Her Happy Trails

I’ll have the mystery meal please.

Posted on December 22, 2013 by erikamae82

Yes, I’m the girl next to you on the flight that brings out the buffet of food that I’ve stored in my carry on. Pre-cut veggies, dips, fruit, nuts, crackers and so on. I usually just say “No thank you” when they offer the complementary meal, as I’ve never been a fan of the mystery meat and dinner roll they serve you. This round I thought I’d branch out a bit after I realizing that you get options for specific meals as long as you request it at least 48 hours before your flight. Why not?

First up is a short flight from Chiang Mai Thailand to Bangkok. I picked “Vegetarian” since I had some pumpkin seeds with me and I figured it would be a decent combo. I was served fruit, raw veggies, salsa and a side salad of raw veggies with a dinner roll. Good thing I wasn’t battling hunger (and it was a quick flight) so I just wrapped it up to take on the go.

First snack of the journey? Leftovers from the previous flight (seen above) with those pumpkin seeds I had in my carry on.

Next flight was a bit longer traveling from Bangkok to Shanghai, China. For this journey I previously selected “Gluten Free”. They served me poached eggs, steamed vegetables, two servings of fruit and some sort of gluten free bread (I’m assuming made from rice). Please keep in mind this is all for the experience and hopes for something new on a flight. I am in no way intolerant or allergic to any foods nor am I a proper vegetarian. I simply love food and surprises! For this one, I chose to eat the eggs and toast and save the fruit for a separate snack.

What’s this… left over pumpkin seeds? Perfect!

I still had a few hours to go while waiting in China, so I busted out my other carry-on meal which was a packet of miso soup. In the Shanghai airport, they have machines that deliver complimentary warm, hot or boiling water. You’d think this would be common, but more often than not, hot water is hard to find. I usually carry my own tea and oatmeal so I’m frequently in search of a cafe that will just put hot water in a cup for me or I settle for paying for the water since they “have to heat it”.

Quick photo break! Here’s a few shots from the airport in Shanghai, clean with an open layout and traditional shopping options.

Moving on to the flight from China to Tokyo, Japan. I wasn’t able to pre-select my choice for this 2 1/2 hour jaunt, so when the stewardess came around, I just asked for which ever had the most vegetables. My surprise platter consisted of fruit, rice crackers, veggies, potatoes, beef and a chicken salad. For dessert (I think) was what looked like a firm white custard-type jiggly puck shaped item.

Although I’m not a vegetarian, I’m certainly a picky meat eater and airplane beef and questionable chicken is far from my first choice of protein. With that said, I transferred all of the veggies to one dish, stashed the rice crackers for later and offered the rest to my neighbor (a teenage boy that was eager for more food). Even he stared at the “dessert” for awhile and with a confused look just covered it up with his napkin.

Landing back in Tokyo my mind is satisfied with the experiment and my stomach is horribly confused and probably a little frustrated with me. Oh we’ll, I’m still happy, healthy and no longer have extreme curiosity of the meals I’ve always skipped on flights.

Hello Japan, home sweet home? For now.

Categories: Edibles!, Travel talk, Uncategorized | Tags: airline, Bangkok, china, Flight food, Japan, layover, meat, Shanghai, snacks, Thailand, Tokyo, vegetarian | 1 Comment

3 things to add to your “must do list” in Chiang Mai!

Posted on December 17, 2013 by erikamae82

Here are a few memorable things that I would suggest doing in Chiang Mai that you may not read about in a travel brochure.

1. Be a guest to a mystery occasion.

Bree and I were headed out for a walk and happen to pass an opening to a gate that lead to dozens of people socializing, walking from table to table receiving food, drinks and desserts. Was this a temple, a church, possibly an invite only special ceremony? Judging from the abundance of complementary items, we assumed it might be a charity event or perhaps some sort of community gathering. The curiosity must of been plastered on our faces because within a short moments time, we were waved in by several happy locals. We politely bowed upon entering and whispered to each other (you know the kind when you talk out of the side of your mouth as if no one would notice or could hear you) “What are we walking into? Who knows, just keep smiling”.

