Nomadic Notes Newsletter - February 2017

Happy new year again! The great thing about being in countries that celebrate the Lunar New Year is that you get two new years in the space of one month. If you fail your new years resolutions you can start again.

Here are the most recent posts on nomadicnotes.com, plus some good reads from around the web.

~ James

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February, 2017 – Year of the Rooster edition

February, 2017: Celebrating the year of the Rooster in Saigon.

Where I’ve Been

The month began in Nha Trang where I got the train back to Saigon. In the time I was away the Santa Claus decorations that were all over Saigon were transformed into roosters. There was still a few weeks to go of the Monkey year, but already the Rooster was making it’s way into peoples psyche.

There is a palpable buzz in the air in Saigon during January in the lead up to Tet (the Lunar new year holiday). Rather than just have a big party night and the next day off – as we do for the calendar new year – Vietnam spends the weeks before the holiday in preparation. Shops and homes are cleaned, decorations are everywhere, and the police are out in force collecting fines from motorists for their lucky money.

If you are living in Saigon you have to decide early on if you are going to stay for the holiday or leave. I checked flights a few weeks before the holiday and they were all outrageous (I searched from “SGN” to “Anywhere” on Skyscanner). I was in China one time during the national holiday month which was horrible to try and travel in. During big national holidays I try not to travel unless I need to. No need to add to the mayhem.

If you do stay you will be rewarded with empty streets once the holidays begin. Officially there is a week of holidays. Some businesses only take a few days, while others will extend to the Monday after the next weekend. It feels slightly apocalyptic to be walking around with very little traffic. Reminds me a bit of Australia in the 80’s when all the shops were closed on Sundays.

Most shops are closed over the holidays, though you can always find something to eat. There is a pho place near me which is the only one open in the area, which has come known to me as Tet Pho, and so I only eat there during Tet.

Another good reason to hang around is to see the flower exhibitions. The main exhibition is on Nguyen Hue, which is a walking street in the middle of the city. It’s free to enter, and people come from everywhere and get dressed up and take photos. The selfie game is strong here.

Wishing you all a happy rooster year!

Travel books I’ve read

Unruly Places: Lost Spaces, Secret Cities, and Other Inscrutable Geographies by Alastair Bonnett.

This is a fascinating read about the world’s hidden geographies, such as disappearing islands, secret cities, no man’s lands, and floating islands.

I’ve read about breakaway territories that are not recognised as countries, but these little stories are about geographical anomalies that I had not considered before.

For more reading inspiration see my best travel books list.

Latest posts from Nomadic Notes

Nha Trang to Saigon by train

A review of train SE7 from Nha Trang to Saigon in a four-bed berth (first class sleeper).

Eurail Pass Travel Guide

The Eurail Pass travel guide: how to choose the best rail pass, and tips for your Europe travels.

Travel Guides

Nha Trang Travel Guide

My notes on Nha Trang and other helpful links for visiting.

Travel Deals

Get $20 free travel credit at Airbnb - Airbnb is a great alternative to staying in hotels, and they offer $20 for first time users. The credit is valid for 30 days so be sure you are ready to book before claiming your credit.​

Grab - The largest ride-hailing app in Southeast Asia offer a free ride when you join with this link.

Nomadic News

M.I.A.

A half-century ago, an American Special Forces commando named John Hartley Robertson vanished over the jungles of Laos. In 2008, he reappeared in Vietnam, apparently alive and well. Genetic tests were performed. Former comrades and his younger sister vouched for his identity. But nothing was what it seemed.

Continental Rift

For Roads & Kingdoms‘ Edge of Europe series, writer Joshua Kucera is traveling along the disputed border between Europe and Asia, from Istanbul to the Russian Arctic, to explore the ancient history and current politics of how we divide up the world.

Western Australia in bid for tropical Cocos Islands 'paradise'

Western Australia is seeking to have the tiny and remote Cocos Islands, which are closer to Indonesia than Australia, become a part of the state, with the Premier spruiking the move as WA gaining its own tropical paradise.

Fighting Restoration by Clinging to Remnants of the Past

At Fort Mahakan in Bangkok’s historic core, a deadline for eviction is approaching in a 24-year battle for the fort between the city and unyielding villagers.

The end of air-conditioning? Asia turns to bioclimatic architecture

Spend five minutes in humid Ho Chi Minh City and you’ll probably be running for cover into the nearest air-conditioned refuge.

How a Tiny Southeast Asian Country Changed the CIA Forever

Joshua Kurlantzick’s “A Great Place to Have a War” examines the consequences of the agency’s 20-year war in Laos.

Instagram

Happy New Lunar Year - May your Rooster year be a good one!

Nomadic Notes Partners

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Booking via these links will not cost you extra, and they will help keep Nomadic Notes running. Thanks for reading!

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Car Hire: RentalCars

Travel insurance: World Nomads

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