Vietnam (26th of September to 4th of October)

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Moisty Atsushi (@moistyatsushi)

 

My impression of Vietnam was lively and resourceful. People (young and old) work all day and night. And they are very creative. The way transport on a little bike was top class. They can carry almost anything on a bike. Also I saw this guy used his bike as a ladder.

VIETNAMESE COFFEE

I did not know anything about Vietnamese coffee. I went to a cafe to have a cup of coffee one day. I though “it’s not bad, wow, taste like real coffee” Then I noticed that there were many coffee shops where selling coffee beans. Later I learned about Vietnamese coffee culture. So I started exploring Vietnam coffee.

Traditional coffee – this video explains everything! But I liked the idea making my own coffee (well just put water in) and wait till its ready. Many local food places offered this nice coffee.

Egg Coffee – I heard about egg coffee. And I had to try it. So I went to Cafe Giảng in Hanoi, I think they are the original egg coffee. It had unique texture. It almost like thick cappuccino. It did not taste like egg yolk tho. It was good, but it was not my thing. This video can tell you how to make this.

    

Weasel coffee – I went to tiny coffee bean shop. I saw picture of weasel on the bottle. “Ah, weasel coffee aye?” I thought. I have heard about this as well. So I tried it at the shop. It was nice. I liked better than egg coffee for sure. I must say that the taste was different from usual coffee tho. But how crazy that I was tasting weasel’s poo. I heard that there were many fake weasel coffee. And I think my one was likely fake tho.

Coconut Coffee – Very light refreshing drink. I had it with this duckling mousse.

There is a good reading about Vietnamese coffee, if you are interested.

Train travel in Vietnam

This was my favourite part of Vietnam travel. Beautiful view. I could see beaches, cliffs, rice farm, old houses, and jungles. In the train, I had my own bed/ space. Great way to travel. If you are thinking to travel Vietnam, in my experience, train is the best. Just see the photos.

Also this is the way to see and meet locals. From Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh, I was in the same room as a Vietnamese lady. This lad I saw in a train was one to remember. I’m happy to help someone out, if they want as I have a lot of time while traveling.

As I got into my room of train, there was this lady. So I said hello. And then she looked so horrified. She looked like she was just about to get killed… by me. So she started praying. I thought she would have heart attach, if I say more. So I started just sitting down and settling my space. But I could not help that I noticed that I was watching by her whole time. It was very awkward. At the same time, I had to be very careful. Because my sudden move could give her fright.

So it was about 4 or 5 hours train ride. And bad luck for her, in the room, just two of us. She had to keep an eye on me, just in case I use magic or something. Another thing is she did not talk any English and I did not talk any Vietnamese.  After a few hours of staring, she slowly got used to me, I think. Eventually she started talking to me. She was talking about how heavy her bags were. So I helped out to carry her bags to the platform. They were very heavy, but at least she did not carry and appreciated.

I booked all the train tickets in Vietnam. It was reasonablly easy. Only problem I had was asking my accommodation’s reception to book the ticket. I thought that they said that there was no 7pm train. So I thought I booked/agreed for 9pm train. Then when I got the ticket, it was 7 pm train, which messed up my plan. The plan was food tour with Hanoi Kids. It’s free guided tour by local students. Next time, I go to Hanoi, this will be on my list.

Classic Banh mi

This gentle man helps tourists like me to cross road safely. Such a great service.

Nha Trang beach

View from my hotel

Ho Chi Minh City

At War Remnants Museum

  

Funeral service in Ho Chi Minh. It sounds so much like ska.

Vietnam is a beautiful country. It was very unfortunate that they had to go through the war.

TBC…

Traveling from Hong Kong to Hanoi (23rd to 25th of September)

There are many ways to travel between Hong Kong to Hanoi, Vietnam by over land. I have done some research how to travel. Here is how I traveled…

Hong Kong to Nanning, China by buses, then Nanning to Hanoi by train. There is a reason I decided to cross border by train. It seems a lot of carrying, walking and waiting involve for bus travel. I have been traveling with my guitar. So that was something I wanted to avoid.

