Reflection by Sophia--
We woke up super early to head to the sand dunes so we could watch the sunrise. When we got there, we had to hike up mountains of orange sand to get to the highest and best spot to watch the sun come up. When the sun finally came up, the resulting image was breathtaking. It was definitely worth waking up when it was still dark outside. After watching the sunrise and taking lots of pictures, we all took turns sliding down the dunes. It was harder than it looked. After the sand dunes, we went back to the hotel and took a dip in the pool. The water was nice and cool on such a hot day. We swam for a long time, taking a small break to sit at the bar in the pool and eat fries. After that, we had lunch. After an interesting lunch at a Korean restaurant, we took wedding pictures for V Dang and Minh. V Dang looked very snazzy in his J Crew suit and Minh looked beautiful in her dress. I had to leave a little early from that because it was time for my spa appointment. Kylie and I got coffee scrubs, aloe wraps, milk baths, and massages. It was super relaxing, and it was pretty hard to get up and go to dinner. But the food was really good at dinner, and V Dang kept us all entertained and laughing. Overall, it was a really fun and an amazing day.
(Editor's note: Vinh is getting married in June to Minh. We had a photo shoot on the beach and in the pool!)
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Reflection by Kylie-
It was dark and while all the guests were asleep, Punahou students found themselves dragging their bodies at 5o'clock into the lobby. We loaded the bus and chased the rising sun down the road. After about half an hour we wound up in a tourist stop on our right and a mountain of red/orange sand on the left. We hiked up the steep hill and gasped in awe at the sand dunes. The sunrise was a bright orange with a red tinge, no other sunrise could be compared to the way it reflected into the sand. When we got back to the hotel we headed straight to the buffet breakfast. A mixture of western and asian pastries and assortment of meats covered three tables.
After our delicious breakfast we lounged by the pool and swam into the pool bar to munch on french fries. Then we headed down to the private beach and rested in the cabanas to watch the jet-skies zoom past us. Later for lunch we walked down the road to a "Korean" restaurant with an interesting selection of "Korean" food. Might I just say that it did not beat Korean Airlines bibimbap! But anyhow we had a photo-shoot for Vdang and Minh. Unlike the western culture where it is tradition that the groom may not see his wife until she walks down the aisle, in Vietnam it is a custom where pictures of the bride in her dress with the groom are taken before for the wedding party. We paraded around the beach and pool while we all snapped wedding pics for the soon to be husband and wife. There even was a "professional" underwater photo shoot by the one and only famous the photographer. Some of you may know her by the name of Mandy M. Props to Mandy for getting wet and taking one for the team.
Throughout the day all of the girls scheduled appointments at the Zest spa in the hotel. With a wide selection of treatments, Sophia and I opted for a package. After a deep coffee rub, cooling aloe wrap, milk & flower bath, and lemon citrus massage, we waltzed out of the spa feeling like new people.
So far this trip has been filled with many different foods and exciting, new experiences. We opened our eyes to the Vietnamese culture and ways of bargaining. Watch out parents, us girls are coming back ready to shop til we drop as we have learned in the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Every day our group is getting closer and Vdang is getting funnier by the minute. #vdang Can't wait to see you all soon, but for now we are still relaxing in our ocean front rooms. I can't help but wonder, how did we ever get so lucky to wind up in a stunning resort in the middle of nowhere? Vietnam... That's why!
(Editor's note: Vinh is getting married in June to Minh. We had a fun pre-wedding photo shoot!)
It was dark and while all the guests were asleep, Punahou students found themselves dragging their bodies at 5o'clock into the lobby. We loaded the bus and chased the rising sun down the road. After about half an hour we wound up in a tourist stop on our right and a mountain of red/orange sand on the left. We hiked up the steep hill and gasped in awe at the sand dunes. The sunrise was a bright orange with a red tinge, no other sunrise could be compared to the way it reflected into the sand. When we got back to the hotel we headed straight to the buffet breakfast. A mixture of western and asian pastries and assortment of meats covered three tables.
After our delicious breakfast we lounged by the pool and swam into the pool bar to munch on french fries. Then we headed down to the private beach and rested in the cabanas to watch the jet-skies zoom past us. Later for lunch we walked down the road to a "Korean" restaurant with an interesting selection of "Korean" food. Might I just say that it did not beat Korean Airlines bibimbap! But anyhow we had a photo-shoot for Vdang and Minh. Unlike the western culture where it is tradition that the groom may not see his wife until she walks down the aisle, in Vietnam it is a custom where pictures of the bride in her dress with the groom are taken before for the wedding party. We paraded around the beach and pool while we all snapped wedding pics for the soon to be husband and wife. There even was a "professional" underwater photo shoot by the one and only famous the photographer. Some of you may know her by the name of Mandy M. Props to Mandy for getting wet and taking one for the team.
Throughout the day all of the girls scheduled appointments at the Zest spa in the hotel. With a wide selection of treatments, Sophia and I opted for a package. After a deep coffee rub, cooling aloe wrap, milk & flower bath, and lemon citrus massage, we waltzed out of the spa feeling like new people.
