Oh what a day!

Hi all

As I mentioned in yesterday's post today 5 families decided to go to the Perfume Pagoda. The guide books made it sound incredible. Our agency contact here had not been before but we decided it sounded like the perfect day trip. And it was...almost!

We left the hotel bright and early this morning for the 2+ hour drive. We had 8 adults and 6 kids. The drive was beautiful. We see so much driving through the countryside. It is very different from what we saw driving in the south to the beach. There is a lot more farming, everything is very spread out. What is similar is the ability to have a beautiful, obviously expensive home mixed amongst pure poverty. It is all incredible.

We get to the starting point at a little before 10. We knew we had a boat trip ahead of us but no one realized this trip would be in very small metal canoes. Seriously! We got 3 boats, they technically hold 8 people but YOU try that with kids. The trip was about an hour. With a 10 month old. In a little boat. How do you think that went? Yep, fine as long as I gave him crackers! The cruise was one of the most beautiful, magical hours of my life. For the millionth time since I have been here I wished Brady (my amazing photog friend) was here so someone could capture this extreme beauty. It was beyond belief. The river ran through lush mountains, with pagodas perched throughout.

When we got to the other side we were thrilled to find out that they put in a cable car to take us to the top. Those of you who know me know that I would love an hour (or two) hike up a beautiful mountain. But with a front pack and a backpack, not so much!! So into the cable car we went. At the top was a cave that you walked down a ton of steps to get to. Inside were about 7 different alters, all for different things. Our guide made it a point to light incense to give to me for the alter that can help me get married! There was also one point where I stood for a few minutes with my hand on top of a large stone hoping for a drop of water to land in my hand. It did and I was instructed to rub it on both Trey and I. I think that guarantees us a very lucky life (like we need help in that department!!).

From there it was back down the cable car to a few more incredible pagodas. Again, pictures do not do it justice. Then a lunch (which is a long story in itself, but we were totally getting taken to the cleaners on a bunch of things here...in the grand scheme of things though no biggie). Another hour boat ride back (and a few more crackers) and the longest drive back due to livestock traffic jams followed by baby melt down and no dinner.

I have to go back to the store tomorrow as I just ate all of Trey's crackers while typing this!

Tomorrow is a working day here, Tuesday the Embassy and Consulate are closed. Keeping sending prayers, juju, mojo - whatever - that we get our approval in the next few days. That would put is back home early next week.

Hope everyone is enjoying a long weekend. If you are one of the few who need to work on Monday, call in sick!
Cindy