robertrankin.org

Citadel - Hue

Originally uploaded by robertmrankin.

Finally I have had a chance to post some photos from the last 5 weeks in Vietnam. Have a looksee..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/robertrankin

Cha Ca is a wonderful fish dish, and a Hanoi specialty. Chunks of white fish, lightly spiced in saffron and other herbs, then quickly fried in oil and butter to which one adds fresh dill, scallions, basil, coriander, parsley and other aromatics. Once the fish and oil pick up the flavor of the herbs, the fish is served over rice noodles with fresh basil, parsley and peanuts. At Cha ca La Vong, a down and dirty local restaurant on Cha Ca St in Hanoi’s old quarter, the only item on the menu is Cha Ca… and with a plate so delicious, who needs anything else. Best enjoyed with cold beer.

Have just completed my first tour as a Tour Leader. Two weeks in Vietnam starting at Saigon in the south and finishing ini Hanoi in the north. I had 15 pax, 10 Aussies, 3 from UK and 2 Canadians. Age range 36-75. 6 couples and 3 singles. Only one weird introverted old lady from Austrailia who stated on the first day “I don’t really do the group tour thing… so I may be a little antisocial”. And she was, never joining the group for dinner, and on group activities wandering off on her own sos that I’d have to chase her down when it was time to leave. Good fun let me tell you.

Any way, I had 14 out of 15 pax VERY happy at the end of the tour, and I made good money in tips. If I can keep up the same, I’ll be able to save a nice chunk of change in a short time.

No major screw-ups, except for my lack of local knowledge. (Like where is the nearest internet cafe, where can I do laundry, etc) I made up for it by taking the group to some great restaurants, and keeping them well lubricated with alcohol. 

Now, I am at the airport in Hanoi waiting for my flight back to Saigon. I start the next tour tonight! No rest for the weary. Pics coming soon.