The Independent Voice of West Indies Cricket

Treasured memories of Visiting Viet Nam, China and Mongolia

sgtdjones 4/24/24, 9:54:06 PM
sgtdjones avatar image

debut: 2/16/17
35,135 runs

Treasured memories of Visit to Viet Nam, China and Mongolia

Travel

Toronto To Hong Kong Cathay Pacific
Left 4 pm arrived next day at 8pm...16 hours

Hong Kong , two men fishing and a friendly wave

Shopping in Hong Kong( the Boss)
Must be a model? Picture given at hotel...??

Travel
Hong Kong To Hanoi.. Cathay Pacific approx. 3 hours
Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)

The United States dropped approximately 300 million bombs on Laos during the Vietnam War.
About a third of those never went off and they continue to maim and kill to this day.

Hanoi

The Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, has a rich and lively history spanning millennia. It has a variety of Sino-Vietnamese names.
The city has cultural and historical ties to China and Vietnam, hence these names.
Hanoi had different names under Chinese rule. Previously, the city was known as Long Bien, which translates to "dragon's teeth."
This moniker possibly reflected the city's strategic location and defensive strength. Tong Binh meant "general peace," and Long Do meant "dragon's belly." During Chinese rule, these names may have symbolized stability and peace.
When Hanoi became a citadel in 866, it changed. During this period, the city was named Dai La.
The title "Dai La" means "great rampart," indicating the city's fortification and importance as a defensive stronghold.
Moving away from history, I'll offer some driving adventures in Vietnam.
The Mai Chau-Phong Nha road trip is must in Vietnam.
This route passes lush rice fields, towering mountains, and traditional communities.
The road depicts Vietnam's rural beauty as well as people's lives.

The Q14E from Hoi An to Kortum is another amazing drive. This path follows the scenic coastline, affording South China Sea vistas.
The route is a wonderful mix of coastal charm and natural beauty, with stops at beautiful beaches, fishing villages, and delicious seafood.
Both road journeys reveal Vietnam's stunning scenery.
Each excursion shows the country's natural beauty and cultural richness in a different way, from the countryside to the seaside.
In conclusion, Hanoi's name has changed to reflect its cultural and historical influences, making it fascinating.
Vietnam offers a wealth of interesting activities, from seeing Hanoi's history to driving through its beautiful countryside.
Rented a 4x4 and drove on the Ho Chi Minh trail..

Ba Dinh Square,Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
His body preserved and in a chiller

School kids to visit Ho Chi Minh grave

Goods for sale



Ho Chi Minh City ( Saigon)

Ho Chi Minh City, originally Saigon, is a thriving southern Vietnamese city.
The city is named after Ho Chi Minh, a revolutionary leader who helped Vietnam gain independence from colonial forces.
Ho Chi Minh, "He Who Enlightens," was North Vietnam's first leader and a respected figure in Vietnamese history.
Ho Chi Minh City is a dynamic metropolis that combines old and new.
It has a number of museums, sites, and architectural treasures from its complex past.
The city's colonial architecture reflects its French colonial past.
The Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral represent the city's colonial past.

In Ho Chi Minh City, there are also wartime museums.
An emotional and instructive experience, the War Remnants Museum chronicles the Vietnam War and its effects on the nation and its people.
The museum's photos, relics, and displays reveal the war's crimes and Vietnamese perseverance.
Finally, Ho Chi Minh City, named after the famous leader, is a metropolis of opposites.
Colonial buildings and museums recall its past, while its vibrant economy and bustling streets reflect its present.
Ho Chi Minh City's blend of heritage, progress, and appeal is evident in its historical landmarks, vibrant culture, and lively Bui Vien Street.
Rented a motor bike and rode the Ho Chi Minh trail

Planting Rice

Pearl farmer

Cave visit

Pineapple vendor

Travel

Ho Chi Minh City to Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific...3 hours
Hong Kong to Beijing with Cathay Pacific 3.5 hours
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Beijing Capital (PEK) Airport

Beijing, China

Mandarin Duck

Beijing

Beijing's history will captivate you. Chinese culture spans thousands of years, and Beijing has several iconic sites that have survived.
The Lama Temple (Yonghe Gong) is a must-see in Beijing. Emperor Yongzheng erected this majestic palace in 1694, which later became a lama temple.
It is one of China's largest and most important monasteries.
The Lama Temple is a symbol of China's spiritual heritage and a Tibetan Buddhist center.
The temple grounds are amazing by its majesty and architecture.
The complex has halls, pavilions, and courtyards with detailed carvings, bright murals, and ornate decorations.
The 26-meter Maitreya Buddha statue is a feature of the Lama Temple.
This stunning statue, carved from a single piece of sandalwood, symbolizes Buddhist devotion.

The Lama Temple offers a unique chance to watch religious rites and enjoy the quiet atmosphere.
Monks praying or meditating enhance the temple's spiritual atmosphere.
Beyond religion, the Lama Temple is a cultural asset. It attracts locals and tourists with its history and architecture.
The temple's continuous use demonstrates Buddhism's survival in China.
Make time for the Lama Temple to admire the beautiful construction, relax, and learn about its cultural and spiritual significance.
History buffs, spiritual seekers, and architecture lovers can visit the Lama Temple for an unforgettable experience.
In conclusion, Beijing commemorates its history, and the Lama Temple represents China's culture.
This majestic monastery, previously an imperial mansion, is now a Tibetan Buddhist center.
Its majesty, architecture, and spirituality draw tourists from throughout the world.
In Beijing, visit the Lama Temple to learn about Chinese history and spirituality.

