Guam’s own version of a tragic love story ala Romeo and Juliet is relived in this modern day park called Two Lover’s Point in Guam.
Legend has it that two lovers jumped off the cliff to escape the wrath of an enraged father. It’s a classic story of a rich-girl-meets-poor-boy but we can never be happy together in this lifetime so let’s die together so we may live happily ever after.
To clarify things , i’m not a huge fan of mushy love stories with tragic endings but from what i heard , going to this park gives you a fabulous view of Tumon Bay.
From the parking lot an imposing bronzed statue of the two lovers can be seen. It was a sight to behold because it illustrates the burning passion of the legendary lovers.
Two Lover’s Point statue
What better way to share this passion ? The park has put up a lock wall. Bring your own lock or buy one from the park store . Scribe your promise to each other and lock it away. Quite romantic for couples out there . 💋
Heart lock wall
I visited during late afternoon so i can purposely witness the sunset. Guam is well known for its beautiful sunset and definitely not one to be missed.
For you to get the best view of the yellow orange hue walk up the lookout point. Added bonus is a great view of Tumon bay!
Lookout Point
See what i mean ? Delightful view of Tumon Bay while enjoying the sunset . This is the main reason why throngs of tourists come to this park . To get the best view in Guam .
A telescope is available too for a more enjoyable viewing.
A word of caution though . Refrain from looking down if you have the faintest of heart. It’s a 400 foot drop from the top !
And though the view was fantastic , my heart was smitten by this cute little one… Ain’t he adorbs? Pick one up for yourself and your lovey doods from the park souveinir store.
Do not miss the chance to visit the park. It is just a 10min ride from Micronesia Mall.
And if by chance you’ve already burned yourself up from shopping this is a great way to get away from the crowd. Your wallet would definitely thank you for that.
There are 2 ways to get here. One option is to take the red trolley from the DFS Galleria or Micronesia Mall . Cost is 4usd one way . Roundtrip is 10usd inclusive of entrance fee to the lookout point.
Rental car is a more popular way of touring Guam. It’s cheap and gives you freedom to move about. Avoid the taxi because it’s very expensive .
Trolley bus available from DFS galleria and/or Micronesia Mall
Entrance Fee : USD3 per person (6yo below – free)
Opening times : 0700am to 0700pm
Trolley service : available from DFS Galleria and Micronesia Mall (red trolley)
Cost of Shuttle : USD4 per way OR USD10 Roundtrip with entrance ticket
One day your relative in the U.S. sent you a message : Hey! why don’t you come and visit us here during your vacation ? I’ll pay for everything !
Yeah . wouldn’t it be great to have a reunion with your dear ones in America ?
But now you’re stumped. Not knowing what to do , where to start. The information on the website of the Embassy of the United States seems to overwhelm you!
Do not fret . There are only 4 EASY STEPSin applying for a US tourist visa.
PAY THE MRV FEE
taken from the website of ustraveldocs.com
There are different fees for each category of visa. B1/B2 visa category which pertains to those intending to travel to the United States for vacation/pleasure , to visit relatives and/or for business purposes has the least expensive visa fee among US visa types.
How much is the visa fee ? USD160 per applicant
Do i pay in USD or Peso ? Pay in Philippine peso equivalent of USD160
Where do i pay the visa fee ? There are 3 options . 1. Pay CASH (in peso) at any BPI bank branch . 2. thru BPI online payment . 3. thru Bancnet online payment.
Now suppose you have money on hand and ready to pay don’t go just yet. First, you have to generate a deposit slip similar to this :
Bring this to the bank with your payment and a copy of your passport biopage
Print out your unique US visa fee deposit slip from here .
After which , bring the printout and payment to the bank. To add, you also must bring a photocopy of the biopage of your passport.
Bank will issue you a receipt.
IMPORTANT :Keep your receipt because you will not be able to schedule your appointment without it.
Remember that most of the questions that will be asked during the interview will be based on what you have written on the DS160 form.
Whatever imprecise or inaccurate answers may backfire on you during the interview.
