this rock-temple place was too touristy by half – and not the better for it: the beaches were dirty and the temple overcrowded – and I wish there had been less clouds so I could have grabbed better photos. I’ve put them here for sharing (so you don’t make your way down yourself!), and next time I think I might try for uluwatu, which holds another famous spot for sunset-spotting.
cascading terraces of green and scattered pavilions. even the requisite smattering of souvenir shops – we bought an indigenous instrument, a kalimba (also known as a finger piano) – add to the charm of this place. I can’t imagine what it’d be like at high tourist season, but for now it was quiet and peaceful – truly beautiful.
no elephants here – it’s so named for the grandness of the architecture, and it’s a beaut. an amazing carved stone temple, a trek amidst temple ruins and a stretch of padi fields, and the quiet beauty of balinese floral offerings.
I’ve been admonished by my sister for the lack of uniformity in my posts – “why are you switching back and forth between vietnam and singapore?!” – and so I shall release a torrent of posts on you (not that I don’t think I haven’t been doing that already).
we had a boat cruise as part of our stay at the lodge, and it was a small sort of sampan being pushed along by a local lady – doesn’t she look competent and elegant? – through a small stream. on either banks of the stream were villagers’ houses and lots of under/over-growth, and fruit hanging within arms length.
it was tranquil and peaceful, and the villagers would wave to us as we passed their houses. good weather, some rusticity from donning those vietnamese conical hats, and calm waters.
more on the mekong lodge found on the heading out for food page, if you scroll down to vietnam | mekong delta.
amazing australian/western food in the deep of rochestor park, away from the crowds. there is a very special place in my heart that graze occupies, and has done so since my first visit here perhaps four years ago. I associate it with good friends, great service, a cosy ambience and really good food – and I tend not to meet people here that I don’t particularly like, just so I don’t taint my everlasting memories of graze with them. unfair? – I think not.
andmorefood 