are more likely to encounter bears on Baffin than teams actually headed north, so they're on alert at all times.

Finally, ExWeb sister site ThePoles.com is reporting that the Russians are now saying that Barneo Station is on track to open in early April, launching "last degree" expeditions from that side of the ice. Supplies have already begun to drop into the area, and a landing strip will be blown out of the ice shortly. Mi-8 "Hind" helicopters have already been sent to the region to look for stable ice on which to begin construction of the base that rises and falls with each Arctic season.

POV: Why Wasn't I Thrilled With Holi? Why No Fuji X Pro1?

Photo © Tewfic El-Sawy- All Rights Reserved

On my return from The Sacred Cities Photo Expedition-Workshop last week, a handful of readers asked me these questions:

1. Why wasn't I more thrilled with photographing the Holi festivities in Vrindavan and Mathura?

2. Why haven't I used the Fuji X-Pro1 more often (only an estimated 10% of the time)?

Well, I certainly was excited to photograph Holi, particularly as the pink/fuschia, yellow and neon green powders being thrown in the air, smeared on people's clothes and faces made for compelling color (and possibly monochrome) photography. However, something was missing....and I knew that that something would be missing much before traveling to India.

The large majority of my photo expeditions are event-specific; whether it's to photograph the mind-blowing annual death commemoration of Sufi saint Moin'uddin Chisti in Ajmer, the bloody rituals of Velichapadus in Kerala or large Ngaben (cremations) in Bali. These events are usually religious and spiritual, and masses of people attend them to express their devotion and faith.

The festival of Holi had little evidence of that. Holi is a festival of Spring, of reconciliation, of exuberant fun, to celebrate the advent of a new season. Its religious 'ancestry' has been largely forgotten, and secular festivities have taken it over. While the throwing of colors seem to have some original religious significance, it's now an opportunity to 'frolic' as some of my Indian friends describe it.

Avoiding excessive colored gulal being thrown directly at me prevented from entering in what I call my "deep zone".. This the frame of mind that I get into when I photograph...sort of being sucked into a different dimension where I only see what I want to photograph....a sort of complete immersion. That was generally not possible during Holi. Only for a few moments in the 'mosh pit' of Vrindavan's main temple, Bank Bihari, did I achieve that...oblivious of the chaos around me, and focusing on what I wanted to photograph.

Outside of the Banke Bihari temple's courtyard, where expressions of faith and devotion were aplenty, I saw no religiosity whatsoever...aside from tapestries depicting Krishna and Radha, and devotional songs blaring from roadside shacks.

That's why I wasn't thrilled photographing Holi as much as I was buzzed to photograph the religious events I mention earlier. As I said in an interview, "it's religious rituals and ceremonies that attract me the most for my photographic work because it’s where people are at their most authentic, where there are no artifices and no make-believe. It is at these events that one connects with humanity at its basic denominator, and with the nobility of the human spirit … and it is that that nourishes me, and I try to share that with others."

It's that simple.

As for not using the Fuji X-Pro1 more often. It's a good question. I thought about that, and conculded it was a combination of needing the speed of the DSLRs and their being better sealed. Before traveling, I fashioned a waterproof cover for the X Pro-1 out of a Zip-Lock bag, and while it seemed to be more than adequate, I was reluctant to put it to the test.

It's that simple.

What I do regret very much is that I didn't use my iPhone during Holi...I didn't want to risk it being stolen in the crowds.

Ocean Rowing Updates: Olly Rows On, Sarah Back on Dry Land

A couple of quick updates today on the two major ongoing ocean rows that I've reported on recently.

First, the big news is about Sarah Outen, who is hoping to become the first woman to row solo across the Indian Ocean. She set off a week or so back from Fremantle, Australia with her sights firmly set on reaching Mauritius, and doing so in record time. She also hoped to become the youngest person to ever achieve the crossing as well.