To put it another way, treat this like you’re preparing your resume for an important job interview. All details must be authentic and factual.
There’s also no harm in seeking the help of another person , one that you trust , in completing this form.
Furthermore, hit the save button should you need to stop before exiting so you can come back and retrieve your form in the future.
IMPORTANT : Take note of your DS160 application number. You will need it to retrieve your unfinished application form.
Towards the end , it will prompt you to attach your most recent 2X2 picture. Be sure to follow the required id size and jpeg file size to succesfully move on to the next page.
Before signing your form take time to review all your answers.
Once you hit the submit button there’s no turning back . Whatever errors you’ve made cannot be taken back and may result to failure to your application.
Once done, be sure to print out the last page.
That’s your DS160 Application Confirmation Number. You have to bring it with you during the interview.
Whew! Easy peasy right? Let’s move on to our next step.
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT / INTERVIEW
2 Options :
Thru Call Center by calling (02) 976-8500 – 02 OR (02) 981-8300. Customer service agents are available to take your call from Monday to Friday 0800AM to 0800PM.
Either way , you will be provided with all the available date and time for interview. You may choose your preferred schedule .
What if for some unexpected reason i cannot come to my appointment ? An applicant can change his/her schedule twice only. Call the call center or do it here.
An Appointment Confirmation will be sent to your email indicating all pertinent details of your application.
Below is a sample of an appointment confirmation.
IMPORTANT :Print this and bring it on the day of your appointment.
DAY OF INTERVIEW / D-DAY
After you’ve paid the visa fee , completed the application form and schedule set , there’s only one more left to conquer and that is to pass the interview.
On this day , start with a positive attitude and a prayer to God. Build up your courage and wish you pass this with flying colors. Besides, you don’t wanna waste money for nothing eh?
Arrive at the embassy at least 30mins before your scheduled time.
Check if you have brought everything that have asked of you :
Valid Passport
DS160 Application Confirmation
Appointment Confirmation
Although not required ,you may also bring other documents which you feel might be asked of you during interview such as NSO birth cert , NSO marriage cert, bank certificates , certificate of employment , proof of this and that , etc.
But please keep all these documents concealed and away from the sight of the visa officer. If they ask you to produce it then hand it over but if not ….. better hide it for goodness sake!
IMPORTANT :The only document to hand over to your visa officer is your passport. Nothing more.
The interview would last about 10 minutes or so. Make the most out of it.
In a nutshell they would just like to know your personal background and status in life. The most important question is why you would want to go to the United States. Prove them that your intentions are good and that you are coming back after your vacation period.
If the visa officer hands back your passport and a piece of paper then it means they are denying you of a visa.
If they say congratulations or something to the effect and hold on to your passport then expect your passport to be delivered to your mailing address within 3 to 5 working days.
This is how the visa sticker looks like :
Congratulations ! Uncle Sam awaits you !
Tips to ace the interview deserves another post so please watch out for it . 😎
For any comments and questions i’d be glad to answer. Just hit the comment button .😀
Disclaimer :
I do not claim to be an expert on visa applications. I am just sharing what i have done and gone through. Information written on this post may serve as a guideline only. It is best to check the official website of the Embassy of the United States for updated information.
How to get a free Istanbul city tour during layover ?
These are the conditions mandated by Turkish Airlines if you wish to avail it :
You must be an international transit passenger of Turkish Airlines.
Your layover should not be longer than 24 hours.
Min layover is 6hours . Maximum of 24 hours.
A valid visa or e-visa must be in possession for you to be able to leave airside
Your flight arrival and departure must be compatible with their scheduled tours .
Here are the tour timings :
0830 to 1100 , 0900 to 1500 , 0900 to 1800 , 1200 to 1800 , 1600 to 2100
There is no need for you to pre-book the tour.
Just choose the best timetable according to your flight arrival/departure and proceed to the Hotel Desk (International Arrival Hall) at the Ataturk Airport at least 30mins before tour starts. Just present your passport and onward ticket and you are good to go.
Waiting area for tour pickup is at the Starbucks beside the hotel desk.
