Visiting Vietnam

3-15-13  Nha Trang, Vietnam

basket boat

Today we were in a resort area of Vietnam.  We chose to take the shuttle into town and a taxi from there to the central market, Cho Dam Market.  While in the cab (without my camera ready of course) we saw a man carrying baskets using the traditional yolk to place it on either side of his shoulder- envision a large balance scale.  While at the market, we saw all kinds of things from traditional food sources, pharmaceuticals, souvenirs and clothes.  All kinds of “knock offs” or late shift runs where there to be found if you so desired.  We shopped for a couple of hours and found some unique items including 2 more musical instruments for “C”. 

Cho Dam Central market

local produce

detailed mosaic work

After shopping, we hired a taxi to take us to the Long Son Pagoda to see the temple and the white Buddha on the hill. This pagoda was established in 1889.   

Long So Pagoda

view of the Pagoda and Buddha

inside the Pagoda

detailed artwork



dragon stairs

After this we visited the central Cathedral that was built between 1928-33. 

Central Cathedral

At this point everyone was very hot and getting tired so we headed back on the shuttle to the pier.  Mom and I did a bit more shopping at the market there before heading in for a late lunch and a swim before the cultural show.

The ship arranged a local cultural show that included Vietnamese instruments and dancing. It was a very nice show and since it was in the afternoon, “C” lasted through the whole show.



peacock dance

vietnamese instrument of wood




parasol courting dance



vietnamese instrment



parasol

peacock dance

chama culture dance

fan dance



highland dance

fan dance