Travel – Page 2 – Welcome to Linda's Journey; now hosted by Adventure Cow!

Why Do They Call Me a Water Buffalo?

Water buffaloes are the symbol of Vietnam. They represent prosperity, happiness, and bravery.

https://asiasociety.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/Day04_Vietnam%20Water%20Buffalo.pdf

Adventure Cows are Texas Longhorns.
Longhorns are sturdy, gentle, and smart.
https://longhornroundup.com/f/why-raise-texas-longhorn-cattle

Longhorns will take advantage of almost any food or forage. Here, AC takes part in a Food and Drinks Tour of Hanoi.

This is a lunch of Bun Cha. This is the same lunch
Barack Obama had when he
visited Hanoi – but he did not eat on a
little, plastic, stool on the sidewalk.
Obama went to the version that had sit-down tables.
https://jackytravel.com/bun-cha-obama/#:~:text=Bun%20Cha%20Vietnam%20with%20President%20Obama%3A&text=%E2%80%9CMr.,take%20away%20from%20the%20hotel.

It was still the Lunar New Year, year of the cat in Vietnam, when we arrived in Hanoi. Here, AC poses with handmade, wire, money trees. Sure to bring good fortune in the coming year. While the water buffalo is a symbol of prosperity, we did not see any displayed with the money trees.

https://www.npr.org/2023/01/21/1150216367/lunar-new-year-vietnam-year-of-cat

Look how sturdy AC is as he climbs a tree hanging out over Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake. https://vietnamdiscovery.com/hanoi/attractions/hoan-kiem-lake/ He does not see any water buffalo here.

While in Hanoi, AC quietly watched the Water Puppet show, before jumping up on stage for a quick photo.

You can watch a part of the show too in this promotional video:
https://youtu.be/XZy3q5-x03c?t=52
Did he see water buffalo here? Watch the sample video to see for yourself.

After the water puppet show, AC knows it is time to eat. A beautiful restaurant had been spotted during the food tour – back we went for dinner.

AC thinks this is a taco – but it is not. It is a crunchy, folded, rice paper filled with vegetables and meats. On the side there is a spicy sauce for dipping.
Maybe it is a taco.

On a tour at the Ha Long Whisper Nature Bungalow in the Viet Hai Village of Cat Ba National Park, AC is brave: with only a little help from our guide, Tra, he completed the “Monkey’s Bridge” over the small river. He does not see any water buffalo here.

What is a Monkey Bridge? https://incountrytours.com/monkey-bridge/#:~:text=A%20Monkey%20Bridge%20(‘c%E1%BA%A7u%20kh%E1%BB%89,either%20with%20or%20without%20handrails.

See our gentle AC admire the farmer’s work in Viet Hai Village in Vietnam’s Cat Ba National Park. He did see water buffalo here – but where?

https://www.vietnamtonkintravel.com/travel-guide/viet-hai-village-in-cat-ba.html

The water buffalo are taking a break, right across the road from these fields.

AC is brave. He leads our small tour boat to the Cua Van Floating Village Museum as we take in the sites of this section of Ha Long Bay. This water is too deep for cows or buffalos.

https://lejourneyhalongcruise.com/cua-van-floating-village-a-living-life-museum-in-ha-long-bay/

Nose-2-nose with a souvenir water buffalo from the Cave on Hang Sung Sot in Ha Long Bay.

As our tour group travels from Vietnam to Siem Reap, Cambodia; we are welcomed to the country with tasty drinks and Apsara dancers.

You can learn more about this restaurant/theater and the folk dance we watched by clicking this link: https://apsaratheatre.asia/

During the Apsara show, a dancing monkey came to our table to see what exactly an
Adventure Cow might be about – is this a water buffalo?
The picture is not clear because AC is being banged on the table.
But, AC is sturdy and was not hurt by this attention.

Our next day in Siem Reap brought the Vespa Tour with a chance to see the Cambodian countryside and meet local families.

Here is AC being as helpful and patient as a longhorn can be. The group is eating traditional sticky rice in bamboo stalks. https://www.gnarfgnarf.com/cambodian-kralan-sticky-rice-stuffed-in-bamboo-sections/

The Vespa Tour took us to a family that makes baskets. We were all encouraged to try our hand at this ancient skill. You cannot tell from this picture, but AC is laughing, turns out basket weaving is a little tricky for some of us.