A tour guide will then pick you up . Will give a short briefing and usher you to the waiting van just outside the arrival hall.
Touristanbul van
Free tour verdict :
Our flight arrived at 0630am and was able to clear immigration at around 0730am. Headed straight to the Hotel Desk to enlist for the 0900am tour schedule but guide was late . He arrived half past nine.
By the time we started city traffic was at its height. At least 1 hour was wasted and we were only able to visit 2 sights namely , Bhosphorus River (bridge) and Beylerbeyi Palace. There is an option to eat breakfast at the nearby TBMM Mili Saraylar Cafe which is overlooking the river.
If you intend to join the free city tour , Consider the traffic.
It’s important to realize that a 6 hour tour in a van would not be enough to visit Topkapi Palace or Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque .
All things considered , a Metro from the Airport to the major sights would be much quicker.
We were anticipating a free snack included in the tour but didn’t happen 🙂Lots of fat cats hanging around by the cafe
My final rant :
If this weren’t for free , we could have asked for a refund . Tour was in a rush and guide didn’t talk much during our trip. What a bummer !
Touristanbul website mentioned a free food service during the tour but we bought our own snack. We did not enter the Palace because there was an entrance fee . Ain’t it supposed to be waived for tour joiners?
On the positive side , it was better than hanging around Ataturk Airport. And most importantly it was free!
However, when i chance upon a 6hr layover in Istanbul again, i would hop on a metro and just do it myself. 😀
For more info on the Free Istanbul city tour please find it here .
Welcome to Tbilisi, capital of Georgia (country in Europe – not the state in US) , with winding streets and tight alleys , beautiful people as well as good food and a lot more to discover.
Tbilisi is a walkable city and by walking means you need to walk this steep narrow street.
And be greeted by friendly smiling local with their vintage door.
Who would’ve thought that a beautiful Victorian house stands unscathed in the aftermath of the Soviet era.
Art Nouveau houses in desperate need of restoration but definitely worth taking pictures of.
A typical Georgian building comprises of a courtyard which may have a common exit/entrance being shared by all its occupants.
The city is teeming with back alley cafes. Great for intimate meetings without too much distraction from pedestrians.
Sameba Church – considered as one of the largest Orthodox Church , it took 7 years to construct and now a symbol of the “New Georgia”.
Meanwhile, the “Old Georgia” built its foundation sorrounding their hero King Vakhtang Gorgasali
And the way King Vakhtang discovered Tbilisi was when the King’s falcon caught a pheasant both birds fell into a nearby hot spring and died. King was so impressed with the discovery that he decided to build a city on this location.
Then came the birth of Sulfur Bath houses. And lots of it.
Waterfalls in the middle of the city . Truly amazing.
The old town has a squiggly-wiggly clock tower built by renowned puppeteer Rezo Gabriadze. Twice a day, at noon and at 7pm you can see a show – “Circle of Life”.
If a marionette show doesn’t interests you enough then ride a Funicular up to Mtatsminda Amusement Park . You get an amazing view of the whole of Tbilisi city. Ticket is priced at 2GEL.
It’s no fun if you don’t try Adjaruli Kachapuri , the most popular Georgian dish and the other dishes as well.
Rike Park – Aerial tramway terminus (to/from Narikala Fortress) and some weird looking structure beside it.
Georgians, after gaining their much coveted independence is never ever letting go. They love their country and they’re very proud of what they’ve accomplished .
It was a lovely evening . Though a bit cold still a perfect way to end our Georgia discovery.
I’ve taken a few nightshots of Tbilisi city from atop Narikala Fortress and the results was more than satisfying. The city is gorgeous at night! How i wish i had brought a much wider lens with me. My pictures would be more than spectacular.
After a hearty feast of Georgian dishes which our guide prepared for us we started walking through the Bridge of Peace . Although I have seen it earlier in broad daylight it was more dreamlike during the night.
It’s contemporary design was almost out of place in the midst of the old town’s antiquated look. However, it stood out and attracted a lot of attention.
