The Buddha Awaits

When one gazes across the DaLat horizon it is hard to ignore the silhouettes of pure white Buddhas that overlook the city. I am fortunate enough to live in the shadow of one of these icons. The courtyard that accompanies this statue and its pagoda is gorgeous and just as tranquil as one would think it should be.

As my first week in Vietnam is coming to a close my apprehension is lessening, however I am still struggling with lack of activities. I am sure this will be changing in the near future as I start to become more acquainted with the locals. A fellow teacher and I already have a dinner invite with a local family who runs a corner shop this weekend. If I thought I was getting a taste of Vietnam at the cafes, I think I am in for a treat.

Enjoy the trip to the pagoda below and here.

...Still in Transit

About three days and some major time changes later I was finally on my way from Saigon to my final destination, DaLat, Vientam. The 8 hour bus ride was topped off by a seemingly endless Vietnamese variety show that was playing on the huge flat screen which the bus came equipped with. I never knew how much I appreciated my IPod until I endured about 3 hours worth of loud songs in an Asian language.

Needless to say, the countryside was gorgeous and the contrasting scenery was amazing; from a crazy city such as Saigon to the tin roofs that dotted the countryside and the rolling mountains that finally welcomed us to DaLat.

Enjoy a few from Saigon and more from my bus window below and here.