According to her blog however, that quest will be delayed a bit. It seems that the electrical systems on Sarah's boat went out and she was forced to call for a tow back to land. But fear not, while the boat is being examined, Sarah says she'll restock her supplies, rest up, and prepare to head back out onto the water as soon as she can. She's not quite done yet.

Meanwhile, her fellow countryman, British adventurer Olly Hicks, continues his attempt to circumnavigate Antartica by row boat as part of the Virgin Global Row challenge. After a slow start, that included a week of basically standing still, Olly seems to really be in the groove now, and making solid progress as he rows south and east, to drop below New Zealand before heading out across the South Pacific.

Olly continues to update his daily blog as well, with insights into his day to day life aboard the Flying Carrot. In a recent post he laments the build up of barnacles on his beloved boat, saying they only serve to remind him of how slow he is moving, saying that at times he feels like "little better than drift wood with lights and music!" He's also endured some foggy days of late, which hasn't brightened his mood much, but he seems focused and intent on just taking things one day at a time, happy to be making positive miles.

If everything continues to go as planned, Olly should reach South Georgia around June, where he'll take a break from the water, wait out the winter, and then continue on his way. All told, the expedition is expected to take 18 months to complete.

Philip Montgomery | The Masjid

Photo © Philip Montgomery - All Rights Reserved

I had planned to feature an Islamic-themed photo essay a few days ago on the occasion of Eid el-Fitr, but I was in Guatemala for the Foundry Photojournalism Workshop, so couldn't find the time to do so.

The Masjid, or the mosque, is the place of worship for Muslims. These places of worship range from the simplest to the most elaborate architectural structures (the most beautiful, in my view, are those in Istanbul and were either built or influenced by the great Ottoman architect Koca Mi'mâr Sinân Âğâ, who was either an Armenian, or a Greek).

The smaller places of worship are technically not mosques, but are called 'mussaleya" or some derivative thereof.

"...a person kneeling towards Mecca is not a stranger, but a brother or sister in faith."

The Masjid is the work of Philip Montgomery, and is a photo essay on the places of worships for the
the immigrant Muslim communities within New York City. Philip writes that for these new immigrants, the Masjid acts as an incubator, a neutral space, providing refuge from the outside world.

He found an incredible diversity of cultures and practices; whether in Harlem, Jamaica, Brooklyn or Queens...practices divergent from one origin to the other, whether West African Muslims, Egyptians, Palestinians, Indonesians...all bringing their rituals and characteristics to New York City's melting pot, and keeping their individual traditions intact but united under Islam, despite the slight nuances of each.

Originally from the San Francisco Bay-Area, Philip Montgomery is a freelance photographer based in Brooklyn, New York. He is a graduate of the Photojournalism and Documentary Program at the International Center of Photography and is a recipient of the 2009-2010 ICP Directors Scholarship.

Roy Del Vecchio | Viet Nam

Photo © Roy Del Vecchio-All Rights Reserved

It's still a couple of months away, but Vietnam is on my mind this morning...

And how else to bring it to the fore than featuring Roy Del Vecchio's Vietnam gallery?

Roy is photographer, editor and goldsmith from Amsterdam. He prefers to travel to various countries in Asia, and has extensive galleries of India, Burma, Morocco, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia and Hong Kong. He also maintains a blog, with some lovely Hipstamatic shots of Delhi's Lodi Gardens and Humayun's Tomb (scroll to the bottom).

His photographs have appreared in Lonely Planet Magazine, UN-Water, FAO, Columbus Travel Magazine, ASEAN Tripper, CNN, D-Zone, Travel Sri Lanka, DMO Amsterdam, IRD, Grazia, BNO Vormberichten, Digifoto Pro, Das Erbe Unserer Welt Magazine.

Frozen - Short Story

The places I had traveled vignetted in front of my eyes, frame by frame, those streams, those mountains, that street I'd love to get lost again in, that mystery girl, those eyes that hold me even today.