To this day, we still don’t know exactly what the occasion was, however it left my cup overflowing with love. What a beautiful feeling to embrace knowing these kind people were not only quick to invite us in, but eager to welcome us to stay.

A delicious local lunch, a drink with dessert and a joyous feeling in the soul… $0.00.

2. Moving on to what is listed on the top picks for Thailand, but should be bumped up in ranking! I’m sure you’ve heard of Thai massage in regards to the superb techniques and low price. Lila’s made an imprint in my mind, not only because of its high quality service, but its founding mission. Developed 40 years ago, this program provides thorough education and opportunity to female inmates that are soon to be released back into the public. Once they’ve completed training, they are able to make a living and contribute to society without discrimination from possible employers or fellow employees.

Although you can receive a typical massage in Chiang Mai for $4-5, I’d much rather donate $8-10 to a positive cause that develops confidence and self worth to those involved. Let me inform you that our $10 fee included a warm foot soak, 90 minute full body traditional Thai massage and the best ginger tea I’ve ever had! So good, in fact, that we asked to see the container so we could go buy some. (Sad day when they inform you that they personally make it daily and its not for sale).

If that’s not in your budget, you can get an even better deal from the program in which they are still in training. That was our original intention, until we were read the sign below.

3. Last but far from the least, I’m here to inform you of the best (and I really mean my #1) edible item that I had in all of Asia. Since we never got the proper name for it, Bree and I just referred to the whole experience as “going to see the Egg Lady”.

The first time we approached the stand, we glanced down into a bowl of surprise soup with a shoulder shrug as we discussed if it was worth a try. After a broken english game of Charades, we came to the conclusion that there was no meat, it was sweet and just $1 a bowl. Since neither of us had ever seen it and both of us love to try new things, we had definitely found our mystery meal of the day.

Taste time! Judging by the look on Bree’s face, she was experiencing the same euphoria that I was. A perfect combination between sweet and slightly salty left you wondering if you could get away with serving this for dinner and dessert. The texture of the balls that floated around the egg made an extraordinary addition to the warm coconut milk that sweetened the entire combination. A moment of silence wasn’t even necessary to request, as we both sat there staring at one another in pleasant disbelief.

The first night we split a cup and enjoyed every bite. The following day we just “happened” to be in her neighborhood after dinner and made it back to share another serving. I think Nitwadee (Egg Lady) was just as excited to our familiar faces, as we were to find her there waiting and ready to serve up. Our last comment to her that evening was “see ya tomorrow”!

The following night was my last day in Chiang Mai, so naturally we agreed to make it to “The Egg Lady” one last time so I could savor the goodness before I departed. We went about our day and while packing up my backpack, it dawned on me that we had never asked what time she closed down. It was already dark and we had a solid stretch to get there in time. “Bree, we need to go…now!”.

Rarely do I think of having video cameras around, however on this evening I would of loved to have seen the 8 minute process from start to first bite. Friends and fellow backpackers, please picture this:

The two of us in flip flops speed walking along the broken streets of Thailand giggling at the idea that we had dropped all plans and responsibilities to reach our sweet Egg Lady. As our jokes turned into serious thoughts, “Would if she is closed?”, our speed walking turned to a jog and the giggles increased to the kind that almost prevents you from being able to breathe properly. By the final corner, we were now sprinting through traffic with tears of laughter and partial relief to see her adorable little stand still lit up.

I won’t go into much detail on what happened in the next few minutes, but just imagine the two of us girls out of breath, laughing hysterically while trying to explain to a new lady (who we later found out was Nitwadee’s mom, the original Egg Lady!) that we indeed wanted 2 bowls. She had already began to clean up so I’m not sure if it was our red cheeks and happy eyes or the fact that we came barreling around her stand full speed that caused her to fire it up and make another batch. Either way, the small smile on her amused face spoke in volumes when Bree and I jumped with innocent excitement. I repeat, we literally jumped up and down like 2 squealing school girls as she reached for the eggs.

