So let me fill you in, I've finally moved in to my new place and I love it! Probably because the day I moved in my landlady Mai, a practicing buddhist, preformed a cleansing ritual to purify my home of toxins and to ward off any lingering spirits. She put out offerings in the hallway and then proceeded to burn a mixture of herbs and salt (and what I believe to be lighter fluid) in every room of my new home. She also knelt down and prayed a number of times during this ritual, it was absolutely amazing! But what was even more amazing is what happened next.
After seeing how amazingly curious I was about this ritual, my real estate agent James informed me that he was attending temple that day at 5:00 and that he would love to bring me if I was interested. Interested??? Are you kidding??? I was so excited, I could hardly wait! I agreed to meet him at 3:30 since we had a 40km motorbike ride ahead of us, yes I said it... MOTORBIKE!!! Since about 5 million people drive motorbikes in Saigon we needed to get me a helmet and asap, so we drove a few kilometers, got a sidewalk oil change, bought myself a helmet and we were on our way. Now for everyone who has never seen footage of the motorbike traffic in Vietnam all I have to say is that from the sidewalk (the outside looking in) it looks like pure crazy and you fear for their lives and your own. But as I soon realized it is much safer than it looks, it's much like traveling in a school of fish (I imagine) just following the flow of traffic. Now where it gets tricky is when you introduce the many sharks into the school of fish, also known as the CARS!!! No texting and driving here ladies and gents!!! Focusing on a million things at once is a requirement when driving here, getting distracted is not an option, trust me....saw my life flash before my eyes a few times, thank goodness James was an excellent driver. (This pic was taken from inside the safety of a taxi, not sure I felt safe taking out my camera on my first motorbike ride...wawaweewa!)
So after fearing for my life a few times, I finally thought I was adjusting to riding on the back of a Motorbike...until I saw a family of four ride past me (yes, all on one bike) Amazing!!! How could anyone ever really adjust to this??? Too great for words, really.
We drove through and out of the city into a peaceful little village about 30 km out of Saigon and we arrived at the Pagoda shortly after five (we of course had to stop by the side of the road for some yummy coconut water). Needless to say, because I went with a local I was the only foreigner and all eyes were on me as we arrived a few minutes late. We quickly took our place among the crowd and as I looked around in amazement the chanting began, WOW! It was beautiful, and no words can do it justice, so I won't even attempt to. After the ceremony, James introduced me to the Master Monk and he invited us to stay for dinner, which we did. The whole day was really just amazing and I feel so lucky to have been a part of it, it was truly one of the best days I've had...
The night time drive back into Ho Chi Minh was unreal...the lights, the noise, the utter chaos, what a contrast from a temple in the country side. Oh Vietnam, you amaze me!
Almost straight out of a movie. Julia eat your heart out ;p
(Sorry no pictures of the temple, thought that would have been a little... well, you know)
Talk soon
T xox
7 comments:
oh you lucky lady! Enoy and make the most of it, you deserve a break today. Smart thinking chickeepooh,you have already made friends with the locals, they will help you discover Vietnam thru their eyes and not just as a tourist. Can't wait to visit and see for myself all there is to see and experience there. The Boo loved the skype, she was so happy to see you, she is counting in Vtn. have a great week, love you and so proud of you for taking this leap into the unknown, it takes guts to do this. ciao bella
Wow, It seems like you are living the life and that's the reason that you went. Good for you and enjoy! Miss you,
Joe
AWESONME!!!! How exciting keep that awe in your interactions with people and I am sure that you will see a Vietnam like no other. The Vietnamese people are known for being kind and when you show so much interest in thier home and culture they will open their hearts and home to you. Love Aunt SUsie
Hey Tanya!
I can tell that you are happy, love it! How is school going? I bet the kids love you. I can just see you on the back of a bike, you'll be a pro soon enough!
Let's try to set up something on Skype:)
xo
Hey Tanya,
Great to hear from you. Sounds like you're having a good time. How's the school? Love the pics!
Allie
That is amazing! You are making me want to be there! We miss you! Glad to hear that you are living the adventure of your dreams. Can't wait to hear more and see more pics! Be safe!
Anna
I love it! You did such an amazing job explaining everything! I felt like I was right there with you. Keep them coming! I wish I went with you. It just sounds like an amazing place!
Lots of love,
Your Chinese Buddy!
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