Chapter 3.2 - Exploring Da Lat

13.2.

7:00am

Monday. I wake up after a restful 8-hour sleep. I really needed that.

My plan for today: Explore the area. But first, I need coffee and something to eat. I still have no idea what people have for breakfast here. Banh Mi was my first thought. We'll see.

My bed is a little hard, but the pillows are soft. I won't lounge around for too long though. I have a few things to do. The homestay owner told me last night that I can rent a moped next door. I am excited. But first, I'll have some soy coconut nuts and jump in the shower.

By the way, I hear a school 🏫 outside my window. Children are singing a hymn, evidently.

8:22am

A man stops me on the street as I search for breakfast.

His name is Titi. He's a little older. He wants to show me around on his motorcycle. I'm skeptical at first, but I agree. I'll rent a motorcycle somewhere else later.

10:23am

Titi takes me through the mountains, with a stop at a flower farm. Now I'm sitting in a coffee plantation, enjoying a mocha. I did take a look at the coffee trees, but I already know about them. Even though the 40USD is a little expensive at the moment, I think it's money well spent. I will see a lot of interesting things today.

We arrive at the Linh An Pagoda. There is also a temple here. First, I climb the 10 floors barefoot inside the 70-meter high Linh An Statue.

The accompanying temple is also very impressive.

Next, we go to a silk farm. One cocoon yields up to 1000 meters of thread. Through various processes, a firm fabric is made, with different patterns and colors. The larvae are sold as delicacies. As we leave, Titi offers me one, but I decline.

1:00pm

We stop for lunch. Fried rice with chicken, soup, and a pineapple juice. Very delicious.

Titi and I talk about the conflict in Ukraine.

Afterwards, I need a new bottle of water. It's right next to the snack bar. We continue driving and make a few more stops. At this point, I have to admit that I have completely lost track of when and where we saw what. But the order of my photos will surely reveal it ;)

2:28pm

We reach the Podang Waterfalls. Very idyllic, but see for yourself.

(Strong memory gaps set in, I'm telling you, what I experienced afterwards was super interesting)

...

5:11pm

I return from the Crazy House. It was basically the last stop on our tour. Titi approached a few new people on the street and exchanged contact information. He still needs to earn money and find new customers.

He comes to me when he's done. I'm waiting by the motorcycle. 'Now we return', he says.

I reply, 'Yes, let's go man'.

5:30pm

We arrive at the homestay. I pay the agreed price. 1 million VND, about 40€.

I give him 500k first and say 'This is for the tour' - he looks a bit surprised. I then add the other 500k and say 'this is because you are awesome' - his brief skepticism turns into loud laughter. 'Thank you my friend'.

Titi simply gave me the best last day in Da Lat. I saw so much and I am just grateful that he randomly approached me. I felt so helpless. My skepticism was definitely misplaced!!! If anyone ever goes to Da Lat, let me know. I recommend a tour with Titi.

As I pass by the reception, I talk to the young couple again about my trip, show them photos, and figure out the best way to get to the bus station tomorrow.

Everything is easy. Order a Grab Car through the app and that's it. And finally, I also take photos of the room, for those curious among you :P

I'm going to take a shower now and go to the OK Supermarket for dinner. I'm really excited.

7:56pm

With a full stomach, I am back at the viewpoint. I had 3 chicken legs, a corndog, soup with seafood and noodles. For dessert, corn milk. This time, I also brought two beers from the supermarket :P

In my backpack, I still have 2 Banh Mi for a late-night snack.

The day was really fulfilling. And now I realize once again that I received such a beautiful message yesterday that I want to burst with anticipation. Somehow, all the stars are aligned right now.

What this message is about will definitely be revealed in the upcoming blog entries...

I will meet Peer and Ole tomorrow evening in Quy Nonh. I will have a phone call while enjoying my beers.

It's a bit strange that I will probably be the only one in the square drinking alcohol :P

Doesn't matter...

10:27pm

I'm sitting in my bed. That was the last night in Da Lat. I just took another walk around the lake and planned my morning activities.

I hope the pictures bring you as much joy as they do to me.

XOXO

See you tomorrow