#Junk Boat Tour

[yridenergyridenergy]

Die's Food Diary in Europe (March 2024 tour)

For the magazine Weekly Shinchou April 25th 2024 issue, Die wrote a blog of what he ate on Dir en grey's trip to Europe. Their flight lasted 14 hours.

March 18th – After landing in Warsaw, he went to a seafood restaurant but seeing as he doesn't like seafood or raw food, he ordered a beef steak, which he was satisfied with.

March 19th – Die ate breakfast at the hotel. The buffet typically contains ham, scrambled eggs, salad, bread and coffee. There were sausages and bacon, but they seemed oily/greasy and he was concerned about how much fat they contained. By the third day there though, he started getting bored with that menu.

The lunch is catered by the venue for the concert. It had ham, cheese, bread and minestrone. Because it was the first day and that preparations were hectic, he actually went on stage for that first show without eating dinner. After the show ended, he enjoyed a traditional Italian risotto with mushrooms.

March 20th – Before the second show, he ate pierogi for dinner. He commented that it looks like gyoza but that the taste is "modest"? He also highlighted how it was difficult to get used to the time of day because of how late the shows start in Europe.

March 21st – The band and the staff left on a double-decker bus toward Paris. Die bumped his head on the ceiling of the second floor because it's really low. The bunk beds are narrow for his height but they're decent once he got used to them. They all ate from a service area/stop along the way but Die, not wanting to succumb to the temptation of eating fast food, ate leftovers of a burrito prepared the previous night... which he then realizes can count as fast food too hah.

March 22nd – He ate from traditional French home-style meals that appeared to have been cooked in-house at the venue. Die was excited to try the food out but all the names were in French... The only meal that he could recognize visually was a quiche. I think he ended up trying a few regardless of not knowing what he was eating and he was satisfied.

Die was a bit nervous before going on stage because of the Bataclan's tragic event in 2015 (terrorist shooting). After the show, he had take-out bolognese pasta with thick noodles.

March 23rd – Apparently a fan from Japan gave them takoyaki, which was however heavier than pure takoyaki. He found the taste powdery. All the band members stuffed their faces with takoyaki. The band always receives a bunch of instant food from Japanese fans when they tour overseas, it seems. If someone on the bus starts eating something like ramen, the others are lured in by the smell and they will likely indulge as well. He doesn't usually take (instant?) ramen in Japan, but he finds it tasty on tour overseas.

For dinner, he had kebabs before the show, and pizza afterward. In the end, he did succumb to junk food.

March 24th – Breakfast was served on the ferry boat's restaurant. He took fried eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes and bread while looking out at the sea. At night, he went to a local yakiniku-style restaurant with his American friends. While the atmosphere was similar to a Japanese yakiniku, he felt sorry for his friends about the taste of the food.

......... A menu critic highlighted at the end of the diary that Die had not eaten any fruit or vegetables hahah.

[kinardsevan]

scribbles and snippets

There was something about it all that he didn’t have words to piece together to explain it yet. 

Something about that first morning, flying back to the boat, sitting next to each other in the helicopter. The glances that had been exchanged, that he hadn’t pieced together yet. And the moment—because it was a moment—that had passed between them when he’d put his hand on Tommy’s shoulder on the boat. A shared glance with no words that also held a mountain of subtext inside of it. 

The way Tommy had looked at him at Harbor during that afternoon tour, both of them searching a minefield, not knowing what they’d find on the other side, or what any of it meant. The way he’d been open to sharing his own jealousies when Evan admitted his own issues when feeling left out. And then oh god, the way it felt when Tommy had taken the leap and kissed him. It was both the way he hadn’t expected it at all, and yet the way he had so desperately needed it without ever knowing it.

It was the “so that was okay?” and the “so I guess it’s just me that makes you nervous”. It was the second kiss—the one that happened inside his apartment before the first date had fallen on it’s face, because he’d spent days thinking about what it would be like to kiss Tommy again. 

It was the need to make that happen again, no matter the cost. The fact that when he told Tommy he wanted to leap hurdles into a relationship with him, Tommy didn’t even blink. The way he showed up to Maddie and Chimney’s wedding after coming off a nearly 24-hour shift fighting a forest fire and, still in his turnouts, and not only had a good time but didn’t complain about it, didn’t make it a hardship. 

It was the first time he answered the phone at three AM when Evan woke up from a thunderstorm and he was on shift, but he still talked him down from the anxiety attack.

It was how, two weeks later during a date night when another storm hit, he’d stood in the kitchen and just hugged Evan as he trembled with each crack of lightning until the worst of the storm had passed. 

It was the way Tommy had made their first time together a safe place, constantly checking in and making sure that it was okay to continue, that Evan felt safe. The way he consistently told Evan there was no pressure for things to happen one way or another. 