A few days before I bought a bus ticket from China Travel Service, from Hong Kong to Nanning. People in China Travel were very helpful. They provide me where to catch my bus in Hong Kong and told me that I had to change the bus once I get to border. It costs 435HKD (just over 80NZD or 55UD-ish).

Hong Kong (Wan Chai) to the border on Wed, 17.30h

It was very well organised from Hong Kong to the border. I had no idea how I got through border and changing all buses. When I got to little bus terminal in Wan Chai, they gave me a sticker and a note with instruction of how to cross border in English. And I was  there a bit earlier than 17.00h as I was told. No problem. They let me go on earlier bus to the border. And I got through immigration with no problem. It was fast and easy process. Once I got out Hong Kong border, I saw lots of buses. I did not know which one to take, but a lady quickly recognised me and kidnapped me to a bus which took me to Chinese side border.

I was very worried that I may not get in as I was not too sure that I actually needed a visa to re-enter China. But it was all good as the lad in Hong Kong said (from my last blog). When I got in China again, I saw people who were wearing China Travel uniform. They led me to the right terminal.

Huanggang (Shenzhen) to Nanning on Wed, 19.00h

Shenzhen side bus terminal where I waited for a long time

I waited at the bus station in China side. No bus. waited for an hour. Then one of travel agents asked me to wait in their office. Soon, two guys showed up and asked me and other girl to come. I had no idea what was going on. And took us in a taxi. About 30min cab ride. We got different bus terminal. I asked what was happening. No one could answered my question. “Great” I thought. Then the girl could speak a bit of English. And she said that we waited till 9pm and would get a bus to Nanning. Once we got in, there were only 4 or 5 of us. So I only can assume, but there was not enough passengers to get bus from the bus station at the border.

When I went into the bus, it was rather nice. I saw sleeper buses on internet. They usually have 3 lanes and bunk beds. Looked very tight. But this one was only had 2 lanes, therefore wider bed. And it was comfy. I had a good night sleep. It was one of best sleeping transports so far. We were also given a bottle of water. We needed to take off our shoes to get in.

Nanning on Thu 9.00h

When I wake up in the morning, I was already in Nanning. I went to my hostel, Nanning Green Forest. I did not book my train ticket in advance. Because online booking was too expensive. And I knew that likely I would be able to buy the ticket on the day. But not guaranteed! So I made plan B. If I would not be able to leave on the day, I can stay this place for the night. Also I needed somewhere to drop off my bags, have shower and nap as the train leaves 6pm. The hostel was very nice. Only 39RMB (9NZD or 6 USD).

As soon as I dropped my bags, I went to Nanning Railway Station. I found ticket counter easy. Tip: there is English speaking counter. It locats far left hand side. Good thing was there were not many people waiting at the counter. So if you don’t speak Chinese, go straight to far left hand side! He spoke very good English and efficient. I bought soft sleeper ticket, and cost 215RMB (50NZD or 35USD). Also when you buy a train ticket in China, you will need passport or some Chinese ID.

It was very hot day in Nanning

After buying the ticket, I still had more than a few hours to kill in Nanning. So I explored. I found people were nicer than other part of China to me. I had a good chat with people in a bank for some time. Some of them did not speak English, but they were happy to help me out.

And I saw a giggling Chinese girl. I asked her direction to main street. She said “he he he he, oh I don’t know he he he”. Then she saw the street sign. “Look” pointed at the sign of main street. Then she went “he he he  he”.

Nanning to Hanoi on Thu, 18.10h

When I got to the train station in the afternoon, I showed my ticket at the entrance. I was escorted to “soft seat passenger” waiting seat. Sounds very exclusive? I did not see any difference. It was very crowded and same seats.