After we finally tamed our enthusiasm, we were able to get the granddaughter to translate for us. She told “grandma” that we had been coming every night and today would be the last visit. We then proceeded to ask about the recipe to see if there was any way we could even get just the ingredients to attempt to make it on our own. What happened next was unexpected and it solidifies my impression of the people of Thailand…

She proceeded to call her daughter (the one we had been visiting every night) and handed the phone to me! Bree busted out a piece of paper and before I could even grasp what was happening, we not only had the recipe but her personal contact I for for any questions! All of this being a memory that still fills my heart with ecstasy.

If you find yourself if Chiang Mai leave city central, exit the North gate and walk diagonal to your left crossing the street. There will be a line of food vendors (near the 7eleven) and our precious Egg Lady is directly under the big “Ford” sign. I send you with high expectations and an “above satisfaction” guarantee!

UPDATE: I tried to make it on my own! Of course this first attempt wasn’t anything as magnificent as hers, but I wouldn’t consider it a failure. Simply means I get to keep trying.

Categories: Edibles!, Travel talk, Uncategorized | Tags: Charity event, church, eat for free, egg lady, egg soup, female Thai massage, massage by inmate, Prison, sweet coconut street food, temple | Leave a comment

Wait… Did you say bees and ant eggs?

Posted on December 4, 2013 by erikamae82

I’m still gratefully accepting donations for this season of “With our powers combined”!

Over the time spent in Chiang Mai, Bree and I hit several different markets trying what seemed like any and every item that was either new and curious or familiar and tasty. Lets start off with some sugary delights, why? Because every human should have dessert first once in awhile… It does the inner-child some good!

This sign stopped me right my tracks as I love frozen yogurt (well, pretty much anything that’s sweet and frozen) and I had never seen this before. They take a flavored ice block and attach it to a machine that shaves it so thin that it resembles the texture of snow. Amazing, I know! With flavors ranging from the typical options to green tea, chai, banana and even a “yogurt” that we can’t tell if it was actual frozen yogurt or just flavored that way. Doesn’t matter because it was delicious!

I’m not a soda drinker, but kudos to this simple idea. They would pour your favorite drink into the cylinder, drop a stick in it and gently rotate it until they froze. Homemade pop cycles!

For those who like baked goods, your options seemed unlimited. Yes, that waffle was made with shredded pork and it sat amongst the other flavors of coconut, raisin, chocolate and corn!

Donuts anyone?

This was a soft but crispy shell with a marshmallow type cream and your choice of topping melted into it. The yellow shavings? Definitely not cheese, it’s actually egg yolk! (Also to be seen in large qualities below).

Here are some other sweets that caught the attention of my camera.

The glorious group of fruit is in a different category for me. It’s not dessert or a topping to a salad nor do I love it dried or fried. My favorite way to consume it is by itself, freshly cut and first thing in the morning. They do it a bit differently in Asia, as it seems to be served up primarily in the evenings and usually blended.

Moving on to the meat, fish and questionable items that they claim are edible.

Vegetables… I think. If it’s green, it has to be healthy, right?

What do you like in your omelet? Cheese, onions, ham and peppers? We went for bee and ant eggs… Turns out there’s a first and last time for everything!

A few more fun items that may or may not be tempting while wandering the streets of Chiang Mai, Thailand.

I’ll close this scrumptious post with a beautiful plate of traditional Pad Thai that came from 29 Cafe. I highly suggests scouting out this hidden table if you’re in the area – thank you Zsuzsi and Vilmos!

Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: ant eggs, bees, Chiang Mai, food, fruit, green drinks, market, strange meat, Thailand, vegetables, whole fish | Leave a comment

DONATIONS… With our powers combined!

Posted on November 24, 2013 by erikamae82

Back in 1982, Thanksgiving fell on November 25th and at some point during that blissful day instead of eating turkey, my dear mother was giving birth to one. Ok, enough about me.