I was like a moth attracted to it’s twinkling lights. I couldn’t help but smile 👩
Moving forward , we then again passed by Metekhi Church and King Gorgasali statue. It had a ghostly appearance to which made my hair stand on end.
Standing on the Old Meidan Town Square , i can see Narikala Fortress looming above us. I couldn’t wait to get on the cable car so we can go up and take pictures of the city below us.
The city was pretty with all the lights. Don’t you think so?
But this one scared me…. I wanted to hide. Hahaha. It’s just a resto name don’t worry says our guide. Nevertheless, it’s reminiscent of Georgia’s struggles in the past.
Restaurant alley at the Old Meidan town .
There are 2 ways to reach Narikala : by cable car or by foot.
I recommend to take the cable car at night. Why? Because the view and the city lights are just amazingly beautiful. ✨
Journey time : 2minutes per way
Cost of ticket : 1GEL per way
Embarkation : @Rike Park (Old Town Tbilisi)
Cable car type : glass enclosed / airconditioned
Never leave Tbilisi without a photo souvenir against a backdrop of their famous I ❤ Tbilisi sign 😀
This picture pretty much sums up our five day Georgia exploration in a glance. If given more time i would have much liked to go to the Black Sea coast of Batumi and also do cross over to Armenia.
I implore you to visit Georgia . As of writing , it is considered as one of the underrated travel destination but one should include in their travel bucketlist. For information about Georgia head over to this site.
If you are heading out to the Caucasus Mountains coming from Tbilisi city center you may do this route : Jvari Monastery⇒Mtskheta⇒Ananuri Fortress. Otherwise , if descending from the mountains then reverse the route to Ananuri Fortress⇒Mtskheta⇒Jvari Monastery.
You will pass by these historical landmarks on your way up or coming back down to Tbilisi city. It’s like hitting 2 birds with one stone.
Me and my friends are going up to Gudauri , the ski resort in Georgia and this would be the perfect itinerary for us. Besides , we get to save time/money instead of paying a separate tour for Mtskheta/Jvari Monastery.
Promptly we were picked up by our rental car transfer and travelled 20kms from Tbilisi to Jvari Monastery , a UNESCO world heritage site.
JVARI MONASTERY, an orthodox church that dates back 6th century, can be seen from afar sitting on a cliff . Remarkably , the lookout that gives you a great view of Aragvi River and Mtkhavari River.
Can you see the big imposing structure ? That’s the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta town , a buliding that dates back 11th century. Christ’s robe is believed to lie beneath its pillars.
MTSKHETAis the ancient capital of Georgia. I feel it’s more of an open air museum of the old capital. It showcases Georgian products such as wine, scarves , jewelries, fruit preserves and so much more. If walking around tires you out, there are a number of cafes to eat lunch.
Old Ancient town of GeorgiaPomegranate juice vendor @ Mtskheta
Around 50kms away from Mtskheta is the ANANURI FORTRESS. An hour of travel by the georgian military highway we reached this beautiful castle by the Aragvi river. Within the complex are 2 cathedrals : Church of the Virgin and Church of the Assumption.
Entrance is free.
Church of the Assumption
Overlooking Aragvi River
Bell Tower @Ananuri Fortress overlooking Zhinvali reservoir.
Another 50kms and another 1 hour of land travel we have reached Gudauri Ski Resort.
There is more to Georgia than meets the eye. To begin with , I wasn’t even sure how to address the continent from which it belongs to. Is it in Asia or does it belong to Europe ? The answer is in fact Georgia is at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. I soon realized that due to its cultural diversity comes a plethora of exciting dishes to try. And should you by any chance find yourself traversing the tight alleys of Tbilisi please make sure to try eating one or two of these divine dishes.
KHACHAPURI
If any equivalent to fastfood exists in Georgia then it must be Khachapuri. In fact even the smallest bakery in town sell the most sought after snack piping hot fresh out of the oven . Authentic Georgian Khachapuri or simply put cheese filled flat bread commonly use 2 kinds of cheeses Imeruli and Sulguni. As i have come to known kachapuri has many versions attached to its name. I’ve only encountered 2 popular versions whilst staying in Georgia of which significantly marked a special place in my heart (or rather tummy).