The dark clouds that I had seen silhouetting the clear skies, I want to see them rain; The village just behind that river, I want to ferry in that last boat I missed that day; those words that were broken because of an airport announcement, I want them to be complete, I want to listen; the food that I could not taste that day I want to have it for the old lady, for her love on the platter.

For the miles I had covered, my shoe strings are still strong, my sole(soul) still not weathered enough, some space still in my image folder, some things yet to learn, some travels yet for soul.

My backpack, the lens, my memory card, my map, that power nap, they lay as frozen as me.

The flowers I loved so much, today I cannot touch, for I was not myself, for I was not traveling, for Alas, I was NOT alive, I am not, for I am frozen.

**

This post has been written and shared for the series 'Five Sentence Fiction'.

**

Looking forward to your comments.

The Rest of Everest Episode 105: The Best F****** Cheerleader

It's Wednesday! A new episode of The Rest of Everest showed up in my podcast queue this morning on iTunes, right on schedule. This is Episode 105, interestingly titled "The Best F****** Cheerleader". :)

When we left off last week, the climbers, Ben Clark, Josh Butson, and Tim Clarke had started the climb on Annapurna IV, and had established their first camp. This week we open with the team still at C1, with Tim discussing how he physically feels after a day at altitude. The brief conversation gives some insight into what mountaineers feel while in the midst of their climb.

From there the team returns to the climb, moving further up the mountain where they find increasingly deeper snow, It isn't long before the boys take a bit of a break, and Tim begins to reassess his roll as part of the team. After a bit of soul searching, he decides that he'll be more comfortable staying in base camp, and letting Ben and Josh go for the summit. Their continued discussion about the situation, the effects of altitude, and the approach to climbing should prove interesting for armchair mountaineers who probably haven't witnessed this kind of conversation before. Tim is very frank about how he feels, but like any smart climber, he knows when to go back down.

Watch the full episode here or grab it in iTunes here.

Places to visit in Vietnam: HoChiMinh - HaNoi

No Vietnam outing would be finished without a visit to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Blasting with history, society and a touch of innovation, these two urban communities are incredible spots to visit in Vietnam. Lying in the north, Hanoi is viewed as a standout amongst the most noticeable social points of interest of Vietnam and a definitive beginning stage for a north to south Vietnam occasion. In like manner, Ho Chi Minh City is a perfect spot to end your ventures in case you're consummation your Vietnam occasion in the south of the nation.

Spots to visit in Vietnam: HCMC 

Up to 1975 Ho Chi Minh City was called Saigon, a name that is still utilized by numerous individuals. Saigon is a city of around 5 million tenants. This is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam in case you're searching for a clamoring climate, as a significant part of the occupied life of the city happens actually in the city, particularly in the focal point of the city around the River Saigon and in Cholon, Saigon's Chinatown. There are a mind blowing number of mopeds and bicycles and few autos. Business sector stalls with nourishment and restaurants can be discovered all over, actually such a variety of it would appear to be the Vietnamese are continually consuming.

There are a considerable measure of "illicit" Vietnamese living in Saigon. These are regularly individuals who existed in the city up to 1975 however who after the liberation of the city were no more given a grant to stay in the city. Throughout the years a hefty portion of these individuals have come back to the city and now live in the city. Interestingly, there is likewise an affluent populace here, as the pay rates in Saigon are three times higher than the normal pay in Vietnam. You'll see them strolling along the road in a suit and with their versatile in their grasp. It's a truly intriguing city to stroll around, cycle or take a moped ride around. The city is separated into 17 city locale and 5 nation areas. The city regions have numbers, so there is, for instance, District 1 which is the real focus of Saigon and District 5 which is Cholon. These numbers are frequently painted on the houses so its not difficult to discover where you are on the guide.