Another day, AC was able to join the group for lunch. It was his job to collect the rice cones that came with our lunch.

Our tour took us to several historical and religious sites. Neither Adventure Cows or Water Buffalo are allowed in most of these locations. Below, is a picture of AC on the causeway (entryway) to Angkor Thom, one of the significant religious areas in Cambodia. This bridge was the only place he could compare himself with the carvings.

You can learn more about Angkor Thom by clicking this link:
https://helloangkor.com/attractions/angkor-thom-thvear-tonle-om/

The next morning, we got up very early to join hundreds of other folks who come from all over to see the sunrise over Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is the largest religious site in the world and dates back to the 1100’s. More information: https://helloangkor.com/attractions/angkor-wat/

At 5:30 in the morning, it was still very dark.

Another outing took us to Tonle Sap. The largest fresh water lake in Cambodia. It is in the middle of the lake that alligators are raised for export to China. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonl%C3%A9_Sap

AC is brave when he meets the alligator.

This is a short video from our Tuk Tuk ride in Phnom Penh

AC is smart to be wedged in tight as he joins in the fun of the Tuk, Tuk ride too.
Again, there are no water buffaloes in sight.

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, during the day – a visit to the Royal Palace.

AC is looking from the Silver Pagoda to the Hor Samran Phirun. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Palace_of_Cambodia

While there were many other interesting sights to see in Cambodia, they were not appropriate for Adventure Cow. He learned nothing of the Khmer Rouge with it’s schools turned into prisons and cemeteries turned into killing fields. It is time for the river cruise ship and sights along the Mekong River. https://www.britannica.com/event/Cambodian-Genocide

One stop along the Mekong River was the weaving community of Long Khanh in the Dong Thap province. This village is a weaving center, turning out thousands of scarves for sale on the streets and towns of Vietnam – and to tourists who visit from cruise ships.

AC found the one weaving machine that was not currently being worked – so many threads. To learn more about this village click here: https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/lifestyle/20181109/weaving-village-in-vietnams-mekong-delta-stands-test-of-time/47616.html

And, it is so noisy. These machines still work, but they are old.

Next stop in the province was a coconut farm. Here, we enjoy fresh coconut milk straight from the trees.

AC cannot reach the straw made of bamboo – Andy and Linda have to drink it all.

On the way back to the ship – AC spots a chilli farm. What a fun place to hide.

They say this area grows the spiciest chillis; be careful AC.
https://sakasaka.net/thanh-binh-dong-thap-high-quality-chilli-plantation-in-southern-vietnam.html

As our ship gets closer to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), we must pass through the Song Tra Canal. Today will be filled with things to do on the ship – no tours to the shore. https://heritagevietnamairlines.com/en/where-canals-run-through-the-countryside/

AC starts his day by looking out the cabin’s window

Later, he joins others for a tour of the ship’s kitchen. He sees fresh herbs drying under heat lamps.

After touring the kitchen, he goes to the front of the ship to help the Captain locate Saigon.

We finally reach Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Once there, AC joins local tours to get a bit of Vietnamese (war) history.

He joins the tour of the Cu Chi tunnels. He is waiting for Andy to return after he disappeared into the earth. During the Vietnamese war, these tunnels served as hiding and living spaces for the Viet Cong. You can read more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%E1%BB%A7_Chi_tunnels

Leaving the Tunnels entrance area, AC is surprised to see Water Buffaloes as part of a depiction of more ordinary life and times.

They do look quite a bit alike, you hardly notice AC between the two statues.

Hearing about the war, and the end of it at the Independence Palace, AC is confused.
Such serious topics, but the gift shop had many fun toys.
More about the Palace and the role it played:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Palace

The trip is almost over. He is happy to spend some of his time in Saigon, taking part in another Food and Drinks tour.

Adventure Cow has come to learn why he may be called a Water Buffalo while in Vietnam – he has been brave and he has brought happiness to many people.

As he leaves his last restaurant in Vietnam,
he says goodbye to the Water Buffalo painted on a hallway wall.
They are not so different afterall.

Goodbye AC. See you on your next adventure!