KHACHAPURI ADJARULI
My favorite version of Khachapuri is the cholesterol rich adjaruli kachapuri. This one has a gondola shaped bread to nestle the cheese, butter and runny egg filling.. It is served hot from the oven and the way to eat it is first mix the filling then take a piece of bread to dip into the mixture. I must say this one is truly addictive. Don’t take my word for it . You have to try it for yourself when you get the chance
PKHALI
2 major ingredients : Spinach and Walnuts . Can this Georgian traditional dish be as healthy as it can get? Errrr, Popeye must be of Georgian descent ? Different greens and veggies may be used (spinach, beets, green beans, cabbage , eggplant) though. This pate is served as appetizer and may be spread to breads or crackers.
KHINKALI
The most celebrated traditional dish in Georgia is …. drumroll please… Khinkali. Mind you, these are not your ordinary dumplings and must not be mistaken as xiao long bao of taiwan. For one , the dumpling wrapper is thicker and more doughy. Secondly, Khinkalis are cooked in boiling water/stock instead of steaming it. There is a widespread culture in Georgia to use only clean bare hands while consuming this, using of fork is not considered polite. The correct way of eating is to hold it by the crown (using your bare hands) , take a small nip at the bottom to release the juices and lightly sip the soup inside. Once done, eat the bottom part (with the meat) . Leave the top part in your plate so you may count how many have you consumed.
MTSVADI
Georgian mountain dwellers are typically animal hunters . After a hard day’s work, villagers like to barbecue their conquest. This dish is similar to Shish Kebab or Shashlik of Iran in that big chunks of meat are grilled outside on an open fire . Moreover, it helps to marinate the meat in pomegranate juice before grilling to make it tender and juicy. Usually served with onion rings and thin pita bread.
GEORGIAN PICKLES – JONJOLI, PEPPERS
Georgians love their pickles.In Georgia you’ll see pickled peppers, beets, garlic and jonjoli. We were served with this exotic looking sprout to which our guide explained are jonjolis or Caucasian bladdernut flowers native to Georgia.
CHICKEN WITH SOUR CREAM
This dish originated from the region of Ossetia . Oh and I heard that this can be stuffed to make a pie.
CHURKCHELA
Strange looking georgian version of snickers. In contrast to its american counterpart churchkhela is surprisingly not too sweet alternatively, it’s sour with a tinge of sweetness. Unlike snickers , stringed nuts are dipped to thickened grape juice or fruit juice and dried into the shape of a sausage. Various nuts used are almonds , walnuts, hazelnuts and sometimes raisins.
PUNCHULA (Georgian Donuts)
Simple traditional doughnuts albeit the holes with a generous sprinkling of powdered sugar. Nothing to write home about but make sure to order them fresh.
GEORGIAN WINE
Super thanks to our host and private tour guide, Mr George of Georgia who in a short period of time has shown us how beautiful this country is. He has truly imparted a gold mine of information which no history books or even google can provide. We wish to come back in the future and hopefully visit the other regions.
Gudauri is a famous ski resort area located in Georgia. It’s one of the most inexpensive ski resort . Here are the top things to do in this beautiful area.
#1 SKI or LEARN TO SKI
These kids are adorable.
I’m not interested in learning to ski simply because i come from a tropical country. Even if i learn it now i wouldn’t even put it into practice . Sorry i wouldn’t be swayed (hahaha). Don’t be curbed by my personal opinion. What i want you to do is ski or yet try learning it while you are in Gudauri. And besides, i heard that ski lessons are cheap in Gudauri compared to other European ski destination.
#2 JUST CHILL
Build a snowman. Lounge all day. Drink beer . Listen to reggae music . Be merry and be happy. Sample Georgian wine . It’s the best !! You’re in Georgia after all.
#4 GLORIOUS FOOD
Georgia is home to the best dishes in the world. Really, you can’t be in Georgia without tasting their amazing cuisine. Think of warm comfort food that hugs you like your mother.
#5 BEFRIEND A LOCAL
The locals are as warm as their food.
