Mango Season Break
We’ve been in country nearly 9 months now and while some days have made it feel like much longer than that, for the most part it’s flown by with remarkable speed. Since the month of April is Khmer New Year (aka the 4th new year I’ve celebrated this year), we have most of the month off and an open invitation to travel and take our first leave. A friend and fellow volunteer Peter and I decided to leave the valley of Cambodia and see what Vietnam has to offer. After 2 weeks of travel, I can really say there’s alot here.
After hitting up Subway and the movie theaters of Ho Chi Minh City, the shrouded mountain passes of Sa Pa and the cliffs and blue waters of Ha Long bay and Cat Ba island, I’m a pretty happy camper. The trip has been rather seamless and full of great hikes, weather and food. More than anything, I think it’s been the temperatures we missed the most. Sa Pa offered 50 degree winter and mulled wine and fireplaces, Ha Long with the springtime 60s and sun. It’s funny to see how much more active we are when we’re not drowning in 100 degree heat and 100% humidity…
I am excited to return to site and get started on my work again, I’ve seen a lot in terms of tourism and sustainable practices that I think we can utilize at my site and am ready to see how Sopheap and Lim feel about the ideas I’m coming back with. The trip was the perfect breather from work and just enough time to miss my new home but not enough to make me feel guilty. I’ll be posting pictures and some highlights later, once I’m back in Cambodia, where mist social engines aren’t blocked like they are here.
Be easy,
Matt