I’m writing you with confidence that with our powers combined, we can create a unique gift to give to others whom would otherwise be out of reach. By “our powers” I’m implying your pocket book, my traveling toes and our desire to spread love.

Instead of beating around the bush or fluffing your skirt, whatever that means, I’m going to lay it out simple and straight.
From November 25th through December 31st, 2013 I’ll be gratefully accepting donations to be used in the ways described below.

I will personally match 50% of what’s received and put it directly towards the program of my next adventure. I haven’t decided where or what this will be, but I do know it’s time I temporarily put down the backpack and tune into something stirring deeper within me.

The other 50% will go into the growth and development of herhappytrails. Whatever do I mean?! A book, a documentary, another chapter in the blog, a trip to The Ellen Degeneres Show (wishfully creating that one). Truthfully, I’m not entirely sure what the next step is…
Do we ever really know? I suppose that’s the beauty of life or at least mine anyway.

So in the next 30 days, maybe you choose to save $0.75 and skip the extra shot of espresso in your holiday-spiced-fluff coffee (that we all love) or possibly pass on the $8 car wash, you know it’s going to rain anyway. How about sending the kids on a coin hunt throughout the house. Ready, set, go!

I know what your thinking, “…but Erika, how ever do we get this gift to you?” No need to worry, there are several options!

1. Tech savvy? Click here to directly transfer funds through a secured Paypal account.
When it asks for my email, please use: universalaughter@yahoo.com

2. Have a blank check? Feel free to drop it off at any of the following locations:

Jamie at Elliot’s health food store @ 641 E Bidwell St, Folsom – Phone 916.983.9225
Kira at Tricks Gymnastics @ 370 Auto Plaza Dr, Folsom – Phone 916.351.0024
Tiffany at SugarMama’s Skin Studio @ 722 Sutter Street, Folsom – Phone 916.672.2144

3. If you live in the Sacramento area, I’ll be in Folsom from November 29th-Dec 4th. I’d be honored to meet you anywhere within running distance.

4. If you reside in Oklahoma, you know where I’ll be. I’m sure my family will lend me their vehicle to connect with you.

5. If none of the options above are a good fit, please contact me through herhappytrails.com, Facebook or email.

Other types of support are equally welcomed and will also be delivered worldwide; hugs, high-fives, positive comments, smiles… Whatever your heart feels necessary!

My dear compassionate friends, family, clients, fellow backpackers, hosts and new members of herhappytrails.com, I now complete this message with gratitude and much love for all of your generosity.

Still on a journey led by a smile,
Erika Mae Young

Categories: Travel talk, Uncategorized | Tags: Birthday, celebrate, donations, gift, holiday, worldwide | Leave a comment

“The Yao of cooking”

Posted on November 22, 2013 by erikamae82

Again I start with the idea that people cross your path for a reason, a season or a lifetime. On this day, I’m confident to say that I acquired all three of them!

Days prior I met Claudia who was introduced to me by Bree (the girl I met on the flight to Asia). The three of us partook in Monk Chat that led us to a beautiful organic cafe with this sign posted:

After meeting the enthusiastic owner we decided to return in celebration of her book release. Plus, free gourmet organic food, live music and a multi cultural crowd? Can’t really go wrong with any part of that!

Blending with us is on this little adventure is also sweet Maddi, a new gal in our dorm room that was easy to chat with and willing to join! When we arrived the double story cafe was packed full of smiles, glowing energy and enough bare feet to question the reason we even bother wearing shoes.

Downstairs there were sample trays full of her own recipes from flavorful spring rolls and sweet dip to a pumpkin-veggie-nut mixture that I could have swam in. We over heard the waiter ask the owner “how much food will be served?” Her response, “…until everyone has had their fill”. That alone should give you an idea of what kind of woman we’re talking about. Up stairs introduced you to floor tables, bean bags and more shining faces. You really couldn’t frown in a place like this!

Recognize that jolly bearded man? Yes, another brilliant unexpected path crossing as that guy was the English teacher for the Monks that we just met. Turns out he’s also a fan of this quaint cafe trying to make a difference in the community. What joy reached his face when he glanced over and saw the three of us smiling back!

