It was difficult to explain to people about Vietnam when we got back – it wasn’t an “enjoyable” holiday in the strict sense of the word. It had mayor ups and mayor downs, we were completely outside our comfort zone and it RAINED! LOTS!!! The mayor reason we went – an overnight stay on a Junk boat in Hanlong Bay, was cut short due to Typhoon Vincente raging off the coast of China and Northern Vietnam. Also Sapa, which was a must see for me, was a bit of a disappointment, northern Vietnam is still very much a communist country and therefore very poor – so all Western people visiting, especially the very rural northern highlands are not just seen, but literally a meal ticket to all the women, making crafts for a living. So we where swamped with people forcing you to buy all kinds of handmade trinkets, it’s tolerable up to a point and then it gets just too much. Hanoi where we had to stay longer than planned due to the rain, is really, really dirty…really. And then I start editing the images, and I walk past a shop and hear snippets of Asian music and in a flash I forget the discomfort, the weirdness and filth…and I’m transported back to an experience that I will never forget. So in short – Vietnam isn’t a relaxing holiday – its a life changing experience… The one thing this trip thaught me, who’s a bit of a control freak, it to just let be. I had certain expectations which were not met, but in it’s place I learned and experience things I would never have had I stayed home or traveled to Europe.

First Part: Sapa, Second Part: Hanlong Bay & Third Part: Hanoi