Ho Chi Minh City is ostensibly one of the best places to visit in Vietnam in the event that you need to encounter both city life and also investigating sanctuaries and pagodas (sacred spots). One of the most seasoned pagodas is Giac Lam Pagoda in District 10. It was implicit 1744 and most as of late restored in 1900. Ten friars now live in this Vietnamese pagoda, and its completely advantageous making a visit amid your Vietnam trek. Not far away stand the Giac Vien Pagoda, in a somewhat quieter area. There are still ministers living in this pagoda, which is around two hundred years of age. The Dai Giac Pagoda is much more current as it was implicit the 1960s.

In the blessed piece of this pagoda you'll discover a 2.5m high Buddha with a neon radiance. The Thien Hau Pagoda, which is committed to the Chinese Goddess of the Sea remains in Chinatown. It's a standout amongst the most gone by pagodas in HCMC. Yet there's likewise the Emperor of Jade Temple, a sublime sanctuary where professors come to smolder incense stays. It's a standout amongst the most brilliant and one of the biggest sanctuaries in HCMC, brimming with statues of divine beings, including the Emperor of Jade.

Spots to visit in Vietnam: Cholon 

Searching for different spots to visit in Vietnam other than sanctuaries? Truly deciphered Cholon signifies 'substantial business sector'. Cholon turned into an imperative neighborhood when numerous Chinese migrants began to settle here from 1778 onwards. There are far less Chinese occupants here than previously, in light of the opposition to industrialist and hostile to Chinese battle in 1978-79. However with the opening of the fringes numerous Chinese specialists are returning. Luckily it is still a clamoring neighborhood, with bounty going ahead in the avenues. You'll see individuals exchanging everywhere and a visit to Binh Tay Market, near the transport station, is absolutely beneficial.

Spots to visit in Vietnam: Museums in Ho Chi Minh City

See more: Vietnam travel packages

And in addition numerous different spots to visit in Vietnam, there are additionally heaps of galleries in Ho Chi Minh City that will provide for you an impression of the Vietnam War, or as the Vietnamese call it, 'The American War'. Outside the historical center there is a little accumulation of bombs and a helicopter. Inside there are photographs of every last one of loathings that occurred amid the war. There are additionally photographs of the impacts that Agent Orange had. It's a decent thought to equip yourself for what you're going to see in light of the fact that the photographs leave nothing to your creative energy, and a large portion of them are truly stunning. The Revolution Museum takes you through different times of rebellion in Vietnam. Photographs of the imperviousness to French colonization gradually change to photographs dissenting American animosity. There is attire on demonstrate that once had a place with Vietnamese legends. The editorial in the gallery is exceptionally concise, even in Vietnamese, however the greater part of the shows are clear as crystal in the event that you have a little information of the late history of Vietnam.

The image of the end of the Vietnam War is the Reunification Palace. Up to the end of the Vietnam War the royal residence was the presidential castle of the leaders of South Vietnam. After they drove through the iron entryways they lifted the Viet Cong banner from the top symbolizing the communists were assuming control power. There are guided visits in English, which demonstrate to you the shelter in the subterrain room. This was manufactured by President Ngo Dinh Diem, who was so scorned by his own particular armed force that they attempted to kill him in 1962. Lamentably for Diem the development of a shelter had no effect to his security and his troops succeeded in executing him in 1963.

Wheels - A Short Story

The sparrow on the window pane seemed to be the only commonality between the high rise and the slum, thought Manas in his air-conditioned chamber.

He remembered that some fifteen years back, this high rise too was a flowing neat river.

Several cities and educational degrees later, the time had canonized him back to this direction.

It was a difficult decision for his family and him to move their belongings in their bullock cart from the village, that now was a bustling city.

They did, and so did their lives, like the wheels of the cart that rainy night.

Wheels of Time

This post is author's entry to Five Sentence Fiction.

Please leave your feedback below. I'd love to hear from you.

Gear Box: Eureka Spitfire 2 Tent

When it comes to your basic gear for backpacking or camping, I personally think that the most important items are your pack, sleeping bag, and tent. In each case, there are literally hundreds of options to choose from, varying greatly in design, features, and so on, and picking the right one can greatly impact the enjoyment you get from the experience.