There’s so much to look at in this shop! Have wandering eyes? Me too.

The food eating slows and now it’s time for sweet Yao and her colleagues to share a little bit about their goals in regards to supporting local growers and artists. This is when what I think is going to be a neat little taste of a locals perspective, turns and hits me with an unpredictable love-punch straight to the heart.
There were times I felt like they talking directly to me…. maybe in my teary eyed little world, they were.

The band started back up and books start flying off the shelf. Not literally, but I do think there were definitely multiple reasons of why the books were jumping into the hands of all of these smiles. The author is a quality, personable human being that puts just as much effort into her community as she does in her recipes.

Instead of paying a huge company to bind the books in large quantities, she found this local artist that personally hand-bound (I think that’s how you say it) every single one. When I approached the table, I took time to look at each design and picked my absolute favorite. She smiled and held my hand as she whispered “I only made one like that, I’m glad you chose it.”

Heart…melting…again.

You can imagine the natural high I was floating on as we left this building of love. I met people who had just the right thing to say at that moment, connected with some that I plan on seeing again and bonded even more so with my dear friend Bree.

Dear Yao,
Your soft voice speaks in volumes through your genuine eyes and passion towards helping others. I’m honored to have met you and I give thanks for your encouraging words and devotion to leading by example. You are a hero!

Categories: Art, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: book signing, cafe, Chiang Mai, coffee shop, cooking, Friends, Music, organic, Thailand, the birds nest, Yao | Leave a comment

Orange robes, bright streets and a local organic cafe!

Posted on November 20, 2013 by erikamae82

There’s a poem that talks about people entering your life for a reason, season or lifetime. Some may think this is coincidental, others wonder if it’s work from their angels, guides or even their intuitive self. With that said, believe what makes you feel the best and enjoy the following sequence of events… they couldn’t have been planned anymore perfect than how they turned out.

Quick back story in under 30 seconds (depending on how fast you can read).
Deep breath in… and go!

A month ago, Bree met a German woman named Claudia in Bali while studying Yoga.
Two weeks ago, I met Bree on a flight to Cambodia.
On this day, all three of us connected in Chiang Mai in order to experience Monk Chat (to be described soon).

We got lost, followed a monk and found our way. Ironic?

Met the monks, spoke in their classroom, received a gift and was fed a meal while viewing a ceremony outside of the temple.

Later we stopped at a hidden organic cafe that is owned by a local chef who was having her first cookbook release in a few days. She personally invited us to come back and celebrate with free food, live music and book signing.

Wouldn’t you know it, the English teacher from the monks ceremony was also a fan of this mysterious hang out and was pleasantly surprised to see the three of us plus our other friend Maddie (a new gal along the path to be introduced later) supporting this driven local woman and her vegetarian cafe.

We returned for the book release party, met more people and heard a speech. On that day, with all of that energy in alignment…
I decided on the next step in my beautiful journey.
Thank you universe.

…and breathe.

Ok, time to explain these enlightening adventures and expand a bit out of the nut shell described above.

Back to step one: Claudia, Bree and I headed west towards the temple where we would get to experience a conversation with willing Monks that in need to practice their English. For more info on this popular Thai excursion, please check out the website at www.monkchat.net.

The journey started with our fingers crossed that we were going to find it on time, that was until we found (or he found us) an unexpected guide, thank you orange robe!

We arrived and got seated at a private table with three monks ranging in age from 24 to 35. (I only know their age because one of my questions was in regards to celebrating birthdays (FYI- they acknowledge the day, but don’t necessarily “celebrate” it). After an hour of casual conversation, they invited us into the classroom where they were holding an English speaking competition. Each participate gave a speech and was scored and voted on by the three judges. What an honor to sit right along with them and get to witness the “behind the scenes” of a day in a studying monk.

I’m not sure what this student was executing on his phone, but it makes me wonder what he possibly could of been doing at this moment.

…and the winner? This gentle smile!

