Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.
— Oscar Wilde.
This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates.
Introduce Yourself (Example Post)
This is an example post, originally published as part of Blogging University. Enroll in one of our ten programs, and start your blog right.
You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click the “New Post” button, and tell us why you’re here.
Why do this?
- Because it gives new readers context. What are you about? Why should they read your blog?
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The post can be short or long, a personal intro to your life or a bloggy mission statement, a manifesto for the future or a simple outline of your the types of things you hope to publish.
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You’re not locked into any of this; one of the wonderful things about blogs is how they constantly evolve as we learn, grow, and interact with one another — but it’s good to know where and why you started, and articulating your goals may just give you a few other post ideas.
Can’t think how to get started? Just write the first thing that pops into your head. Anne Lamott, author of a book on writing we love, says that you need to give yourself permission to write a “crappy first draft”. Anne makes a great point — just start writing, and worry about editing it later.
When you’re ready to publish, give your post three to five tags that describe your blog’s focus — writing, photography, fiction, parenting, food, cars, movies, sports, whatever. These tags will help others who care about your topics find you in the Reader. Make sure one of the tags is “zerotohero,” so other new bloggers can find you, too.
Hanoi
Hanoi is a colder city, you see residents walking around in coats, jumpers and jeans (when to be honest, it wasn’t even cold, just cooler than the rest of Vietnam as it is in the North. Maybe 22 degrees). I’m not sure if it’s all year round, I know it will get warmer, but in March it’s definitely cooler.
Such a unique and beautiful city. One thing I do love about South East Asia is that the countries have kept hold of their history: The buildings are old and show heritage everywhere and it’s bursting to be explored.
A recommendation from me is to be a tourist and go see a water puppet show. I went and although I had no clue what they were saying, the story was told well through the water puppets and you will get to experience a tradition for the people of Hanoi. I’ve posted some photos below.
The buildings in Hanoi, as I mentioned before, are old. Old but beautiful, as you can see. (Although health and safety would have a field day!)
Hỏa Lò Prison – Hanoi
This is a must-see life experience if you’re visiting Hanoi.
Definitely not a happy place to be but I think that it’s something you just need to do when you’re there.
It’s the remains of a prison which was used by the French Colonists for political prisoners. The majority of the prison was destroyed back in the 90’s but this part was kept as a museum.
If you’re not aware of the history of Vietnam then definitely read up on it, it’s incredibly interesting and eye-opening to what this world has suffered and endured. If you’re not one for history then the information provided and the prison itself will give you a good idea of what went on and why it is still there.
Here’s just a glimpse of what’s inside, I didn’t really want to give anything away!
Huc Bridge – Hanoi
Whilst in Hanoi we visited the famous Huc Bridge which is set on the beautiful Hoán Kien Lake. It’s a small red footbridge which takes you from the main pavement to Jade Island where the Jade Temple is. This lake and bridge is especially pretty when lit up in the evenings or around sunset.
If you would like to read the legend of Hoán Kien Lake, click here.
A must-visit in the centre of Hanoi, even if you just walk around the lake and take photos of the attractive Huc Bridge.
Halong Bay
Who could travel to Hanoi or even any part of Northern Vietnam and not indulge themselves in Halong Bay?
The natural stone islands were the perfect to film Kong: Skull Island but it’s also the perfect place for anyone who wants to take time out and enjoy a gift from Mother Nature.
I ventured out on a one night Cruise through Halong Bay with Jeannie. Lunch, dinner and breakfast, stopping twice and kayaking were included.
We got on the small ship and were lead to the dining room on the main deck and had some traditional Vietnamese food for lunch while we set off to our first stop. This was at Dau Go cave for a tour. We spent about an hour walking around the great cave which was lit up and truly awesome to see.
Our next stop was one of the larger Islands of Halong Bay. We were able to get on a smaller boat which took us to the island where we had about 2 hours to explore or chill on the beach. Jeannine and I decided to climb to the tallest part of the island which had awesome views. We
Following this, we got back on the boat and to our rooms to settle in. Dinner was later and truly yummy. I made friends with an English couple who encouraged me to try my first shelled (giant) king prawn. When covered in hot sauce, wasn’t too bad.
Jeannie and I spent most of the evening up on the top deck watching the sun go down and then singing to old music together.
My Tailor Made PJ’s
Hoi An is very well known for its tailoring services. The people of Hoi An can make any item of clothing or shoes, made to fit you and only you, in just a couple of days.
I took advantage of this and had some PJs made. I had seen some silky ones online I liked a few weeks before so I showed them a photo of what I wanted, got measured, chose my material and colour and left them to it.
Returning a day later, I tried on my new PJs and fell in love! So much so that I asked them to make another set in another colour.
I left Hoi An a few days later with two new, perfect fitting PJs which only cost £30 for them both! Happy Kennedy and a personal souvenir to last a lifetime.
The Lanterns of Hoi An
Lanterns. They light up Hoi An at night, make it picturesque and is a large part of the city’s history.
When wandering around the little streets of the Old Town you’ll never be short of a view of hanging lanterns above.
Bright, beautiful colours and hand painted patterns beam out light to the streets. I was often mesmerised by them and got lost in thought about the method of making them and the time it took to paint them.
Luckily, we bumped into a place where we could design and make our own lanterns. I found out the method of making these shades, a method that has been passed down over hundreds of years. Incredibly fortunate that it was shared with us.
Here are a few photos of us making our lanterns and the lanterns in Hoi An. I still have mine, I really should put it up!
Hoi An Photography Tour
Whilst in Hoi An, we were fortunate enough to be part of a photography tour which took us inside the houses of local Vietnamese people, through their ancient fish markets and through their community again, this is another experience I’ll never forget.
I took some amazing photos (for the amateur photographer that I am) and I think they really are worth a thousand words, so let’s let them speak.
Diving in Bali
The North part of Bali is famous for snorkelling and scuba diving so this was added to my ‘must-do’ list and we made it happen.
I went with the other volunteers, five of us in total but only three of us scuba dived. The travel to the North of the Island took four hours by car, there was a massive thunderstorm with lots of lightning which was amazing to watch. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get any photos but it was incredible to watch and it passed the journey.
Arriving in the small village of Amed in the early morning, we settled in for breakfast and a gorgeous fresh orange juice then went through the paperwork and safety video. Following this, we were wet-suited and booted and headed to the pool for some practice.
Practice and safety checks done! Off to the beach!
Unfortunately, the weather was windy which resulted in a high current and sandy waves so the view under the water wasn’t as clear as usual. We still got to see some awesome colourful fish and a pair of clownfish in their anemone.
Here’s the link to Bali Dive Trek, the company who created such an awesome and safe experience for us! I’d totally recommend!
Travelling kennedy May 