In the summers I spend time with my good friends in Phat Diem, Vietnam, a small country village with a world famous cathedral. Here are some of my musings. If you would like to correspond, please email me: garymeegan@gmail.com.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Visit to Trang An - Part II
High above the river, really, really, high above the river, is what looks like a temple. In reality, it was built by the government for tourists. We stopped there and enjoyed the fantastic view. The place is new and still had perhaps a few unfinished details. Nonetheless, the setting is exquisite. Here are some pictures of Jean-Baptiste and Quan and myself. Jean-Baptiste noticed the spirituality of the place, and there are trails that lead all through the mountains to holy places. Note the beautiful carved wood on the underside of the roof. One could feel God's presence here. To get a good look at the temple from far away, click on the first picture.
Here we are walking down the steps. These are made from the same stone as the mountains themselves and are steep. The bannister, however, is both stone and concrete dyed to match the stone.
I know it sounds crazy, but I had to take a picture of the restrooms. Because this is so new (it hasn't been completely finished yet), everything is still in pristine condition. I had to take a picture of the sinks in the men's room because they are glass. Can you believe that? This is a first rate place that no one should miss. 
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I just figured out how to post videos using YouTube, so here are the kids from Hoa La parish.
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As you can imagine, anniversaries are just as important here in Vietnam as they are in the States. As it was Bishop Joseph's 23rd annive...
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Within a few hours from Phat Diem is Cu Phuong National Park. It was formed in 1962 by Ho Chi Minh. Consisting of two whole mountain ranges,...