Vacation Destinations When You Live On Kauai
Kauai is one of the worlds most spectacular environments on the planet and when you live here the question is often where to you go for holiday? For myself, I head to places that offer me lots of cultural experiences and present opportunities for business ideas on a global level.
This winters trip was to Vietnam. A relatively easy flight route from HNL to Taiwan and then on to Saigon (China Air), one short layover and reasonably managed airports.
The trip included Ho Chi Manh City (Saigon) for a visit to the Opera House for a performance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Concerto for 2 pianos No. 10 in E-Flat Major. The Opera House was fashioned after the famous Paris Opera House and charming. The streets of Saigon make Honolulu look like a ride through a small town with a gorgeous backdrop. Saigon has vast markets & quick commerce on every inch of real estate. Meals are prepared and served on sidewalks throughout the country.
Then we were off to a side trip to Hoi An Ancient Town, This UNESCO World Heritage Center is a beautiful and well preserved village dating back to the 15th century. Known as the city of lanterns which are draped all over the central area which is a no motor zone. Strolling through the streets at night is reminiscent of the travel logs that were written in the 1800's, quiet, fragrant and seductive. One of the most active ports for centuries, Hoi An was a wealthy region that was instrumental in the development cities north up the Mekong River all the way to central China.
It was so special to participate in cooking classes to expand my culinary repertoire in regional Vietnamese Cuisine. the fresh ingredients are brought to the market before dawn and on the table within hours. Hoi An is also a great location to have garments made by the local talented tailors in beautiful and colorful fabrics. You might never want to purchase ready made again if it isn't board shorts or a bikini.
We headed a little further north of Da Nang to Hue and explored the Palace, Pagoda's and Tomb's. Hue in the Imperial heart of Vietnam. This region brings you forward in historical culture from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
Vietnam has so many interesting experiences to explore and it is an eyeopener to a young and industrious population that is just beginning to emerge into the global platform as a trendsetting generation.
When you return to your peaceful paradise on Kauai you wont be terribly riled up with the possibility of a single stop light on the North Shore. You will be grateful that there are not a million mopeds in motion around you.
Lucky we live Hawaii