It was every single kiss hello and goodbye, and the way Tommy’s fingers always found him in the dark, pulled him in and kept him safe. It was the love that still hadn’t been acknowledged out loud but was still always present in Tommy’s eyes. 

The truth was, Evan wasn’t sure he would ever have the words to piece together what all of that meant to him. He could try, might even find some semblance of a version that could get close, but he was also pretty positive that part of the issue was that the words he needed didn’t actually exist. Still, that wouldn’t stop him from trying to find them. 

. . .

“What’s this?” 

It’s not an anniversary. They don’t have any special plans. It wasn’t even intended to be a major thing. And yet. 

Tommy looks over at him quizzically as he reaches into the gift bag, pulls out a leather-bound book that’s been art and junk journaled through already. Still, as he opens it up, there’s more than just scraps, washi tape, and things of the like inside it. As he flips further through, he realizes there are writings inside the book. Some handwritten, some printed. 

“Just something I’ve been working on,” Evan tells him, watching apprehensively as Tommy flips through the pages. He pauses on one of the pages covered in handwritten scrawl, inhales a stuttered breath at the words. 

i saw you across a room. i saw you you in the dark. fathomed a world in which our atoms met underneath the same stars. 

Tommy looks up at him for a moment, words lost in his throat before his focus is back on the book. He thumbs through a few more pages, lands on another one with handwritten words. Evan gulps as his eyes fall onto the page. It’s his handwriting, his words. 

somewhere in between  stars and galaxies you saw the forest from the trees and understood things I couldn’t even see

like twinkling lights in the midnight sky every time you laugh, that look in your eyes somehow you managed to take me by surprise

you’ve seen places I haven’t been and can soften the edges defined by darkness with the asteroids in your eyes

I tried to lose my demons in Jupiter’s hurricane but you stood right there  telling me to fight for more

and you felt like Halle’s comet one in a million, don’t fit into anything but I’d tell you, you definitely fit here even if it’s just with me

and comets crash all the time  that’s what you said one night they burn out in ash and lose their light but I told you, you’d never be out of sight

whether you’re in Jupiter’s hurricane or out on Saturn’s rings zooming through the night on Halle’s comet or sitting here talking to me

I can see the galaxies in your eyes  and I promise, they’re not lost on me

“I um…I kept trying to figure out how-how to put it into words,” Evan stammers. “And nothing ever felt right. So I kinda started looking at other people’s, and writing things down.” 

Tommy shakes his head, still wordless as he looks back and forth between Evan and the words on the page. He keeps opening and closing his mouth like he might have the words, only to lose them before they actually make it out. 

He sets the book down after a moment and turns fully to face Evan, hands sliding up the blonde’s face before he pulls him in to an open-mouthed kiss, his tongue finding Evan’s instantly. Evan leans into him, hands roaming the expanse of Tommy’s chest until oxygen forces them to break apart. 

Tommy inhales a few deep breaths, pressing his forehead into the younger man’s. 

“The amount of thought, and attention put into that book,” Tommy rasps. He squeezes a fistful of Evan’s hair, lets out a long breath. “It’s more than anyone has ever taken the time to do.” He leans back then so that they can see each other clearly. “You don’t have to find perfect words, Evan. You already have them.” 

[hopefulkidshark]

Fishing village, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam: Hạ Long Bay, in northeast Vietnam, is known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests. Junk boat tours and sea kayak expeditions take visitors past islands named for their shapes, including Stone Dog and Teapot islets. Wikipedia

[five-rivers]

Velveteen

Phic phight for @bibliophilea !

It was rich, velveteen black, strewn with diamond dust and the distant, misty gauze of nebulae.  The Earth and moon were both crescent-shaped far below, their curves and colors bright with reflected sunlight and the twinkle of cities.  The silence up here was complete, a rarefied and encompassing peace. At the same time, the gentle fizz of ectoplasm exposed to vacuum prickled over her skin.

Dani could understand why Danny liked it.  

The cold.  The quiet.  All fears made irrelevant by distance and enormity.  Everything was so big.  Everything was so small. 

Danny flew up next to her, beaming, already back from his tour collecting the space junk from this particular segment of orbit.  He created a bubble shield around The two of them and filled it with a haze of ectoplasm.  

“Well?  What do you think?” he asked.  His voice sounded off.  Ectoplasm wasn't air.  

“It's cool,” said Dani.  

“I know, right?  Can you believe we're only, like, a hundred miles up?  That's like driving to Chicago.”

Dani had been to Chicago before.  She hadn't driven there.  Or driven anywhere, actually.  Flying was better, but boats were also good.  

Flying straight up had also been a good deal less interesting than flying to Chicago.  

“You'd think more stuff would be here if it's only as far away as Chicago is from Amity.”