#6 RIDE THE GONDOLA
Gudauri has an elevation of 3000M above sea level. Ski Lifts are your passport to the top. With a ski pass costing 5GEL (2USD) only who couldn’t resist it? Take pictures . I mean take a load of pictures and post it immediately in your social media account which will leave your friends drooling with envy 🙂
#7 SNOWMOBILING/PARAGLIDING/SNOWBIKING
These activities sure aren’t free but since you are in Gudauri you’ll know that the cost would not burn your pockets. For more info look up Gudauri Travel website .
#8 ADMIRE YOUR SORROUNDINGS
And at the end of the day you get tired from it all, look out from the balcony of your rented apartment and just gaze at the magnificent Caucasus mountains and thank God for that wondrous feeling.
St Petersburg is a fairly large city and every landmark can be reached by metro . But if you only have one day to spare i highly suggest getting a tour from reputable travel agencies or hire a private tour guide (with car) . Our guide made everything possible and we were able to cover most of the sights in this wonderful city.
If you only have one full day in St Petersburg , it’s worth noting that these are the must see :
ST. ISAAC’S CATHEDRAL
This cathedral is considered as the largest Orthodox church in Russia and the fourth largest in the world. It’s imposing figure and dome can also be seen at the other side of the river. Entrance is at RUB250 .
Sightseeing tip :muster the courage to walk up 300 steps to the colonnade and be rewarded of a sweeping view of the city. Worth to try!
2. NEVA RIVER
St Petersburg charm may be attributed to this river. Lucky you if you happen to visit spring/summer (May to July) during the White Nights Festival when the river comes to life.
Sightseeing tip :Do a romantic evening walk with your significant other at the embankment of the river and marvel at the numerous illuminated drawbridges .
3. ALEXANDRIAN COLUMN (PALACE SQUARE)
This structural symbol of the city stands right in the center of Palace Square. This monument was erected to commemorate the victory in the war with Napoleon. And if you look closely at its pedestal , you will find sculptures that depicts military glory.
Sightseeing tip : Visitors can ride a horse drawn carriage around the square to get a full view of the architecture and beauty that is so unique of St Petersburg.
4. STATE HERMITAGE MUSEUM AND WINTER PALACE
This rococo gilded building is not to be missed when you visit St Petersburg. This has been the main residence of Russian Tsars and symbolyzes politics and culture. Its grandeur and magnificence would surely leave you wide eyed with delight.
Sightseeing tip : The Hermitage museum is so huge that you need at least 2 days to visit. Don’t forget to purchase museum tickets in advance to avoid long lines specially during the summer.
5. GENERAL STAFF BUILDING
Fronting the Hermitage Museum , it consists of two lengthy buildings. The western wing housed the General Staff and other military institutions, the eastern wing housed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance. Presently, it now houses government offices and exhibits from the collection of Hermitage.
Sightseeing tip : Less crowded than the Hermitage without sacrificing value. It houses paintings from well reknowned artists . Rest your wearied feet by their cafe.
6. KAZAN CATHEDRAL
If this building looks familiar to you it’s because it was inspired by the Basilica of St Peter’s in Vatican City Rome. You can easily spot this building along the Nevsky Propekt.
Sightseeing tip :Just accross Kazan Cathedral, one will find the Singer Building (yes, that’s the famous sewing machine brand). There are lots of books for sale here , also great for souveinir shopping. The Singer Cafe inside has windows which overlooks Kazan Cathedral.
7. CHURCH OF THE SAVIOR ON SPILT BLOOD
Postcard perfect but never mistaken to be St Basil’s Cathedral (which is in Moscow). This was built in memory of Alexander II and it stands in the very place where he died.
Sightseeing tip :Like St Basil’s in Moscow , this has been proven to be as one of the most photographed structure in Russia. The view from Nevsky Prospekt is spectacular.
8. SHIP CRUISER AURORA
After the war the ship was carefully restored and used as a free museum and training ship for cadets from the nearby Nakhimov Navy School.