Fun Facts about Iceland

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most visited locations in Iceland. https://www.bluelagoon.com/

But, if you are an Adventure Cow, you have to wait in the parking lot while the others have their soak.

Fact: “There are several black sand beaches in Iceland. They include Reynisfjara, Stokksnes, Diamond beach, Heradssandar, Fauskasandur, Solheimasandur among others.” https://www.discoverwalks.com/blog/iceland/top-10-fun-facts-about-black-sand-beach/

Adventure Cows are allowed on the beach – Here is AC climbing the basalt columns at The Black Sand Beach of Reynisfjara. https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/reynisfjara

Reykjavik’s Hólavallagarður Cemetery is beautiful, earie, and possibly haunted. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/holavallagardur

All even more so on this snowy day in December

While no pictures are allowed during the ride; it is a fact that the FLYover Iceland is a fun and interesting thing to do. https://youtu.be/S_7S9AUa790 https://www.flyovericeland.com/experience/

Anyone can, however, pretend to be an Icelandic troll when the ride is over.

Fun Fact: There are no McDonalds in Iceland. https://theculturetrip.com/europe/iceland/articles/iceland-is-one-of-the-few-countries-in-the-world-without-mcdonalds-heres-why/

There are lots of foodie tours though.

Fun Fact: “In terms of direct use, Iceland has developed into a role model both with its extensive use for district heating (90% of all homes are heated by geothermal energy), but also in the cascaded use of geothermal heat for bathing and swimming, greenhouse operations, fish farming and more. ” https://energycluster.is/geothermal/#:~:text=Iceland’s%20first%20geothermal%20power%20plant,to%20electricity%20generation%20from%20geothermal.

AC took in the sight, sounds, and smells (Sulphur) of the **Deildartunguhver** hot spring outside of Borganes, Iceland. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deildartunguhver
The hot spring is used to support Krauma, a spa and restaurant. https://www.krauma.is/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAn4SeBhCwARIsANeF9DLh4YfulAK50yIZfroyDLf2w1BGKnysGM_RvLy_Nj4VBryS9S9-t5saAv1TEALw_wcB

We all learned even more about geothermal resources and benefits when we toured the Geothermal Exhibition https://www.on.is/en/geothermal-exhibition/ at the Hellisheidi-geothermal-power-plant https://www.power-technology.com/projects/hellisheidi-geothermal-power-plant/

AC is pointing out the particular geology of Iceland that makes the geothermal processes possible.

Fun Fact: The English word “geyser” comes from the first geyser documented by modern Europeans; the “Great Geysir” of Iceland. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geysir

AC watches as the hot water gushes up about 40 feet into the air.

Fun Fact: Icelanders love Ice Cream, all year round. https://www.inspiredbyiceland.com/food/icelands-ice-cream-culture/

Yes, this Ice Cream shop is open; not just a surprise because there is fresh snow on the ground, but also because it is Christmas Day!

Also open on Christmas day – a lovely, warm café with mulled wine (Gluhwein)

One of the best examples in the world of a Lava Cave/ Lava Tunnel can be found in Iceland. https://grapevine.is/mads/2019/07/05/vidgelmir-the-epic-lava-cave-of-borgarfjordur/

It is a very big cave, and AC is a very small cow, but he still goes to the end with the rest of the group.

Fun Fact: The hearty Icelandic horse cannot return to Iceland if it leaves the country. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icelandic_horse

Andy introduces AC to an Icelandic horse.

One of the most visited locations in Reykjavik is The Pearl: Created out of hot water holding tanks, repurposed to a beautiful hill top attraction and museum. https://www.perlan.is/perlan

Outside The Pearl is the art instalation: The Four Dancing Musicians: https://www.dreamstime.com/editorial-photo-dansleikur-dance-statues-next-to-perlan-reykjavik-iceland-grouping-four-dancing-musicians-was-created-torbjorg-image96259501

Other museums that we visited in Iceland included: The National Museum https://www.thjodminjasafn.is/english/museum-information/about-the-museum/ and The Skogar. https://www.skogasafn.is/

The National Museum gift shop has small cast replicas of the most famous buildings in Iceland.
AC always stops to appreciate items of architectural interest.

AC wanted to bring books back from the museum store so he could learn more about Icelandic folktales and religions – but that did not happen.