Danny shrugged.  “Up is hard.  But not for us!”  He did a little spin.  “If it wasn't for the Anti-Ecto acts, we'd totally be shoo-ins for NASA.  We'd save them so much money.”

“That could be fun,” said Dani, looking out past the shield, at the stars.  “Working together.”

Danny gently nudged her shoulder.  “You don't have to force yourself, you know.  Sam and Tucker aren't clamoring to find a way up here.”

“Yeah, but I'm your sister.”  And she was supposed to be him.  She'd be lying if she said it didn't make her feel… less real.  

As Jazz had told her ages ago, trauma didn't disappear overnight.

“Jazz isn't here, either.  It's okay.”

For a second, Dani wondered if he had read her mind, bringing up Jazz like that, but then she put Danny's statement back in context.  

“It is cool.  Being out here.”

“It's okay if you don't like it.”

“I do like it.”

“Dani, I'm not going to love you less just because we don't have the same hobbies.”

Well.  What was she supposed to say to that?

It was officially getting too serious and sappy around here. 

Dani let out a very put-upon sigh.  “It is nice.  But it's so empty.  And it took an hour to fly here.”

Danny's smile was soft, understanding.  “A bit much, huh?”  He settled back against the curve of the shield.  “What would you like to do, if it wasn't for the Anti-Ecto acts?”

“I don't know,” said Dani, floating down to rest beside him.  The shield and ectoplasm made the stars twinkle and blur again, but it was more comfortable to see them this way.  “Marine biology, maybe.  Or ocean wildlife rehabilitation.  Those sound cool.”

“Huh.  Maybe our next field trip could be to the bottom of the ocean.”

“Oh, yeah, that sounds cool.  Not that this isn't, I mean–”  She felt the tips of her ears flush with ectoplasm.  

Danny started to laugh.  

[juicezone]

hi!!! the new ask game is so cool :D can i ask 🌳 📆 and 🤒? <3

- @azalea-bee

(Ask game here ^^!) (+Doing with Bones ofc hehe)

🌳If you and them could go anywhere, where would you go? What's something you'd like to do?

There's this REALLY cool cool national park called Crater Lake and ive ALWAYS wanted to go there... it's a giant lake that was formed when a VOLCANO exploded and it filled w snowmelt and rain and stuff and it has an island w a smaller (ccurently) dormant volcano and its called Wizard Island and the water is SO COLD AND CLEAR!!!

i wanna go ALL the way around it on the tours you can do and you can hike down on approved paths and they sometimes do boat tours and you can even fish on them i think!!!

📆If you could plan out some parts of a daily routine with them, what are some things you'd include? (ex: naps, quiet time, going outside, meals, games, etc)

I think he would help me set a wake up n bedtime routine bc i swear i hav such bad time blindness and its so hard to stick to a routine!! also making sure i eat good meals instead of just snacking all day or eating just junk food |D i also think he'd helpme set routines of what to do when stressed and upset and also like. remembering stuff like brushing teeth and washing my face and that kind of stuff

🤒When you're not feeling well, whether it be sick, chronic pain, or a bad brain day, what is something they do to help? Or what is something you do to help them?

I think if it a bad brain day he'd listen to me vent to him and then ask me if I want help working thru those feelings or if i just need some time to be upset and angry and he'd be okay with it no matter what i said

if sick i think he'd be super on top of making sure i was taking my meds n staying hydrated, and he'd have me sit with him on his lap (but he has to be careful letting me walk around w him bc we're in sickbay n he doesnt want me or anyone else getting sicker)

[sweetdreamsjeff]

Jeff Buckley: "It's Never Over"

Jim Irvin, MOJO, August 1997

JUST BEFORE 9PM ON THE EVENING of Thursday, May 29, Jeff Buckley and his friend Keith Foti realised they were lost.

They'd just left a Memphis restaurant and were on their way to a nearby rehearsal studio. Work was about to commence on Jeff's long-delayed second album. Band members Mick Grondahl and Michael Tighe were arriving at Memphis airport and tour manager Gary Bowen had gone to meet their plane. Jeff was looking forward to jamming with his band again. But he couldn't remember where the studio was. Neither could Keith. They'd been there once before and knew it was round here somewhere...

But what the hell, it was a nice night and they were both in good spirits. They had an acoustic guitar and a ghettoblaster. Jeff suggested they go down to the riverbank to hang out and play a little music while they pondered their next move.

