Ninh Binh
Trip Start
Feb 17, 2007
1
19
53
Trip End
Sep 06, 2008
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Ninh Binh,
Vietnam
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
A lesser-known part of tour leading is scouting destinations for future tours. Recently my manager asked if I was interested in going to Ninh Binh province. I jumped at the chance!
Ninh Binh is known for its natural beauty. Along the western region are numerous limestone mountains similar to Halong Bay. It's a magnificent sight that draws most of the tourists here. A sleepy waterway meanders through the mountains. One way of enjoying the scenery is on a slow sampan which passes through three shallow caves. Very picturesque, especially in the evening when the sun sets.
Natural beauty is abundant in Vietnam. In Ninh Binh province I also found architectural beauty. And cultural beauty.
Ninh Binh was the center of Catholocism during the French colonial era. Approximately a dozen churches still stand today. The largest is Phat Diem cathedral which features a bell tower in front. At a distance, the cathedral is easily confused for a temple or pagoda. It's only when you get close that the familiar crucifix becomes noticable. I think it's interesting how religion is adapted to terms people are familiar with.
In Africa, I saw Jesus Christ portrayed as having a very dark complexion. In Europe, his disciples were previously bakers, blacksmiths and shoe cobblers. I love it. So how about Asia? Jesus' mother, Mary, wore a white "ao dai" (traditional Vietnamese dress). And his garden tomb was guarded by two elephants.
Part of scouting locations is looking for new, interesting sights. This part of Ninh Binh province doesn't receive many tourists. Imagine the sight of a foreigner to a group of children playing under the bell tower. They were curious, yet too polite to do anything. So I took some pictures of the group and showed them the images. They started to warm up.
It was summer vacation for the children. The bell tower was apparently their hangout outside of school. At one point, they motioned me over to one of the corners. There was a remote passage that I probably would have overlooked. Some Vietnamese tourists saw us and followed. A narrow stairway winded up to the top of the bell tower. Great views of the church and surrounding village.
The children became more playful with time. For some reason, I always find a certain charm when I go out in the country. Perhaps because they are relatively unaffected by tourism or commercialism. Whatever the reason, it's a natural draw for me. One of the kids found a baby bird and helped it learn to fly.
My visit to the cathedral eventually concluded. But I stalled in order to avoid leaving. How often do I get this kind of chance to interact with the culture? One by one the kids started getting called home for lunch. So I quickly bought the remaining ones an ice cream. My primary thoughts on the drive home were how soon I could return to Phat Diem cathedral.
Next, Mai Chau
Eric