**Fun Fact**: More than half the Icelandic population believes in Elves and/or trolls. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/believes-elves-exist-mythology

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20181217-the-elusive-hidden-people-of-iceland

The Skogar is a folk museum which has collections of so many items from Iceland’s rural and marine past. These textiles are from the 1800’s

**Fun Fact:**
There are three examples of shoe inserts right under AC. And, a little harder to see, but on the bottom-left, with red triangles and streamers of different colors on a white background; is a single shoe insert. These date back to a time when shoes were made of fish skin. Knitted inserts protected your feet as the shoes wore out very quickly. https://www.nordatlantens.dk/en/events/lecture-on-icelandic-knitting-traditions/

After looking at displays inside the museum, AC headed outside to see the relocated turf houses that the museum keeps to share the rural history of the island. https://www.zmescience.com/other/feature-post/icelandic-turf-house/

While walking around Reykjavik, AC ran into several interesting sights.

He found the Harpa Concert Hall. https://www.harpa.is/en/about-harpa

And, though they were somewhat hidden by the snow, AC located some cairns made of basaltic rocks on the surrounding beach. https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g189970-d12286720-i312948708-Sculpture_and_Shore_Walk-Reykjavik_Capital_Region.html

Not far from Harpa is the sculpture: The Sun Voyager.

**Fun Fact:** https://www.icelandtravel.is/attractions/sun-voyager/ Many tourists believe the sculpture to be a Viking boat – it is not. “It is a dream boat and an ode to the sun.”

If you turn away from the harbor toward the center of town, you will see a street with many restaurants and shops; it could be the Skolavordustigur. This street is also known as: Rainbow Street. https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/skolavordustigur Starting in 1999, the pedestrian street is repainted every year just in time for the multi-day Gay Pride events.

It was a little snowy the day AC found the street.

Fun Fact: Iceland may have the world’s oldest democracy with a parliament being established in 930 CE. https://www.government.is/topics/governance-and-national-symbols/how-is-iceland-governed/#:~:text=Iceland%20is%20arguably%20the%20world’s,the%20executive%20and%20the%20legislature.

The parliament met here, in what is now Thingvillir National Park — in the summer. https://www.thingvellir.is/en/

Trolls are real! AC found plenty of them in a souvenir store in Vik.
https://www.icelandtours.is/blog/elves-trolls-monsters-iceland/

Fun Video: Will Farrell and Rachel McAdams starred as the performance duo:
Fire Saga representing Iceland in the Eurovision contest for the movie: Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurovision_Song_Contest:_The_Story_of_Fire_Saga

Here is their music video: https://youtu.be/AdW6BBF22AY

AC waited in the bus. He did not get to see the beautiful coastline of Valahnúkamöl, or the permanently anchored keyboard paying honor to the movie. https://www.visitreykjanes.is/en/moya/news/will-ferrells-volcano-man-starring-reykjanes

Fun Fact: There are over 100 waterfalls in Iceland, so many that some do not even have names. https://adventures.is/blog/icelandic-waterfalls/

Along the “Silver Circle” is the series of Hraunfossar water falls. https://www.world-of-waterfalls.com/waterfalls/iceland-hraunfossar/

Here AC views the Seljalandfoss waterfall. It is one of the most photographed in the country. During the summer, when it is not frozen, you can walk behind it. The waterfall, and the area around it have been the setting for many movie and music video scenes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seljalandsfoss

https://youtu.be/PfGaX8G0f2E

And, of course, AC had to see the Golden Falls known as Gullfoss; one of the most visited sights in Iceland. https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/gullfoss
He just about froze his hoofs off, but it was worth it.

Fun Fact: New Year’s Eve is a very big deal in Iceland. It is celebrated both before and after the 31st.

Icelanders will meet up with family or friends to have dinner around 6 or 7 PM.
Following dinner, around 8 PM locals gather at their nearest bonfire to meet and greet friends and shoot some fireworks.
Following the bonfire, the streets empty as Icelanders go home to watch a comedy TV show that chronicles the year at 10:30 PM.
Just before midnight, people flock back to the streets to shoot more fireworks.
Around 1 AM it’s time to go partying, and most people go to house parties, although bars and clubs are also open until the early hours.
https://guidetoiceland.is/history-culture/new-year-s-eve-in-iceland