A few yards downriver from a bridge that takes tourists on the Memphis monorail across to a peninsular known as Mud Island (attractions include a miniature Mississippi in concrete), was a spot where Jeff had swum before. It wasn't exactly picturesque – the shore of the wide commercial channel turns into slimy mud, dotted with sharp rock, broken bottles and twisted junk – but Jeff decided to go in. He didn't bother to take off his jeans or the black and white T-shirt with the crossed rifles and the word "Altamont" printed upon it. Because of all the debris, he didn't even remove his heavy boots. He simply waded into the muddy water up to his knees. Keith tried to dissuade him. But the headstrong Buckley kept on walking – laughing and singing as he went. Staying at the water's edge, Keith strummed the guitar while Jeff kicked back in the shallows.

They struck up one of Jeff's favourite songs: "You need cooling, honey I'm not fooling/I'm gonna send ya back to schooling" – Led Zeppelin's ‘Whole Lotta Love’. Jeff joked about how like Robert Plant his voice sounded echoing around the harbour. Enjoying the water, he lay on his back and began to swim further out, singing as he went. Some small boats went by in both directions.

By this time, dusk had faded. Only the glow of the city illuminated the water. Jeff had been in the river for about a quarter of an hour when Keith spotted a large tugboat passing. He saw Jeff begin to head back towards the shore as the tug's heavy wake approached. When the wash threatened to surge up the bank, Keith turned around to move the stereo so it wouldn't get wet. When he turned back Jeff had gone.

For a moment, Keith thought Jeff was messing around. He began to call out for him. The heavy undertow must have dragged the singer beneath the water where the riverbed drops. His waterlogged clothes and boots would have kept him there. Keith thought about going in after him, but didn't know where to start. He began to shout for help. A passer-by heard him and alerted the Memphis police at 9.22pm.

Within half an hour a full-scale search was in place. A patrol scoured the bank, scuba divers went into the water, and a helicopter fitted with heat-imaging equipment and a searchlight circled overhead. The Mississippi's spring tides are famously treacherous. Sergeant Dale Simms of the Memphis Police (Homicide) told MOJO that this stretch of river is not a recognised accident black spot for swimmers, simply because no-one who lives there would dare go in. Local lore has it that, at certain times, if you were to heave a heavy log into the water it would not only sink but would be as likely to reappear upriver, travelling against the current, as downriver. After three hours, the police had found no trace of the singer. At 1am the search was abandoned.

The following morning Buckley was pronounced missing presumed drowned. Jeff's mother Mary Guibert later issued a statement: "It has become apparent to me that my son will not be walking out of the river. It is now time to make plans to celebrate a life that was golden. I ask people who cared about Jeff to please be honourable and faithful to his memory, to send their best wishes to Jeff and to all of us who are mourning his passing."

IT WAS JUST ANOTHER REFERRAL FOR MUSIC BUSINESS attorney George Stein on a New York spring morning in 1992. The kid had a development deal with a small record company and he wanted a lawyer to give it a look. "I just kind of rubber-stamped it for him, another client among hundreds, but it wasn't a good deal and I had to tell him that." It might have been a routine meeting, but Stein was intrigued enough to go and see the young man play at a club called Tramps on a bill with guitarist Gary Lucas.

"I was blown away"

Stein's epiphany is typical of a first sighting of Jeff Buckley. Everyone who spoke to MOJO for this article described their initial experience of his incredible voice in similar terms. Particularly if they saw him in the intimate spaces he loved to play.

Simon Raymonde of The Cocteau Twins remembers Jeff being introduced to them as Tim Buckley's son while they were touring America in 1991. Having recorded an ineffably beautiful version of Tim's ‘Song For The Siren’ (as This Mortal Coil) they were pleased to meet the young man, who was in turn awestruck by their music, especially the spectral voice of Elizabeth Fraser. Three years later it was their turn to see him perform. Simon and Liz went together to a small bar in Atlanta. "It was just Jeff and his little Fender guitar and amp. He sang for two hours and he knocked me sideways. Liz and I spent some time with him over the next few days. He had tremendous energy and was completely into music. He carried this ghettoblaster every where to play all his favourite CDs: mostly by people with amazing voices, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Aretha Franklin, Dylan. And he could mimic them all. He could do Liz too. I loved him. He was an energising sort of person; if it was a choice between being infected by his zest or a night on the tour bus, well, you didn't want to go to bed."

JEFF BUCKLEY, A BEAUTIFUL, UNFAILINGLY CHARMING MAN, with a heaven-sent voice, could identify the emotional core of any kind of song – from Led Zeppelin to Benjamin Britten, from Mahalia Jackson to Mahler – bring it to an ambitious, eclectic repertoire and sing it full of soul.

There was hardly any precedent for a rock performer of his potential, perhaps only Jimi Hendrix had such velocity of promise, maybe only Marvin Gaye brought such a daring voice to pop. But, unlike Marvin's, or that of Tim Buckley, Jeff's story was not one of a gifted young man leaning on the self-destruct button. Though he often sang about sorrow or death – almost every song on Grace alludes to it – Jeff Buckley loved life. His approach to it bore no resemblance to his father's and, when he finally stepped into the spotlight in his mid-twenties, he wanted to avoid any comparisons.

