Tag: dylanmaric

Recently, I went to what might be my favorite place in Vietnam. Đà Lạt is a city north of Ho Chi Minh City by roughly 300 kilometers. The city boomed during French colonization as a vacation spot because, due to it’s elevation, it has a fairly mild climate compared to the other cities in Vietnam.

Đà Lạt is in what is called the “Central Highlands” of Vietnam. The region, as implied by the name, occupy the inner provinces of Vietnam that border Cambodia and Laos. It is also up in the mountains and offers a very different view than one might typically see in Ho Chi Minh City. Rolling hills and french architecture dominant the scape and everything is beautiful.

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There are many, many reasons why I loved Đà Lạt and my time there.

To start, the French were right—the temperature is so nice. While there, it was between 70 to 80 which is a treat considering that a normal day in Ho Chi Minh is in the low 90s. There was a slight breeze at all times coming from the lake in the center of town. And, once the sun came down, it dipped into the 60s. It was a TREAT.

Also, Đà Lạt is a major coffee growing region. As I have mentioned before, coffee is my vice. I drink it regularly in Ho Chi Minh City and it is something that is a mandatory item of consumption in the US. I can’t walk through the doors of Gelman without some type of coffee. Well, the coffee in Đà Lạt was amazing as assumed. There was a place near our hostel called, “Maybe Blue.” It was a really nice interior—the “quaint coffee shop” look that Vietnam has perfected—and it overlooked the city. They served a delicious cinnamon coffee (cà phê sữa đá + cinnamon) and that simple spice added so much to the drink. However, I had the two best cups of coffee I’ve ever had (in Vietnam) at the Mê Linh Coffee Garden and La Viet.

...continue reading "I like Đà Lạt (d)a lot."

By dylanmaric

I'm nearing the end of my time in Ho Chi Minh City, but I just recently finished what is my "spring break." I will say, it was a little weird traveling around while everyone I know back home was studying for finals but, hey, a breaks a break. So, my friend on the program, Erica, and I headed to both Phuket and Singapore. The prior was where we spent a majority of our stay, while we only spent roughly 30 hours in the latter.

So, Phuket!

Now, I feel like I have heard a lot about Phuket in my lifetime as being this magnificent, beautiful haven along the water. A destination where people from across the globe flock to spend their time and money. I would say that both of those statements rang true. Upon landing, it was very clear that effort was put into the Phuket airport and, while driving towards our hotel, that Western influence was very apparent.

We stayed in an area of the island known as Patong. Patong is a hub of sorts for all the more "hip" travelers and backpackers making it much more appealing for a younger clientele. It's about a 30 minute drive from Old Phuket Town resting on the Eastern side of the island. Truthfully, Patong was incredibly overwhelming. The food was fantastic because everywhere you looked both Thai and Indian cuisine was offered (both of which are my favorites). On the other hand, it was very crowded, littered, and loud. There is a street, Bangla, that has some notoriety and it was one of the most insane places I've ever been. It was packed with people and was home to a lot more particular oddities that people may know of if they've heard of Thailand.

...continue reading "On An Island in the Sun"

As I have mentioned before, my professor is very much “in the know” on local events that may be of interest to young people like me. Well, this past week he out did himself.

This past Tuesday, I had a truly incredible experience. I observed a Vietnamese break dancing competition. But, really, it was so much more than that. To start, it was in the back of this art space/bar  that housed some really interesting pieces done by local artists. All not the proper size to ship back, but one can dream.

But, as assumed, the main attraction was the break dancing. We walked in during the preliminaries and stayed all the way through the finals. Everyone that danced was incredibly talented and each contestant could put me to shame. That being said, there were several things that I wanted to share with you all (a.k.a. my reader).

...continue reading "Dance Battle Party"

When applying for study abroad programs, I really wanted to have a “once in a lifetime” experience. This aspiration is what drew me to Southeast Asia and, subsequently, my program with CET. Aside from living with local roommates and taking fairly high-quality Vietnamese lessons, CET’s program was so desirable because they arranged intern opportunities.

During our first week in Vietnam, we met with different representatives from several organizations that would all introduce us to different subcultures within Ho Chi Minh City. After hearing from them all, myself and another student, Erica, decided to intern under a woman named Trang who operates The Maker Concept cafe and boutique. Despite the market of The Maker Concept, the goal of our internship is not to sell clothes or make lattes, but rather we have been tasked with documenting development within Ho Chi Minh City.

...continue reading "Me & The Maker Concept"

By dylanmaric

The one topic of conversation that I never get sick of talking about is how much I enjoy the food in Saigon—and greater Vietnam. I was pretty unaware of Vietnamese cuisine coming into this experience and didn’t know much past the very well known Phở and Bánh mì. Well, let me tell you, there are so many other dishes that should get greater recognition. Truthfully, of all the food I’ve eaten so far, the two mentioned are decent at best.

Well, I have now taken the liberty to outline the most noteworthy Vietnamese dishes that will *hopefully* get the global notoriety they deserve.