Personally, I think selecting the right tent may be the most challenging of all of those pieces of gear. You have to weigh a number of factors, such as 3 vs. 4 season, number of people it can sleep comfortably, pack weight, and so on. And often times it is a real challenge to know if the tent will suit your needs until you're actually out in backcountry, using it for the first time.

Of course, it helps if you go with a proven name in tents, and Eureka is certainly that. The company has been designing tents for more than 100 years, and once offered covers for horse drawn wagons as well. Back then, the products were mostly made of canvas, and they were heavy, bulky items.

We've come a long way since then however, as their Spitfire 2 backpacking tent is the epitome of high tech gear. The two-person, three season tent, is made of lightweight, but tough synthetic materials designed to wear well in a variety of conditions, and keep you dry in the heaviest of downpours. Its equally lightweight frame is constructed of aluminum, and when paired with the clip attachment system, it's a breeze to set-up, and you'll be lounging inside in no time.

Once inside, you'll find plenty of room for two, as the Spitfire is surprisingly spacious. I"m rather tall, topping out over 6'2", and I was still able to not only sleep comfortably, but also sit-up without fear. The sides of the tent are completely mesh, which allows for great airflow on warm nights, like those that I get here in Texas. It is also great for clear nights, when you can lie back and enjoy the stars overhead. And when the fowl weather does set in, the included rain fly can be added easily. I also appreciated that there were doors on both sides of the tent, offering easy access to both occupants.

The MSRP for the Spitfire 2 is $169, and I can honestly say that it is well worth the money. It competes quite well with much more expensive tents, and the entire package weighs just over four pounds. It also is easy to take apart, and return to it's handy carrying case to drop back into your pack when returning to the trail. However, there are a couple of things to be aware of when buying this tent.

First off, this is not a free standing tent. You'll need to stake it down to use it properly. That, in and of itself, is not a knock against the Spitfire 2, as I prefer a tent that is staked, but you'll want to be aware of it so that you provide a bit more time for set-up. Once you have set it up however, it is rock steady and holds up to winds without any issues. You may also want to consider replacing the stakes with something a bit more heavy duty though, depending on the terrain you'll be using it in.

The other thing to consider is that there really isn't much of a vestibule on the tent, which could become an issue in heavy rains or snows, when it's nice to keep your wet, muddy boots on the outside. That may sound like a small nit to pick, but it is definitely something to be aware of.

Those issues aside however, you could do a lot worse than the Spitfire 2. It is a great backpacking tent that is lightweight, easy to assemble, offers plenty of room, and is of high quality construction. For a surprisingly low price, you get a lot of bang for your buck, and a piece of gear that will last you for a long time. As long as you can live with the few limitations I mentioned above, you'll have a home away from home on many adventures.

30,000 Feet In The Air | Thoughts

Ms Hiền Trang in Hoi An street. Photo © Tewfic El-Sawy-All Rights Reserved

At just over 8000 miles, the Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong to New York is one of the longest direct flights, and it gave me ample opportunity to use my jet-lag addled brain to toss over ideas about The People of Tay Bac Photo Expedition-Workshop.

In between in-flight movies and meals...and possibly over the polar cap, I concluded that one of the most enjoyable segments of the photo expedition (for me) was the so-called "fashion" photo shoots that either happened serendipitously or by design in Hoi An and in Ha Noi.

I enjoyed these so much that I am seriously giving thought to dedicate a few days during in a forthcoming trip to Vietnam to such "fashion" shoots....fusing travel photography to ethnic fashion photography. The style can be posed...with static portraits, or can be pseudo environmental-street portraits such as the one above.

Ms Hiền Trang in Hoi An doorway. Photo © Tewfic El-Sawy-All Rights Reserved

It's a totally different change of pace. It takes a combination of various skills...some of which I have, and others that I still don't...but that are more or less easy to acquire. To really do a professional job, I'd need the support of models, local photographers (many such photographers are available in Da Nang, Hoi An and Ha Noi), as well as make-up artists....and finding a handful of attractive local dresses.