Sightseeing tip: If you’re like me who has no interest in warfare ships i suggest to just forego entering . Take pictures outside and save a few bucks.
9. SPIT OF VASILYEVSKY ISLAND
This column called “strelka” (spit) is the main attraction in Vasilyevsky Island. The decors in the column represents four key Russian rivers namely , the Volga , Dnepr, Neva and Volkhov.
Sightseeing tip : this area gives brilliant views of Peter and Paul Fortress, the Hermitage, Admiralty and St isaac’s Cathedral
Special thanks to our Russian tour guide , Mr Alex Lyumibov , who made our one whole day in St Petersburg worthwhile ♥♥♥
Anthony Bourdain , host of Parts Unknown, in one of his episodes in Hanoi was caught saying : “Vietnam. It grabs you and doesn’t let you go. Once you love it, you love it forever.” It was like an ode to his favorite noodle dish in Vietnam. True enough, it seems every person who visited Vietnam shares his sentiments including me.
Ansd so, let’s find out what has gotten his heart. These are 5 must try dishes to try in Hanoi.
#1 BUN CHA
This popular dish in northern vietnam consists of a grilled fatty pork (bun) , white rice noodles (cha) with side dishes of fresh herbs . While the dipping sauce or broth is a mixture of onion , garlic and high quality fish sauce. There’s no ritual to observe when eating bun cha. Dip the noodles , herbs and pork in the broth and enjoy. It is best served with ice cold beer. You may also add nem cua be (crab spring rolls) for a more delightful experience.
Price :USD3-4 per serving (Cash only)
Where to eat : Dac Kim @ 1 Hang Manh, Hang Gai Hoan Kiem Hanoi Vietnam OR @ 67 Duong Thanh Hanoi.
#2 PHO
This ubiquitous noodle soup is made up of chicken or beef stock + rice noodles + thin slices of beef or chicken. So simple yet so lip-smackingly delicious! Locals normally eat pho as breakfast but me , i like to eat it anytime of the day. Once your Pho hits the table first thing you’d want to do is sample the broth. Then squeeze lime juice and some chili sauce. I tend to pick whatever my chopsticks can then bring it to my mouth while trying to steer clear of a messy splatter (this is how it works all the time).
Price :USD3 per serving (Cash only)
Where to eat : Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su street corner of Chan Cam st. Hanoi Vietnam
#3 CHA CA THANG LONG
Vietnamese style fish with turmeric and dill. The way they serve this is similar to Bun Cha with the exception that the fish-spring onions-dill are stir fried in your table. They serve it with a siding of white rice noodle , herbs , peanuts and fish sauce. Bring everything together and you get a healthy meal like no other.
Price :USD6-7 per serving (Cash only)
Where to eat : Cha Ca Thang Long 19-21-31 Duong Thanh Hoan Kiem Hanoi Vietnam
#4 XOI (sticky rice)
A bowl of savoury glutinous rice is topped with shredded chicken , pork floss , pate , ground meat , chinese sausage , egg , fried onions , mushroom and sliced yellow mung beans. Be sure to be hungry enough to order this but if not it’s meant to be shared.
Price :USD3-4 per serving
Where to eat : Xoi Yen 35B Nguyen Huu Huan Hoan Kiem Hanoi Vietnam
#5 BANH MI
Banh mi need no introduction. This french influenced snack can be bought everywhere in Vietnam. It is ever so popular that many versions has proliferated. But the best tasting Banh Mi sandwich and the one i prefer has a good combination of sausages , handmade pate to specially cured ham and barbeqeued pork. Top it all off with fresh veggies and special sauce . Put all these elements together into one formidable Banh Mi for your buck.
Price :USD1-2
Where to eat : In every street corner or go to Banh My Pate Jambon fronting Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su street corner of Chan Cam st. Hanoi Vietnam
How’s your food trip in Vietnam ? Do you have any favorites that i may try next time ? Give us your thoughts by commenting below ♥♥♥
And at the end of the day you get tired from it all, look out from the balcony of your rented apartment and just gaze at the magnificent Caucasus mountains and thank God for that wondrous feeling.
My Wanderful Life 