After the awards were handed out, the attention unexpectedly turned to us sitting so I innocently observing from the back of the room. They called us to the front of the class and kindly proceeded to ask us questions ranging from personal history to recent travels. Here was our view:

To complete this memorable event, we all posed for a group photo and bowed out gracefully (literally… bowed our way out).

As if we hadn’t already had an evening full of stimulating conversation and heart warming attention, on our way out this crowd invited us over to partake in the complimentary food, drink and desserts that they were sharing. People of Thailand, your hospitality and genuine courtesy continues to shine, thank you!

The sun was down and the three of us enjoyed a walk back to the city, taking in the vibrant street decor that was in preparation for the Loi Krathong and Yi Peng Lantern Festival . What a colorful Illumination of an already brilliant city!

Handstand shot? I would be honored to be a part of this colorful backdrop!

Add this gorgeous view to the list of things that you don’t get to see every night!

After being embraced at the Monk Chat and then surround by the street lights, our walk turned even brighter with a quaint cafe that opened their doors and invited us in. Yao, the owner of The Birds Nest Cafe was days away from celebrating her first cookbook release. Guess what the next post is about…

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Birds Nest Cafe, Chiang Mai, food, handstand, lights, Monk chat, temple, Thailand, Yao cooking | Leave a comment

16 dishes of Thai food please!

Posted on November 17, 2013 by erikamae82

Before I introduce you to the beginning days in Thailand, lets take a peek at my current travel partner and new roommate! This is Bree, the first photo is the day we met on the flight to Asia followed by our first reunion in Cambodia. Now, we meet again to explore a bit of Chiang Mai together. What a beautiful path crossing!

Her and I found out quickly that we share a love for food, cooking and trying new flavors. This made it easy to choose the country side excursion that takes us to a local market, followed by several hours of creating traditional recipes. I’ve been fortunate to have enjoyed a cooking experience in Peru as well as a culinary class in Cambodia so lets see how this one compares!

First step is a trip to the market (which still remains as one of my favorite things to visit in a new country). Just combine the street vendors, scrumptious edibles and the energetic people and you’ve entered my happy place. We only spent a few moments at this particular one, so my “market post” for Chiang Mai will be separate… but soon to come!

After our mini lesson, we got to hop on bikes and peddle our way into the outskirts of Chiang Mai. What a perfect way to start a day of eating!

We arrived, parked our bikes and jumped right into the garden to find more goodies.

They give you this menu in which you get to pick from. Yes, every single person got an individual choice on what they were going to cook that day. This differed quite a bit from other classes I’ve taken in which “you get what you get and you don’t throw a fit” (quoting every kindergarten teacher at some point in their career).

Next we suit up!

Prep to cook, then prep a bit more and then cook again!

After each dish, we got to sit and eat. Luckily we were with a group that was eager to share everything. This means we all got to try a total of 16 different delicious recipes!

A full stomach, new friends and a cookbook are just a few of the bonuses from this all day excursion.

My favorite new item of the day was this traditional rice steamer. Mark it on my kitchen list for when I grow up...

Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Bike ride, Chiang Mai, coconut milk, Cooking class, noodles, rice, squash, Thailand | 2 Comments

Work out and rest up in Asian airports

Posted on November 14, 2013 by erikamae82

I haven’t been posting much on the specific topic of fitness from a backpack, so I thought I’d share a quick workout that not only gives the body some activity, but helps pass the time during long layovers.

Step one: Search the airport for an open area with minimal people (for their safety and yours) with different heights to work off of. Ex: chairs, stools, curbs, poles, planters, etc.

Da Nang, Vietnam (waiting for my flight to Ho Chi Minh)

I scored on this one as I found a huge stair case, bonus! What’s this at the bottom? An empty gate with several seats, double bonus!

Since the workouts themselves weren’t going to be the most intense, I used the staircase for an interval style of training. A set of chair reps followed by a sprint up the stairs followed by a “break” walking back down the steps.

20 lunges per leg…

Then sprint up!

20 push-ups… Sprint!

40 dips… Sprint!