Yet the first time he came to public attention was in a New York tribute to his father, Greetings From Tim Buckley, organised by Hal Wilner and staged at St Anne's Church in Brooklyn on April 26, 1991. Wilner asked local guitar luminary Gary Lucas, an alumnus of Captain Beefheart's band, to accompany Jeff that night.

Lucas recalls his first sighting of Jeff at rehearsals: "He had an electric presence and a look on his face like he was about to burst out of his skin. We were immediately simpatico musically, both big fans of Led Zeppelin, The Doors and The Smiths. I invited him to my flat and we worked out one of his father's songs, ‘The King's Chain’, from Sefronia, which Hal Wilner had suggested. I had an arrangement where I created a loop with an Eastern sound and played some chords behind it. Jeff just started singing over this and it was overwhelming."

SCOTT MOORHEAD HAD A NOMADIC UPBRINGING AROUND Orange County, California. He was born on November 17, 1966, a few months after his estranged father, a folk singer, had released his debut album. His Panamanian mother, a pianist, remarried, to a motor mechanic. For a few years the family was stable; but when mother and stepfather split, Scott got used to a life being bundled between trailer parks and cramped houses. Aged eight, he went to stay with his dad for a week. It was the first and last time they met. Two months later his 28-year-old father was dead from an accidental overdose.

In a young life full of flux, one constant was music. West Side Story, Joni Mitchell, Hendrix, Nat King Cole, The Beatles – when the TV wasn't blaring, music of all kinds was playing wherever the family settled. When he was 12, Scott's stepfather bought him a copy of Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti. The album inspired him to play the guitar and harmonica. When his mother and stepfather finally divorced, he opted to take the name on his birth certificate: Jeffrey Scott Buckley

Jeff's friend Roy introduced him to Benjamin Britten and opera in his mid-teens. In the '80s he became bewitched by punk and the new British bands, including The Smiths and, bizarrely, The Toy Dolls. After high school, rather than attend college, he studied for a while at the LA Musicians Institute. Though this, he'd declare later, was "the biggest waste of time".

At about this time, Buckley demoed a batch of his own compositions. Among them were nascent versions of ‘Last Goodbye’ and ‘Eternal Life’, highlights of Grace. They weren't enthusiastically received in LA: "I was around an environment that thought they were loser songs," Buckley told college radio interviewer Gayle Kelemen when Grace appeared. "I put them on the album to prove to the songs that they weren't losers. Sort of like finding kids that have been told all their lives that they're pieces of shit, and finally [showing] them they're worth knowing and loving."

Jeff thought he might get more attention in New York.

ON THE NIGHT OF THE TIM BUCKLEY TRIBUTE, JEFF WAS first on after the interval. "He came out and sang ‘I Never Asked To Be Your Mountain’," recalls Lucas. "It was electrifying." For the encore he sang ‘Once I Was’, a song he remembered his mother playing him as a five-year-old, while his stepfather was out. On the last verse he broke a guitar string and finished the song a cappella. "It destroyed everybody," says Lucas. Jeff described this performance as paying his last respects to his father. From then on he'd avoid the subject.

Gary Lucas soon asked Jeff to front his band Gods And Monsters, an amorphous, occasional outfit which Lucas envisaged becoming something permanent with a Led Zeppelin feel. Buckley accepted. While Jeff took a summer trip home, Lucas sent him demos of guitar pieces called ‘And You Will’ and ‘Rise Up And Be’. Jeff arrived back in New York and extracted lyrics from a large notebook that he carried everywhere. He re-christened the songs ‘Mojo Pin’ and ‘Grace’.

On August 17, 1991, Lucas went into Krypton studios in New York's SoHo district with the Gods And Monsters rhythm section, Jared Nickerson and Tony Lewis, to cut demos of the songs. Buckley came down in the early evening to add vocals, having been reluctant to reveal in rehearsals exactly what he was going to sing. But when the hour came, he shone. "I just heard magic happen," says Lucas, still moved by the memory. "He'd worked up a sinuous vocal arrangement, all these intricate parts with Eastern influences. He surpassed my wildest expectations. We were playing rough mixes as we were packing up, and some jazz musicians came in for the next session. I remember the look on their faces: Wow, what is this stuff?!"

Lucas decided this was the most stunning music he'd ever worked on. "I felt it could shake the world." He got his lawyer to send round tapes. A scout came to see the two play in Gary's flat, and a development deal was quickly drawn up. On November 1, Lucas took Jeff with him to the CMJ New Music Festival. "This was effectively the debut of the new band. John Cale was in the audience, Nick Cave. We did three numbers, ‘Grace’, ‘Mojo Pin’, opening with another song we wrote called ‘Bluebird Blues’. The first line of that was, 'I have an angel, her eyes are the ocean blue.' But when Jeff came on, the first thing he sang 'I am a stone cold loner.' A little thing went off in my head. That was Jeff's first statement of intent appearing with the group!"

