highlights from vietnam.

Almost two years ago now (TWO YEARS!), I spent Christmas vacation in Vietnam with two friends. And I never blogged about it, aside from the post when I told you I was going and the brief mention of Vietnam when I posted my faces of long distance. No one can accuse me of being a travel blogger. Oops. 

In all honesty, I don't think I remember enough details from the trip to write an in-depth post, but I want a record of it on the blog so I figured I'd post some of the photos I took on the trip and share a few memories. (I didn't even take that many photos. I remember feeling in a "I don't want to take photos" kind of mood, thinking, "Can't I just experience it and live my life?")

I remember when we applied for our visas online, we paid for an express service and a taxi to our hotel at the same time. Express service was so worth it. 

I remember laughing at this scene in the airport because boys will be boys anywhere in the world. (There was a soccer (football?) game on TV.)

I remember we were excited there was a Burger King when we were leaving the airport. BK has been an international travel tradition since 2012.

I remember this was so heavy. We gave major props to this guy for carrying it around, until...

he made us buy coconuts because he let us take a photo. And we thought he was just being nice! Oh well, we figured if this was the only time we were scammed, we were lucky.

I remember eating so many of these and debating what they were called. (They're rambutans.)

I remember this was when I was still in my "Valencia or Rise" stage.

I remember the motorbikes everywhere. These photos do not do it justice. I think this is one of my favourite things/memories about Vietnam. 

I remember feeling so rich because at the time, 1 Canadian Dollar equaled approximately 20 000 Vietnamese Dong.

I remember visiting the Củ Chi Tunnels and not taking many photos because even though other tourists were, it just didn't feel appropriate. I kept thinking of the war and the lives lost and the events surrounding it. Maybe this was because we had just visited the War Remnants Museum, but I felt pretty somber and also fortunate that I was visiting this place, this piece of history, and had the chance to learn more about it.

I remember staying in Phu Quoc, and learning the correct way to pronounce it.

I remember playing many games of Crazy Eights here.

I remember this was the first time I had my toenails painted in years, because Sara convinced me: "C'mon, paint the nubs!"

I remember feeling so peaceful by the pool each afternoon.

I remember the gecko in our room and I jumped on the bed and we squealed and laughed. (I've since gotten over my irrational fear.)

I remember this beach was beautiful and a bit chilly.

I remember we ate so much food.

I remember our hotel was a bit odd (they were very protective of their towels and room keys), but they brought us a cake on New Year's Eve.

I remember FaceTiming Tony from the bar so we could countdown together, Beijing time.

I remember we had a good time.

I remember Paula went for a late-night dip.

I remember feeling proud I crossed the road without being hit ;)

I remember we agreed to eat here because Alanna and Paula wanted pasta and I liked the type on their window.

P.S. Highlights from Hong Kong, Datong, Thailand, Shanghai, Boracay, Vermont, and Montréal.