100 Flutter kicks… Sprint!

Repeat 3x’s (or until they announce “final call” for your flight, then you finish with a sprint to the gate while searching your carry-on bag for your boarding pass and trying not to loose your flips). I made it.

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam (waiting for my flight to Bangkok)

I didn’t find a wicked stair case or an empty terminal, but I did come across a bare wall standing next to a step. Success!

Calve raises

Wall sit

Silly pose for fun

Leg raises

Handstand, why not?

I looked over at this bench for a cool down and also spotted a hip height bar… Score!

Tuck-ups (or crunches) and a side plank

I always carry an elastic band with me (feel free to laugh here) and this bar made for a perfect base so I could due some bicep curls!

Now stretch it all out…

4 airports, 3 workouts, 2 flights down and one to go. Time for sleep before my final flight to Chiang Mai… this evenings bed is a window seal of the Bangkok airport. Good night!

Categories: Accommodations, Fitness, Travel talk, Uncategorized | Tags: Bangkok, chairs, Chiang Mai, Da Nang, elastic band, Ho Chi Minh, stairs, Thailand, Vietnam, window seal | 2 Comments

“Lady lady, where you from?”

Posted on November 13, 2013 by erikamae82

The ride from Hanoi to Hoi An could of been long and boring however, I’ll never know that experience due to the new friends I met along the way. Vilmos and Zsuzsanna had an open door and was game for sharing snacks and travel stories. After hours of eye opening and heart stimulating conversation (thanks again for the new perspective) it was time for rest before we were booted off the train in central Vietnam.

*They put me in their blog too! Check out the photos and tell me what it says (if you can read Hungarian) at http://rajdakaland.blogspot.jp/

Next stop Hoi An, a quaint old town that used to be Vietnam’s most important port and trading post with China. I’ve been told you can cover the entire town on foot in a day and still have time to snag a coffee. Sounds perfect after the chaos Hanoi had offered. Lets see!

When you walk along the rivers edge, you’ll see locals paddling away while the old boats sit and look pretty. It definitely adds a unique feel to this already small town. It makes me wonder if these waters could talk…

Lining the river are markets and shops with local owners doing their very best to make a sell. Their favorite conversation starter is “Where are you from?”. For my own entertainment and hopefully there’s as well, I started answering differently every time. “My mom said the moon, but I don’t believe her” or “I don’t remember… where are you from?”. I found the more bizzare of an answer the bigger the smile I got in return. This is either because they thought is was funny, I was out of my mind or maybe they just had absolutely no idea what I was saying.

Curiosity hits… What’s the reason behind the locals overly aggressive way of trying to get a sale? They would physically grab my arm and begin to guide me in the direction of their shop. After I’d deliver several “no thank you’s” with a bow, they’d keep trying and when the point was finally received that I was not interested, they’d give a disturbing frown almost to a pout. A final “no thank you” would end it and they’d turn away with a snarl.

Although I didn’t appreciate this whatsoever, it just makes me ponder what has been the progression or experiences to get them to act in such behavior? Was it taught, learned through example or just a part of the culture? Are they ashamed or proud, possibly unaware of the environment that it creates? I wonder what it was like here 50, 30 or even just 10 years ago…

Once you’ve made your way through the “assertive” saleswomen, you can begin to branch off and see other stores, restaurants and old buildings. Although its not my thing, I dare not forget to mention (for all my fashionistas) that Hoi An also has over 400 tailors within the city limits. Need a dress, suit or pants? Whatever you fancy they’ll measure you, make it and have it ready within 24 hours.

A quick pit stop for a street food snack brings me a mung bean patty and a dish that tasted like a rice gelatin substance with vegetable soup and topped with chili sauce and fried onions. What was it really? I have no idea.

Ooh, creative photo time! Amazing what a tiny camera effect can do to an image.

As the day progressed, the clouds began to cover and within moments we were showered with unforgiving rain. Little did I know, this was the calming before the typhoon heading in our direction. I suppose my lack of that information was bliss as I splashed around the wet city.