So far this trip has been filled with many different foods and exciting, new experiences. We opened our eyes to the Vietnamese culture and ways of bargaining. Watch out parents, us girls are coming back ready to shop til we drop as we have learned in the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Every day our group is getting closer and Vdang is getting funnier by the minute. #vdang Can't wait to see you all soon, but for now we are still relaxing in our ocean front rooms. I can't help but wonder, how did we ever get so lucky to wind up in a stunning resort in the middle of nowhere? Vietnam... That's why!
(Editor's note: Vinh is getting married in June to Minh. We had a fun pre-wedding photo shoot!)
Reflection by Stephanie--
After we packed up our bags and checked out of the hotel rooms, we got onto the bus and started our journey to the Cliff Resort. Around two hours after we left, we stopped at this resort called the Mango Garden Resort. There, we were able to ride ostriches, go grass sledding, play paintball and ride bicycles around the resort. Although I didn't ride the ostriches because I don't like birds, I chose to ride bicycles. It was such an amazing feeling because before, we were all really sweaty and tired. There were many paths that took you around the whole resort, lined with bamboo plants and other trees. It was exhilarating racing along the paths since there was barely anyone there so we didn't have to worry about running someone over. I haven't ridden a bike in a while, so it was nice riding again with such an amazing scenery around me. After eating lunch, consisting of noodles and pork, we left the Mango Garden Resort, heading for the Cliff Resort. The bus ride was around three hours, but it was worth the long ride. Once we arrived at this resort, I was so amazed at the beautiful view. From our hotel room, since it was nighttime, you could see these lights on the horizon. I first thought that it was just another city in the distance, but they were actually fishing boats. For dinner, we had shrimp, squid, chicken, vegetables, and a sweet and sour soup. The soup was really good, except when I accidentally ate a chili pepper thinking it was a tomato. The chili pepper was super hot. I started sweating and I lost feeling on my bottom lip. Next time I will make sure to double check if it's a tomato or a chili pepper in my soup.
After we packed up our bags and checked out of the hotel rooms, we got onto the bus and started our journey to the Cliff Resort. Around two hours after we left, we stopped at this resort called the Mango Garden Resort. There, we were able to ride ostriches, go grass sledding, play paintball and ride bicycles around the resort. Although I didn't ride the ostriches because I don't like birds, I chose to ride bicycles. It was such an amazing feeling because before, we were all really sweaty and tired. There were many paths that took you around the whole resort, lined with bamboo plants and other trees. It was exhilarating racing along the paths since there was barely anyone there so we didn't have to worry about running someone over. I haven't ridden a bike in a while, so it was nice riding again with such an amazing scenery around me. After eating lunch, consisting of noodles and pork, we left the Mango Garden Resort, heading for the Cliff Resort. The bus ride was around three hours, but it was worth the long ride. Once we arrived at this resort, I was so amazed at the beautiful view. From our hotel room, since it was nighttime, you could see these lights on the horizon. I first thought that it was just another city in the distance, but they were actually fishing boats. For dinner, we had shrimp, squid, chicken, vegetables, and a sweet and sour soup. The soup was really good, except when I accidentally ate a chili pepper thinking it was a tomato. The chili pepper was super hot. I started sweating and I lost feeling on my bottom lip. Next time I will make sure to double check if it's a tomato or a chili pepper in my soup.
Reflection by Malia-
Today was the notorious Ostrich riding day at the Vuon Xoai Mango Garden Resort, and although I did not ride, I witnessed my fair share of triumph and defeat. Some conquered the gangly bird with ease, while others were angrily ejected. One thing to know is that there is no graceful way to end your ride, as it normally ends by being chucked onto the sand, or into the nearby fence in Mandy's case. She recieved a cut on her leg, but is fine now and proud that she was able to conquer and take advantage of the oppurtunity. After being spun then thrown off a few times, the angry bird began to chase Tate who quickly sprinted away. Sarah was very sucsessful and seemed to the ride the Ostrich with ease around the perimeter of the enclosure. Everyone else also did well in remaining on the bird for a good amount of time to experience what it felt like. Maybe our overall sucsess was due to the fact that we had eaten Ostrich, as well as several other mammals, the night before. As a side note, while touring the gardens, we were confused by the abundance of ostriches if only a few were needed for riding. We later noticed that there were an overwhelming number of Ostrich dishes on the garden's menu. Coincedince? You decide.
The Mango Garden was much larger than expected and also offered a variety of activites such as paintball, bike rides, a mini rollercoaster, and pool slide. I chose to take a bike ride while some played Paintball, and found the ride very pleasant. It was a very picturesque moment as we glided down the long road lined with towering Bamboo. The breeze lifted our hair back as we gathered enough speed to take our feet off the pedals and float down the road. Without the distraction of any technology, we were able to soak in our surroundings, which are often take advantage of in daily life. Removed from our normal life and placed thousands of miles away, we are taken away from any problems or distractions. In that moment, our only worries were of keeping up with the group, or making sure we didn't run down another person strolling along the path.
