The Occupations of Vietnam: Dalat

Helmet for children billboard - most kids I saw on
motor bikes in Vietnam were not wearing helmets. 

The city of Dalat is at a higher elevation than most of Vietnam, providing a cooler atmosphere, which I welcomed with open arms. Dalat produces coffee and flowers. 

Crazy house

Our first stop was the Crazy House, with winding stairways and paths, toadstools, trees, and organic shapes. It was reminiscent of Spain's Gaudi, but not as breathtaking. Workmen continue to build onto the Crazy House today. They rent hotel rooms as well.

Sea monster bar in the ocean-themed ballroom at Crazy House

Mushroom tea party at crazy house

Gondola ride to Truc Lam Pagoda

Gondola to Truc Lam Pagoda

Truc Lam Pagoda can be reached via gondola - so of course we chose that route! They grow strawberries near the pagoda, making me feel right at home, since I live in Santa Cruz, where we grow strawberries as well. Vendors sold the fruit near the temple entrance.

Truc Lam Pagoda

This blue flower

Dalat King Palace - the summer palace of Bao Dai, Vietnam's last king

Linh Phuoc Pagoda

Linh Phuoc Pagoda is located on the outskirts of Dalat, down a small unassuming street. I was blown away by this mosaic modern temple. I climbed a seven story tower, saw countless mannequin monks, a buddha covered in orange strawflowers, and simply felt awestruck by the pagoda's quirky beauty.

Linh Phuoc Pagoda

Lin Phuoc Pagoda

Notes from worshippers on the giant bell, so big they use a
tree log battering ram to ring it. Lin Phuoc Pagoda

I love this temple! Lin Phuoc Pagoda

"Vietnamese Pizza" as they called it - a rice paper disk
with an egg, sausage, and a few kinds of sauce.
It tasted like dried shrimp, not my favorite.

Walking along the lake to dinner in Dalat I passed vendors cooking and selling barbecue sweet potatoes, corn, and eggs. Later, at the night market (above) countless people cooked these "Vietnamese pizzas". Street vendors are everywhere in Vietnam. It seems anyone who wishes to make a little extra cash finds something to sell, and often, that something is street food.