Parents one child

Speed on Bullet Train

Terra Cottas in Xian

Qin Shi Huang, the inaugural emperor of China, led the construction of the Terracotta Army.
The construction of this remarkable army commenced in 246 BC, when Qin Shi Huang, then only 13 years old, assumed the throne.
Emperor Qin had an army in the afterlife.
There was a prevailing belief that in the afterlife, objects such as statues had the potential to come to life.
The archaeologists' findings indicate that the warriors are located near the burial site of Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of China, who lived from 259 to 210 B.C.

They built the structures, known as the Terracotta Army, to protect their leader in the afterlife.
Every warrior possesses distinct characteristics, especially when it comes to their facial features and expressions.
The Terracotta Army provides valuable insights into ancient Chinese military structures, weaponry used during that era, and Qin Shi Huang's rule.
The original Terracotta Warriors, discovered in 1974 by a worker digging a well, are often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world.
They date back to 209 B.C.

Forbidden City

Yi Haun From 1851 to 1874, Qing Dynasty

Puyi emperor in Qing Dynasty

They gave us these pictures

The Qing and Ming dynasties' imperial capital was Beijing's Forbidden City, or Gu Gong.
This stunning palace complex, which spans over 7.75 million square feet, is the largest in China and the world.
The Palace Museum holds a rich collection of imperial antiques and treasures.
Building the Forbidden City took roughly 15 years, from 1406 to 1420.
This complex's design and layout show its exquisite craftsmanship and architectural genius.
With almost 8,700 chambers, the Forbidden City is an architectural masterpiece.
Each room is decorated with beautiful woodwork, colorful paintings, and extravagant embellishments to reflect imperial splendor.
Its 170-foot-wide moat is a highlight of the Forbidden City.
This moat protected the palace complex, underscoring its importance and exclusivity.
Designers designed the Forbidden City as a self-contained environment, complete with palaces, gardens, ceremonial halls, and administrative structures.
Emperors and their courts.
The Forbidden City Palace Museum has imperial robes, China, jade, and antique texts.
The museum provides unique insights into China's past by showing emperors and the imperial court.
The scale and beauty of the Forbidden City are breathtaking as you wander through its massive courtyards and labyrinthine halls.
Attention to detail, architectural symbolism, and stories that resonate through its walls make the Forbidden City alluring and mystic.
Finally, the Forbidden City showcases China's imperial history and architecture.
Beijing visitors must see its vast size, exquisite design, and rich cultural significance.
Entering the Forbidden City one is transported to a time of splendor and power under the Chinese emperors.

Great wall

Snow Great wall

Great Wall 2

The Great Wall is one of the world's longest man-made structures, at over 4,000 kilometers.
It traverses rocky mountains, wide plains, and deserts, demonstrating old Chinese engineering.
The wall's east-west placement protected and monitored the empire's northern frontiers.
At its peak, over a million troops patrolled the Great Wall at critical locations.
These troops guarded the empire and walls from invaders.
The Great Wall symbolized the Chinese Empire's might and sovereignty.

Walking the Great Wall allows one to travel back in time and experience Chinese civilization.
As you walk along the Great Wall, you'll be amazed by its size and complexity.
Watchtowers, beacon towers, and fortifications provided strategic lookouts and communication centers along the wall.
These buildings protected the wall and allowed information and products to pass.

The Great Wall of China shows human creativity, tenacity, and the desire to defend one's motherland.
It represents China's cultural legacy and resilience.
Visiting the Great Wall is an unforgettable way to appreciate past civilizations' achievements and legacies.
In conclusion, the Great Wall of China is an engineering marvel and a tribute to ancient Chinese brilliance.
The 4,000-mile defense system shielded the Chinese Empire from outside assaults for decades.
As a symbol of China's rich history and culture, it draws tourists from around the world with its majesty and historical significance.

Pandas

Red Pandas
Didn't see any , they gave us this picture
They said it wasn't a panda

The history was taken from Documents given to us...

Tomorrow Mongolia.
- edited -
XDFIX 4/24/24, 10:24:26 PM
XDFIX avatar image

debut: 3/2/03
17,091 runs

In reply to sgtdjones

Interesting!
BeatDball 4/24/24, 11:32:18 PM
BeatDball avatar image

debut: 7/20/14
14,776 runs

How recent are those pictures? Are pulling a fast one on us Sgt - kinda look decades old!? rolleyes
sgtdjones 4/24/24, 11:37:58 PM
sgtdjones avatar image

debut: 2/16/17
35,135 runs

In reply to BeatDball

You haven't travel a lot have you ..just back and forth from muddy waters huh?razz
Show it to the bwoys in barber shop...cool
These are old countries ....if you want better pictures go to Sandals...lol

They are not decades old Beatty...2014 to 2016...
I love seeing how the citizens live in the country, smog and pollution from China/India.

Any visitor can take pictures but one is limited by its local laws.

If you expect modern in Mongolia ..forget it. Unless one just roam in UB...
- edited -