Bánh Khoái & Bánh Xèo

These two pancake-like dishes are delicious. These dishes are regionally popular, the latter being a Southern variant—Bánh xèo. Bánh xèo is a much thinner pancake and Bánh khoái is a little thicker and uses a much fluffier dough. These pancakes are typically filled with bean sprouts, pork, and shrimp. They are typically paired with fish sauce which is collected from the fermentation of dead fish. Not an ideal way to get your condiments, but it works. These pancakes are perfect meals and it is easy to find one for less than 50,000 dong ($2.50).

...continue reading "Vietnam: #EatzEdition"

Recently, my program partook in a traveling seminar throughout Vietnam. Although the trip did not include many stops, it gave an incredible look into the diversity that I never knew existed within the country.

Our first stop was the capital—Hanoi. When talking to some people in Saigon, they described Hanoi as being a much more toned down version of Saigon that wouldn’t get as rowdy and didn’t have as much to do. Despite only being there for roughly 4 days, I’d beg to differ. Hanoi was an absolutely incredible city and had so much to offer. We were fortunate to be in a very popular area of the city—The Old Quarter—so getting around was not difficult.

Hanoi's history, unsurprisingly, is very scattered and the architecture consists of remnants of an old citadel alongside French villas that are now occupied by fusion restaurants. During the 20th century, Hanoi was the capital of Northern Vietnam and now, subsequently, modern Vietnam. Walking around the streets, and when talking with locals, the capitalist/communist influence is very evident.

...continue reading "Hanoi, Forever Ago"

Recently, my program coordinated a program to the Mekong Delta. The region is to the southeast of Saigon and, as expected, is a much more rural area. It was the first time I’d been exposed to what might be considered “real Vietnam.”

It was only 3 hours to our home stay—including a boat and bus ride. Our homestay was absolutely stunning. Each room had their own outdoor shower and a beautiful view of the Vietnamese wildlife. Best part, there were three puppies that loved hanging out with us!

The trip was a much needed reprieve from the city. While there, most of our travel was by boat across same channels. On the first day, we went to a coconut candy factory, a brick kiln, and a fruit market. At the fruit market, I had a taste of “Jackfruit” and it was delicious. It has almost a taffy like appearance and a pretty mild, sweet flavor. That evening we had a small cooking class where we made bánh xèo. Bánh xèo is like a Vietnamese crepe filled with radish, carrots, pork, and shrimp. It was delicious.

...continue reading "To Mekong, With Love."

By dylanmaric

When preparing to go abroad, I consulted with my doctor on a rabies vaccination. Considering the more lax animal restrictions, it wouldn’t be a bad idea.

“Well, yes, a rabies vaccination would be advised, but it is a series of three shots that are roughly $300 each.”

After hearing that figure and losing consciousness for a few seconds, my mother and I opted for the alternative,“possess self-control, Dylan—don’t pet the dogs, Dylan” solution.

That was much easier said than done.

Since exploring Saigon, it is almost impossible to go out and not see a dog somewhere on the street. In the compound I live in, there are a regular 3 that hang out with the security guards. One of them knows how tempted I am to pet him and he follows me around sometimes. (Sidenote: There is also a very senile Chihuahua that I do not want to look at let alone touch.)  To cope, I got a bag that has my favorite Animal Farm quote—despite it's roots in Stalinist satire.

...continue reading "My Four-Legged Friends"

While in Saigon, our professor has let us in on a ton of opportunities within the city. His research in Ho Chi Minh is directed at studying youth culture and, as such, he knows about all of the events going on that we would never have heard about otherwise. It has been a very fascinating way to learn about what the "hip youth" are doing when they aren't on Facebook looking at memes.

One evening, the class went to a Saigon Heat basketball game. Saigon Heat is the premier basketball team in the VBA—or, Vietnamese Basketball Association. The game was a cultural experience to say the least. The gym was smaller than the Smith Center and the game was so loud at all times. They have an announcer that screams into the microphone and runs onto the court during every timeout with a roving basketball hoop and he throws a ball into the audience and they have to try and make it in this target. The highlight was getting to meet their star player, Stefan. I know follow him on Instagram.

...continue reading "Making The Most Of The Night"

Recently, I was told that Vietnam was the second largest coffee exporter in the world behind Brazil. I knew that coffee was definitely very popular in Vietnam, but I did not realize the significant culture around it. When I say that there is a cafe on every corner, I am not exaggerating. I know that you’re probably thinking, “Haha, okay Dylan. Whatever you say.” But, really, they are everywhere. My roommate told me that his and his friends version of a “fun” weekend night is to hang out the coffee shop until it closes.

For someone like me, this has become incredibly convenient. For those that don’t know, I used to be an employee at GW's finest java joint, “Gelbucks” and, as such, I am accustomed to consuming enough caffeine to stop a weak man’s heart. That being said, this lifestyle of getting coffee for 30,000 dong has been a dream. (For reference, 30,000 Vietnamese dong is roughly $1.30—and that’s a coffee from a nice establishment.)

So far, I have explored only a fraction of the coffee places in Ho Chi Minh and I am making it a personal goal to see as many as possible. A popular style is coffee with sweetened condensed milk, or cà phê sữa. Equally parts strong and delicious.

The following establishments are, so far, my favorite places to hunker down, connect to wifi, and enjoy my favorite beverage. Or, when I’m not in the mood for coffee, they also serve some of the best smoothies I’ve ever had.

...continue reading "Over-Caffeinated and Under-budget."