In the new year, Jeff planned to move permanently to New York (where he now had a steady girlfriend, artist Rebecca Moore). He and Lucas were to work on new material and showcase the group at St Anne's Church on Friday, March 13. New songs – now arranged to include Jeff playing guitar too – came thick and fast: ‘Cruel’, ‘In The Cantina’, ‘Malign Fiesta’, ‘The Harem Man’, ‘Story Without Words’, ‘No One Must Find You Here’ and ‘She Is Free’. They also worked up covers of an old ska tune – ‘How Long Will It Take’, Van Morrison's ‘Sweet Thing’ and Dylan's ‘Farewell Angelina’. But Jeff became unhappy during rehearsals and told Lucas he couldn't work with Nickerson and Lewis. His vision of the group in tatters, Lucas "reluctantly let them go". Ten days before the gig they hired Anton Fier and Tony Maimone. "In fact, the show was really good," conceded Lucas. "Jeff was magnificent. The next day I said to my wife, He did it again. He sang his ass off. This is as good as any music out there...I was elated, jumping up and down. And then I got a call from Jeff saying he was leaving."

Lucas was devastated, but realised that Jeff was determined to control his own future. The nomadic Buckley may also have remained uneasy about permanence. Later he'd admit as much to Rolling Stone, talking of "ways I've grown up with: moving from place to place, grabbing on to people, making fast friends and letting them go." Lucas had a few more bookings to honour and Jeff guested. Their final date together was at Tramps. This was the show George Stein caught.

Stein was soon encouraging record companies to check out his new find. They were reluctant: Jeff was singing mostly covers, and weird ones at that. Stein persevered. "You've just gotta see him, trust me, you'll get it."

EAST VILLAGE SINGER TOM CLARK WAS PISSED OFF WHEN he noticed that his regular Monday night slot at The Sin-e Cafe on St Mark's Place had been moved. And for a guy he'd never heard of, some Jeff Buckley. "I found out who he was soon enough," Clark laughs. "I went to see him and it was like seeing someone going out with your girlfriend. He was doing 98 per cent covers – though in his own way – and as a musician I knew who did every song, but there were a billion girls there who thought he wrote them all!" Buckley became a regular and Clark became a friend.

"He got on with everybody," recalls former Sin-e proprietor, Shane Doyle. "I gave him the gig without knowing anything about him. Sin-e was this laid-back place where musicians just showed up and played, and he liked that atmosphere." Jeff would sing all night, from nine at night until two in the morning, with a few breaks, trying everything he knew and honing his own style.

Stein's persistence paid off and A&R men began to frequent Sin-e. Jeff wouldn't allow them to reserve seats. They had to get there early and sit with the Village eccentrics Jeff encouraged, people such as Tree Man, a tramp who festooned himself with twigs. "He had a kind of disregard for the idea of being 'on' for certain people," confirms Doyle. "He didn't like pressure. There'd be days when there were only 15 or 20 people in the room, yet he'd be at his best. All the major labels showed up. Steve Berkowitz at Columbia was the guy I got to know, and he was very mindful of Jeff's attitude – that it wasn't about pushing him or getting everything out of him."

The Sin-e shows developed Jeff's desire to take risks. His confidence in his singing grew. He left mimicry behind and sculpted a vast repertoire – Edith Piaf ballads, MC5 songs, Asian laments, classical lieder – into something unique. (Friends testify that Jeff had only to hear a song once to memorise it completely. He could also uncannily mimic sounds and old TV shows.) You can hear him stirring the vocal crucible on the subsequent Live At Sin-e EP when he stretches Van Morrison's ‘The Way Young Lovers Do’ over 10 minutes, moving from lovelorn moan to soulful croon to an impossible scat segment that climbs into a Robert Plant-on-helium climax. All Buckley's future shows would be marked by their unpredictability as he went in search of these extended episodes of rapture.

As summer warmed up, so did the bidding war. "Everybody wanted to sign him," says Stein. "But he was fearful of the industry, afraid of being chewed up and spat out. He had to work out whether it was possible to work with a major label and keep his integrity. Sometimes he and I would go out to City Island, a little boating community outside New York, to cool out by the water and talk. Driving out there I'd try and start the conversation about his future, his goals and his thoughts – you know, the deep stuff – and all he wanted to do was hunch over the car radio. He was like a primitive that had discovered a new device for making magic, he would jump from pop to reggae to rock to classical, humming along and so involved, like he'd never had a chance to hear music before and if he didn't listen to it now, in this half hour, he was going to miss something."

