Vietnam dreaming

I have an easy relationship with Vietnam.  A beautiful place, with friendly people and delicious food, it was hard not to fall in love.  Those of you who have been there before will probably agree I’m sure (at least, I hope you would). 

Since my return this easy love affair has turned into a not-so-secret obsession.  Our Lonely Planet guide to Vietnam has been there and back no less than four times since.  There’s no doubt in my mind that my friends are going solely due to my persuasiveness – or, perhaps, to shut me up.  But no matter how you look at it, I’ve been a boon to the Vietnamese travel market (really).

A street market selling lanterns in Hoi An

Sugar cravings

Was going through some photos from our recent trip, and came across this mouth-wateringly, teeth-achingly sweet collection of cakes.  We indulged on these sweet little cakes when we were in Malang, Indonesia.  They’re from the Roti Tugu Bakery, around the corner from the Tugu Malang Hotel.  I would go back to Malang just for these cakes. Yes.  They are THAT good.  

A Second New Year

Imagine it: mid April in Thailand.  It's hot, humid with temperatures pushing an average of 31°C, the hottest month in Thailand.

But back to the picture I'm trying to draw you: the streets are teeming with people, water is being flung from buses by the bucket load, people are spraying each other with water guns, people are drenching passers by.  You wonder, what is going on? Well, it's Songkran or Thai New Year.

There is obvious symbolism associated with the use of so much water.  In particular, to cleanse the the bad away and start the year afresh (but it's probably also a reprieve from the heat!).

Being in Australia you don't have to miss the fun.  While we might not have the usual three day celebration (Songkran is celebrated from 13 to 15 April) we do get a one day special: Wat Dhammadaro the Thai Buddhist temple in Canberra holds celebrations each year.  It includes cultural shows and a food fair.  All are welcome and entry is free.

When:   Sunday 15 April 2012, 10:00am to 3:00pm

Where:  Wat Dhammadaro, 80 Archibald Street, Lyneham, ACT

Given the weather in Canberra, water fights are not guaranteed!

An obvious outsider

This post comes to you thanks to a recent work trip, a hotel bar, a beer and a desire to appear absorbed in something both important and interesting.

While sitting by myself in a hotel bar in Adelaide recently I noticed that I had updated my Facebook status at least five times with inane, mundane and generally pointless crap (I hear you, what else is Facebook for?).  I had also managed to enter into a playful stoush on white chocolate, and read the material for my meeting cover to cover at least three times.

Oh, what to do?  I shall not flea to my hotel room at 6:00pm, and I have to eat.  But how to do this on your own without feeling and appearing like a loser.  Or how to avoid appearing like a serial killer as you listen intently to the conversations that are happening nearby because if you didn’t you would end up speaking to yourself....

I’m wondering, who out there is fearless enough to dine in strange cities independently?  And, if you do, please share the secret to how you do it?