In Hoi An, I was fortunate to have had the generous support of the adorable Hiền Trang, and of professional photographer Minh Nhat Nguyen. I also stumbled on Mai Đoàn, who could provide the make-up support if required.

Scouting for attractive backdrops is not difficult in Hoi An. The little town is replete with those, including the interiors of the Chinese Assembly halls. Many stores have ancient fronts that offer superb backgrounds, along with mustard yellow textured walls for which the town is famous for.

Ms Hiền Trang in Fujian Assembly Hall. Photo © Tewfic El-Sawy-All Rights Reserved

If these thoughts come to fruition, I'd have to acquire the proper accessories such as reflectors and strobes, which I haven't used much before. However, these accessories would have to be minimal so as not to require photography permits, and to avoid red tape.

We scheduled a photo shoot with Hiền Trang at the Fujian Assembly Hall. This landmark was built around 1690 for the Chinese ethnic group from Fujian to socialise, but later it was transformed into a temple dedicated to the Fujian deity named Thien Hau, the goddess of the sea.

Source: Heritage (Vietnam Airlines Flight Magazine) 

The inspiration for Hiền Trang's photograph at the Fujian Assembly Hall was from images featured in Vietnam Airlines Flight Magazine. One of our group members, Maria Dikeos, spotted the resemblance in the setting, and suggested we held a photo shoot in that particular corner.

Another project to plan for, and to look forward to during 2015.

And yes. All these photographs were made with the new Fuji X-T1, and a Zeiss 12mm f2.8

America's Best Races

Awhile back I mentioned that Outside Magazine had selected their list of America's Best Races, pulled from suggestions from readers, and compiled to give you a full year of competitive events to set your sights on for yourself. There really is something for everyone here, even if I do still contend that an obvious choice was left off the list.

Now that the full list is online, along with a brief description of why it made the cut, you can have a look for yourself. Each of the races is now placed in chronological order, beginning with the Pole Pedal Paddle race in Jackson Wyoming on April 4 and ending with the American Birkebeiner in Cable, Wisconsin next February.

In between you have a dozen other races on foot, bike, and more, that will give nearly everyone the opportunity to get out and challenge themselves. Races are found all over the country and at various lengths, making one of these American classics accessible to more athletes.

All in all, it's a very good list, with a nice variety of challenges and disciplines. I wonder who will be the person to step up and run the Gauntlet trying to complete all of them.

Virgin Global Row Update: Olly Calls It Quits

Just starting to dig out on all the things that have been going on since I left, but I didn't notice that Olly Hicks, who was attempting to circumnavigate around Antarctica in a row boat has decided to abandon the attempt once he reaches New Zealand.

Olly made a post to his blog over at the Virgin Global Row website a few days back announcing the decision, which wasn't an easy one. Essentially it came down to the extremely slow progress he has seen since setting out 82 days ago. In that time, he has covered roughly 1600 nautical miles, but the distance to New Zealand is just 800nm. Considering the length of the journey ahead, Olly figures that it would take him 5 years to complete the row, far longer than he had expected or was prepared to commit.

The British adventurer blames his boat, dubbed the Flying Carrot, for the extremely slow going. He says that she tracks terribly in the wind, and anything over 20 knots in speed kills forward progress, even while using the oars. Considering the legendary winds of the Southern Ocean average more than that in speed, you can begin to see how frustrating this has been for Olly.

He now hopes to make landfall in NZ sometime in the next few weeks, and he says that the trip was not a total loss. He learned a lot and will take those lessons with him into his next endeavor, whatever that may be. Something tells me we haven't heard the last from Mr. Hicks however, and it won't be long before he's planning another expedition.

Get home safe Olly!

Saigon City night life - Visiting Saigon is a must

Vietnam, a place that has in its munititions stockpile abundant chances to guarantee that even the most requesting explorers can feel fulfilled, is honored with numerous must-see places. The city is known for a ton, however the energetic nightlife bails this spot emerge making visitors from the whole way across the globe run here to have a knowledge of a lifetime in only one night.