Stein also recalls a revealing moment when they were talking to record companies: "We were sitting there with one label president and he was asking Jeff what he was looking for from them and Jeff said, 'Well, if I went with...' and he paused. He couldn't remember which label it was! Everybody knows which label you're at because it's so important. But Jeff just looked at me and said, 'Where are we?' And it was guileless. He wasn't being disingenuous. The label president shrugged and loved Jeff even more because he realised that the kid just didn't care about that stuff."

Finally, in October 1992, Jeff signed with Columbia. The deal allowed him time to write without rushing anything out. Everyone was happy. The brass went down to Sin-e to checkout their new boy. Stein laughs at the memory; "Jeff asked the audience, What do you want to hear? And someone in the crowd shouted 'Nusrat!' Jeff proceeded to play, not a riff, not a minute, not two, but about a quarter an hour of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. I thought I was having an acid nip – I couldn't believe that my artist, just signed, was singing a 15 minute Pakistani cover song. That was Jeff. He didn't pander. It was just about the music he loved."

Andy Wallace, who'd mixed Nirvana's Nevermind, was hired to produce the debut album. Jeff decided to hire a band to toughen his sound and expand his options. His method of finding the perfect players being simply to try and attract like-minded souls rather than advertise for virtuosi. "Who wants to tour with a bunch of muso pricks you can't stand?" notes Tom Clark. "Jeff went for people he liked."

He'd met Mick Grondahl at an after-show party in March 1993. Grondahl, an increasingly disillusioned member of various New York bands, was impressed with Jeff's musical daring, and shared his vision of a band that could mix great songs with freefalling improvisation. "Here was a person who wanted to just fall into the abyss and trust that he'd land on his two feet," Grondahl told Gayle Keleman in 1995. A bass and 12-string jam in Jeff's flat that summer cemented the relationship. Six weeks later, after they'd found drummer Matt Johnson, Grondahl found himself heading up a mountain in upstate New York to record.

To keep Jeff out of the city, Andy Wallace had suggested the residential Bearsville studios in Woodstock. "Jeff had quite a crew of fans and friends hanging around. While he was very driven, he was not the most organised person and easily distracted." Pre-production had revolved around jamming while the band became comfortable with each other, so knocking the material into shape was slow, exacerbated by Jeff's constant desire to improve everything. "Jeff never stood still," Wallace recollects. "Whatever he was working on, he was torn between finishing it so he could move on or not finishing it shoe could update it. He'd never sing a song the same way twice. Or even close. We'd go in to fix a line and he'd sing a whole new verse." Experiment became the norm as they tried numerous routes to the best performances. Wallace would also get Jeff to do hour-long, after-dinner Sin-e style solo sets in the studio. "We recorded four or five of those. He did a lot of covers and a couple of very funny things, a take off of old Delta blues that had us cracking up."

Gary Lucas was invited to Bearsville to add guitar to ‘Grace’ and ‘Mojo Pin’, and witnessed Jeff laying down the startling vocals to the album's title song. "He came out of the booth with this sheepish, little boy look, like, Did I do it good? He knew it was fucking great."

AS WORK ON GRACE WOUND DOWN AND LIVE AT SIN-E WAS being released, Dave Lory, former manager of Greg Allman, came on board as co-manager with Stein. His first sighting of Jeff on-stage was when he took the singer on a two-week solo tour of tiny North American venues, early in 1994. "Just him and me puffing into bad truck stops and buying bad cassettes and talking about music," he remembers. "The first couple of nights in Vancouver were kinda rough. He could do anything he wanted in New York at that point, but now we were getting into the general public who didn't know who he was, but this was how he wanted to learn his craft."

The solo dates brought Buckley to Europe for the first time. His British premier was on March 11, 1994 at Ratners, a tiny bar in Sheffield. After three London dates that week, he was the talk of the town. This writer won't ever forget seeing Jeff Buckley sing ‘Hallelujah’ at the Borderline club and hearing a stunned hush descend over the usually clamorous music-biz crowd. It was the start of a mutual love affair with European audiences. The French fell hard for him, eventually awarding Grace the Grand Prix Internationale Du Disque, a prestigious gong previously handed to the likes of Edith Piaf, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. A French EP, Live At The Bataclan caught the controlled hysteria of his Parisian shows (Jeff advised friends not to buy "that fucking record", however). British publicist Jacquie Rice recalls a large, enthralled, almost entirely male Italian audience singing along to ‘Lilac Wine’ like some love-struck football crowd.