We watched Captain Phillips and Lone Survivor on the bus, but we closed the curtains to darken the inside and make for a more realistic movie experience inside the bus. I think some may have missed the sights of the transition from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne. The Cliff Resort here in Mui Ne is absolutely stunning, but completely different from the sights driving up here. It was interesting enough that I was able to break my trance from a suspenseful shootout on the TV screen to look at the people passing by. As we made it past the reaches of Ho Chi Minh, the
cramped shops with neon signs faded away. Everything spread out and the sights changed to dusty awnings covering corrugated metal sheets to create a store. Merchandise was faded and covered with the the ample red dirt. People in worn clothes gathered to talk story on small broken plastic stools. Elderly men and women squatted while creating whatever merchandise they were selling. There seemed to be one sophisitcated and new building for every thirty that were in rubble or constructed out of dead coconut palms.
I really enjoyed seeing these sights because they were a small peek into the true life in Viet Nam. I suppose the life in Ho Chi Minh is no less "authentic" Vietnamese than that of rural areas, but the less traveled roads offer a different story. It is not catered for tourists like us, and there is no false image that is trying to be provided. It also shows a contrast between the lifestyles just miles apart.
My favorite part about the bus rides to these unfamiliar places is waving to the people who are stunned by the ruby red bus filled with alien faces rolling through. Some times we are ignored, and other times we are met with a shy smile that slowly blossoms. I can't help but replicate the warm smiles of the people. If there's one thing that was solidified for me on this trip, it's that through out the world, the language and culture may change, but a smile is universal.
Today was the notorious Ostrich riding day at the Vuon Xoai Mango Garden Resort, and although I did not ride, I witnessed my fair share of triumph and defeat. Some conquered the gangly bird with ease, while others were angrily ejected. One thing to know is that there is no graceful way to end your ride, as it normally ends by being chucked onto the sand, or into the nearby fence in Mandy's case. She recieved a cut on her leg, but is fine now and proud that she was able to conquer and take advantage of the oppurtunity. After being spun then thrown off a few times, the angry bird began to chase Tate who quickly sprinted away. Sarah was very sucsessful and seemed to the ride the Ostrich with ease around the perimeter of the enclosure. Everyone else also did well in remaining on the bird for a good amount of time to experience what it felt like. Maybe our overall sucsess was due to the fact that we had eaten Ostrich, as well as several other mammals, the night before. As a side note, while touring the gardens, we were confused by the abundance of ostriches if only a few were needed for riding. We later noticed that there were an overwhelming number of Ostrich dishes on the garden's menu. Coincedince? You decide.
The Mango Garden was much larger than expected and also offered a variety of activites such as paintball, bike rides, a mini rollercoaster, and pool slide. I chose to take a bike ride while some played Paintball, and found the ride very pleasant. It was a very picturesque moment as we glided down the long road lined with towering Bamboo. The breeze lifted our hair back as we gathered enough speed to take our feet off the pedals and float down the road. Without the distraction of any technology, we were able to soak in our surroundings, which are often take advantage of in daily life. Removed from our normal life and placed thousands of miles away, we are taken away from any problems or distractions. In that moment, our only worries were of keeping up with the group, or making sure we didn't run down another person strolling along the path.
We watched Captain Phillips and Lone Survivor on the bus, but we closed the curtains to darken the inside and make for a more realistic movie experience inside the bus. I think some may have missed the sights of the transition from Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne. The Cliff Resort here in Mui Ne is absolutely stunning, but completely different from the sights driving up here. It was interesting enough that I was able to break my trance from a suspenseful shootout on the TV screen to look at the people passing by. As we made it past the reaches of Ho Chi Minh, the
cramped shops with neon signs faded away. Everything spread out and the sights changed to dusty awnings covering corrugated metal sheets to create a store. Merchandise was faded and covered with the the ample red dirt. People in worn clothes gathered to talk story on small broken plastic stools. Elderly men and women squatted while creating whatever merchandise they were selling. There seemed to be one sophisitcated and new building for every thirty that were in rubble or constructed out of dead coconut palms.
I really enjoyed seeing these sights because they were a small peek into the true life in Viet Nam. I suppose the life in Ho Chi Minh is no less "authentic" Vietnamese than that of rural areas, but the less traveled roads offer a different story. It is not catered for tourists like us, and there is no false image that is trying to be provided. It also shows a contrast between the lifestyles just miles apart.
My favorite part about the bus rides to these unfamiliar places is waving to the people who are stunned by the ruby red bus filled with alien faces rolling through. Some times we are ignored, and other times we are met with a shy smile that slowly blossoms. I can't help but replicate the warm smiles of the people. If there's one thing that was solidified for me on this trip, it's that through out the world, the language and culture may change, but a smile is universal.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)