The excitement business in Saigon is developing quickly and the city gloats an incredible nightlife where individuals can search for simply quality fun. A few clubs, pubs and bars in the city are open throughout the night, which implies you can appreciate till your heart's substance. Saigon is splashed with pubs and bars of assorted types and reach, significance it has something to offer each individual. The locale territory is thought to be a focal spot to delight in HCMC's nightlife completely.

Bars where you can delight in Saigon 

An impeccable rest for laidback vacationers, the spot offers an astounding perspective of the Saigon River from an open patio, where you can delight in captivating stream movement, ships, and splendidly lit travels and more while tasting the incredible gathering of cool beverages the bar brings to the table.

Related post: travel Vietnam

The most astute and most astounding places in Saigon, it is on the 52nd story of Bitexco Financial Tower, a dominator of the horizon of this city. Beverages may appear to be little costlier, yet the perspective you can delight in is worth using each penny. You can discover here a decent choice of spirits, brewskie and mixed drinks and in addition to there's DJ on weekends.

It's for games mates, where even neighborhood heads to find terrifically vital donning occasions. The extensive screen Tvs here show Formula 1, Premier Football League and the NFL with a huge number of beverages that are simply incredible. The décor and climate of the spot is an alternate different gimmick, which will definitely keep you stuck here for quite a long time together.

Lavish 

This spot is perfect for individuals who adoration shaking a leg with the beats of music that is played on most modern music framework to guarantee the sound can make any spirit groove. The spot has couches upstairs to help the tired individuals unwind; likewise there is a clamoring outside bar and two arrangement regions where the music can even now be delighted in yet while unwinding.

Universal Tourist Club 

Arranged in the extension of Hotel New World, its an entrenched stimulation mind boggling in Saigon. Catwalk Club, Karaoke rooms with hey tech individual DJ music course of action, open parlor karaoke zone and a relax room are things that add to the fame of this club. The décor is essentially extraordinary with everything that is impeccable to delight in an incredible night out. There are expert vocalists and groups playing unrecorded music adding to the appeal of this spot much more.

The Observatory 

Since its commencement in 2011, the DJ at The Observatory has figured out how to make calm an impression for the society darlings in Saigon. The trendiest spot to appreciate nightlife in Saigon, the club is as often as possible went by music maestros. The move floor can some of the time get excessively hot, when you can simply slip into the gallery to revel in that flawless city breeze.

Nightlife in Saigon is not pretty much clubbing and setting off to the bar, the spot likewise has numerous clubs playing only traditional music for partners of this class, which can help any spirit escape totally. Likewise, for the individuals who wish to move till their heart's yearning there are resorts which offer such gatherings at times where you can delight in altogether and non-stop for a considerable length of time or even the full night together.

How the money adds up 

The spots where voyagers can delight in nightlife in Saigon are a lot of people, including everything from plan bars and clubs to the most extravagant ones. The beverages can here and there get unreasonable relying on the venue, so its encouraged to check previously dependably, to guarantee you do just what you planned, that is "revel in"!

Thus, when getting ready for your next Vietnam Holidays, verify you use an additional night in Saigon or HCMC to guarantee you have not missed something critical on the rundown of exercises in Vietna

Video of Record Breaking Kayak Drop

Remember that epic kayak drop I posted about yesterday? The one where paddler Pedro Oliva went over a 127-foot tall water fall in Brazil? Well now there is video of it, and it looks even crazier than it sounds. Check out the video below and try not to wet yourself.

Thanks for the vid GoBlog!

Updated: It appears that this isn't from the new record breaking drop set a few days back, but was instead of kayaker Ed Lucero making a big drop of 31 meters (101 feet) a few years back. The video for the drop made a few days ago, which is actually 25+ feet higher, should be out soon, but this one isn't a record any more.