Anyway the train was usualy Chinese sleeper train. And it was comfotable ride. I think 10 or 11pm, we got to Chinese border. We all got off the train and went through custom. Small immigration office made it easy to get out China. And also we were only 20 or 30 people on the train to Hanoi. So we did not have to wait too long (we had to wait in the immigration office till everyone got through).

Then we went back on the train and took us to Vietnam side of border. It actually took 10 or 15min to get there. If I took a bus, I would be walking with my guitar for a long time.

Cellphone pocket in toilet

At the Vietnam border, they took our passports. It was painless. No rip-off health check or anything. While we were waiting, I changed money.  Soon they called out names for passport to pick up. Over all, it was quick and faster than I thought. So if you ever do border crossing over land between China and Vietnam, I suggest to take a train.

Arrive at Hanoi on Fri (really early in the morning)

Once we got back in the train, that was my sleep time. Then we arrived at 5 or 6 am. The train actually does not go to main Hanoi railway station. I heard that size of rail/ train is different between China and Vietnam. So we dropped off Gia Lam Hanoi station where is about 5km away from main tourist place.

So I knew I got there early, I planned to walk to my guest house. You know, in a map, it did not look too far away. Well I was wrong, so wrong.

As I passed through taxi drivers who offered me a ride with “special price”, a Chinese girl came to ask me if I knew any hostel near the town. I said I didn’t, but surely she could find one with no problem. She asked me if she could come with me. So we walked toward to the town together.

It was cool that someone joined me. I usually did by myself and got lost to find new places. And I had never seen a Chinese person backpacking travel by him/herself!

We must have walked for an hour, she found a hostel for the day. And I found my guest house soon after. I think I’ll pay “special price” to get a taxi nextt time.

Total about 38 hours of travel from Hong Kong to Hanoi.  It was eventful. I don’t think I would have same experience with flight.

By the way, I have been traveling with Japanese passport, so I don’t need visas for many countries including China and Vietnam. If you are reading this, and you want to travel same way, you likely need visa to go to Vietnam and China. So please make sure check, before leave!

Hong Kong and bit of Macau (18th to 22nd of September)

Once I got in Shenzhen, it was straight forward to get to Hong Kong. There were lots of signs in English “Hong Kong” and just follow. After the Chinese immigration, I crossed a bridge (covered) to Luohu border. It was cool that I could walk cross China. When I went through the custom (hong Kong side), I was already at a train station with exchange places. And the train took me to middle of Hong Kong.

     

First thing I had to do in Hong Kong was getting Chinese visa for re-entry. I went to the immigration company. However a lady in the office said to me that I did not need a visa to get in China. Because I had Japanese passport. I said I knew. However I was told that I needed a multiple entry visa as I tried to come back in to China. She explained me that I would have another 15 days tourist visa, when I got in China again. I was not too sure that how it work. I was thinking about relationship between Chinese and Japanese government which not exactly best buddies. I also talked many traveler on the way. Most of them needed a visa to get in China. And they were surprised that I did not need a Chinese visa. And I agreed too. Anyway I asked the lady at the office “are you sure?”. She assured me it would be fine. I still asked her “are you sure?” 3 times. I figured that she would not help me with my visa. So I had to trust her for now.

Paul Thomson

So many places I had someone helped me. Paul from the Red Stripes was my care taker in Hong Kong. I stayed his place during my Hong Kong visit. He worked hard to organise my gigs in Hong Kong. Even he led me to other places in Asia. What a legend he was! I stayed his place while in Hong Kong which saved my life as I heard accommodation can be very pricy. On my trip, I really do enjoy having/meeting like-minded people like him.

So I saw The Red Stripes before I played. I know some people who reading this, would be interested in the band (Band Camp). If you don’t know, you should check them out. Great two tone feel. And this is something I love traveling, as I watched them playing, great stage performing that I can learn from them.