Evening rolled around and the rain hadn’t only opened the door but invited itself in with no intention on leaving. As I was heading back to my hostel, I heard “I know you!” On a bike rolls up Alex, the friendly German who I shared a cab ride with from the airport! A chat in the rain? Don’t mind if I do! We geared up appropriately and headed out for an adventure in the storm.

We ended up at Cafe 19, a small little spot that offered $0.25 beers and a local dish called White Rose (which is like a dumpling) that we were both eager to try. Perfect!

This menu made us chuckle, not that it was so clear in regards to pork or beef, but the proportion of the two animals.

An early rise for me was welcomed with a complimentary breakfast, a choice of coffee, juice, eggs and veggies or bread. Yes please! I went with a mushroom and tomato omelette, raw veggies and a ginger-lime juice that was so fresh there were chunks of ginger and lime pulp!

Dear Vietnam, my journey here was short and I may need more time in your country-side to truly appreciate all that you have to offer. Until then, thank you for the warm soup, yogurt coffee and new friends!

Next stop, Thailand!

Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Boats, Hoi An, market, port town, rain, train, typhoon, Vietnam, white rose | 1 Comment

Hanoi – A day in the streets & the market by night!

Posted on November 10, 2013 by erikamae82

I found that when I was walking the streets of Hanoi, the energy from the locals was constantly sending me mixed signals. Food venders on the street might greet you when you smile into their bowl of mystery items and others pretend as if you don’t exist. Many tuk tuk drivers will offer you a kind ride, while others won’t hesitate to nip your heels along a cross walk. Maybe it’s because I was spoiled in Cambodia or that I’m usually staying with locals, but I was taken back by the overall “you’re just a tourist” vibe that dampened this city. I suppose thats what I get for visiting the second largest city in Vietnam. With that said, lets see what it has to offer!

Welcome to the streets of Hanoi, Vietnam!

Of course there’s a Pub… Haven’t found a country yet that doesn’t support an Irish drinking place!

These sweet girls welcomed me into their creative shop in which mostly everything was handmade by them right here in the store. What a beautiful group of ambitious ladies!

A breath of fresh air in this busy city can be found with a walk around the lake (the one seen from the balcony of the egg coffee cafe.

Like in most cities, as the sun goes down… the energy goes up!

The famous night market draws in a crowd looking for clothes, trinkets, food, drinks and pretty much anything else you can imagine that’s sellable to a willing customer.

This friendly couple from Sweden made dinner a treat by splitting a massive feast with me. Each table gets their own grill and a plate of raw food. You add the oil and seasonings, then stir-fry it up! I included the first photo just to show off my favorite mini table settings that the locals dine on.

If you’re not strolling the night market, just hitting the main streets will keep your eyes on the move!

Safety tips of the day:
1. Assuming pedestrians have the right away will get you hit by a speeding motorbike.

2. Once you commit to walking… Keep going! They’ll maneuver around you (That’s my noggin to the left of the photo).

3. If you can’t beat them, join em!

Time for a double connection! Egg coffee friends… meet barbecue night-market friends! On this evening, we chose to stay low key with the locals and take a tea on some mini stools.

Well thank you Hanoi for your introduction to Vietnam. Travelers, if you’re reading this for personal advice, here’s my quick thought:
If you’re coming for a personal “local” experience… get out of the city. If you’re coming for souvenirs and egg coffee… You’ve come to the right place.

For me, it’s time to get out of town! A spicy and extremely sweet local girl offered me a ride to the station so I wouldn’t have to deal with a cab or cranky tuk tuk driver. Thank you dear!

Not only did she drive me all the way there, she parked her bike, checked me in and then proceeded to walk me all the way to the bed I would be sleeping on during this 13 hour train

Dear mystery motorbike angel, your kind smile and sassy energy was not only appreciated, but adored!

Next stop, Hoi An!

Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: BBQ, Hanoi, market, motorbike safety, night scene, street food, train, vegetables, Vietnam | 2 Comments

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Hanoi – A day in the streets & the market by night!

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