Paul organised radio interview and invited me to play his work place where half of the band work as well.   Here is me playing for the Pop Fugitives. And you can listen to the pod cast from here

I also liked to play at his school. Simon from the Red Stripes joined a cuple songs too. It was awesome! Time is like this, I do miss my Mini Moisties.

Photos above: Asian Beatles, Nicely dressed ferry worker, and skate link in a mall

Dim Sum time in Hong Kong

Day trip to Macau is awesome

While I was in Hong Kong, I took a ferry to Macau. It’s so close that I could take day trip. I went to see Iain, Lorraine and brand new baby Caitlin (I regret that I forgot to take photos of these people). By the way, when you go to Macau, you still need to bring your passport, even day trip. I still got through immigration/ custom both side. This link explains how to do it.

Photos: inside of the ferry, inside of terminal (Hong Kong side), document to fill

 

Iain showed me around the country. It was interesting to see old part of Macau and casino part of the town. It still had a nice Chinese influence temples and houses. And Chinese influence casinos were taking over half of country.

  

Small border control in Macau

World famous egg tart

Building smaller size of eiffel tower. Only in Macau

Portuguese style old buildings can be spotted in Macau

Water show

I don’t think Ned Flanders would like Macau very much.

Lastly I will leave it with The Red Stripes.

TBC…

Rest of China (14th to 17th of September)

Ah good old China. I could feel that my ancestor was from China. As I observed Chinese people, they behaved like my grandparents or parents. And they kept talking to me in Chinese as I did not understand.

China internet

I think first thing you will notice, when you go to China is internet! It is different. As you may know many sites has been blocked. I prepared VPN. But it was not useful or too slow in China (I tried in Mongolia. It was very good). So if you go to China for short time, just get ready to live without internet. And if you stay China for a long time, find a good VPN. Here is the Chinese blocked list.

Chinese Food

I loved very much. One of tastiest countries in the world to me. In Shanghai, I kept spending my money on street foods. Between my hostel and a metro station had a lot of foods. It was less than 5 min walk, I was very full by the time I got to the station. I did not take any photos of foods (I was too busy eating). I much prefer dirty little places with no English menu. Those places were likely filled with locals. I could read a bit of Chinese, so I was able to order things. But once in a while, I tried my luck with just pointing menu to order. I also tried nice clean place. I did not like much unfortunately. Tasted like undeveloped. So I highly recommend to go to dirty little street foods, even if you don’t know Chinese.

Chines Train (Speedo as theme song)

I had been traveling with Chinese trains since leaving Moscow. In China, trains are modern and fast. The tickets seem sold out fast. I had a limited time in China. So I used this agent, China Travel Agency. They book your ticket in advance and give you some options to get physical tickets. They can email you booking number, the go to any train station to pick it up (need booking number and bring passport or Chinese ID, if you have one), or they can send the ticket to hostel or somewhere you want to pick up with extra charge.

      

I paid about just over 100US$ (including booking fees) for Beijing to Shanghai. It was a high speed train. It traveled nearly 1,300km long (It’s like Auckland and Wellington return). And it only took about 5 hours of travel. By the way, from Auckland to Wellington takes about 12 hours (only one way).

You can also find little places where selling train tickets in China. That was how I got my ticket to go to see my old class mate, Hanna in Ningbo. She worked in Ningbo, near Shanghai. That was a good day trip from Shanghai. I had an awesome time to catch with her. We went to some Chinese place for kai. It was mmmmmmmm. Dumplings were the best.

I also took sleeper train to Shenzhen to go to Hong Kong. Nice clean train. Just like any other Chinese train, boiled water on the board.

       

Shanghai

I wonder what is Spicy Fried hairly belly?

I felt China. Japan was peeled off from the map. On the other hand, you can see New Zealand.

Hanna told me that was fake market. So many stores did not have price tags. Just kidding, ALL the shops did not have price tags. I saw people who had VIP signs. Those guys seemed to be given fake prices. 580 Nanjing West Road, Shanghai.

Nice and comfy train between Shanghai and Shenzhen