A second guitarist Michael Tighe, who'd never played in a band before, was recruited for a pre-Grace tour. During rehearsals he came up with a guitar line that transfixed Jeff. They quickly wrote the haunting ‘So Real’. Excited by the new composition, Jeff insisted they cut it live in an LA studio, initially to use as a B-side. The results were so good the song was added to Grace, usurping one called ‘Forget Her’ which, according to Wallace, was "a simple, three chord thing with a great bluesy vocal, recorded in one take. He felt it didn't say much about him as a songwriter, which I certainly don't agree with. A wonderful song."

Grace (finally issued in August 1994) received ecstatic reviews but didn't ignite any charts or garner much airplay. Buckley was happy, however, to tour behind the album for the next 18 months and let his following grow naturally. Audiences all over the world began to swell. With only one official single, ‘Last Goodbye’, and hardly any interviews, word of mouth was doing the bulk of the promotional work.

"Jeff was the type of artist whose instincts you trusted," states Dave Lory. "We used to laugh about it. He would call up and want to do something unconventional, and the joke was, 'We're gonna jump off the cliff and the parachute always opens.' Whether it was setting up his mic on one side of the stage – other managers would be all, 'Oh no, you gotta be right in the centre' – to when he first started with the band, they didn't rehearse, just jammed, and didn't play the songs until the first night. And they were great. And ‘Kanga-Roo’ [Buckley's wild, super-extended version of the Big Star song] – others would say, 'He's playing that song too long.' But I saw it as the only way the band could really grow together, so I'd fight to let 'em do it. That was the fun of managing Jeff Buckley, jumping off that cliff."

The gigs veered between delicate acoustic sets and full-scale sonic onslaughts; Jeff becoming increasingly interested in the harder end of the sound and the power of a band. But in spring '96 in Sydney, Australia, drummer Matt Johnson announced his intention to leave, finally enforcing a hiatus in which Jeff could start writing the follow-up to Grace. But the rigours of touring and the pressure he felt to improve upon his debut initiated a long spell of writer's block. "Columbia wanted the second album out faster," notes Stein. "But if the record company had a timetable and Jeff Buckley had a timetable, Jeff's won out. He wouldn't put something out if it wasn't ready."

Slowly, the songs came, many of them dark and strange.

On October 26, 1996, Jeff posted a rambling message on his website telling fans that his next album, due in the spring of '97, would be called My Sweetheart The Drunk. Wallace remembers the title being discussed: "He described the album to me as a guidebook for losers in love." Tom Clark heard some of the demos: "The new stuff sounded pretty rocking, but he also had some incredibly beautiful things. One song was a hit record, I swear."

In December, Buckley decided to develop his new material by airing the work-in-progress on a string of solo dates, appearing under pseudonyms such as The Crackrobats, Possessed By Elves, Topless America and A Puppet Show Named Julio. When fans complained that they hadn't known about these shows, Buckley replied via the Internet, in January this year: "[The shows] are simply my own way of survival, self-assessment and recreation. If they don't happen...nothing else can. I can be all alone with nothing to help me save myself.

"I'm in the middle of some wild shit right now," he continued, "but I'm coming soon to a cardboard display case near you, and I'll come out of my hole and we'll make bonfires out of ticket stubs come the summer."

A new drummer, Parker Kindred, debuted on February 9 at Arlene's Grocery in New York before the band relocated to Memphis at the invitation of The Grifters, a band Jeff had befriended who were based at nearby Easley Studios. Buckley rented a house on North Rembert Street and work started at Easley with Tom Verlaine as a guest player and co-producer. A few songs were recorded but the sessions fell apart, though Buckley and Verlaine remained friendly. The band returned to New York and Andy Wallace was asked to produce again. Work was due to begin on June 30.

Jeff elected to stay in Memphis. He even made enquiries with his managers about buying the house on Rembert Street. Every Monday night, in an echo of the Sin-e days, he'd perform in a bar called Barristers. MOJO writer Robert Gordon witnessed some of these sets: "It was very informal and as much about working stuff out as playing complete songs. He'd talk a lot between songs, saying funny stuff and just having a good time."

On May 27, Jeff called his old Sin-e buddy Tom Clark, who was recuperating after a bad fall. "I'd not heard from him for ages so it was great to talk to him. We talked about the usual things: girls, guitars and music. And he spoke about his frustration making this record. He'd got over the writer's block. Bam. He had about 30 songs ready."

DAVE LORY CALLED GEORGE STEIN AT TWO IN THE MORN-ing on May 30. "Jeff's missing."

"I was groggy but I thought, He'll show up. He's gone underground before," says Stein. "But then Dave said he was in the Mississippi and there were divers. My heart sank. I knew he was gone."

On the afternoon of June 4, passengers on the American Queen riverboat sighted something caught in branches floating in the Mississippi. It was the body of a young man in an Altamont T-shirt.

Two weeks later, medical examiner Tammy Ruth declared that Jeff Buckley had tested negative for drugs and that his blood alcohol level was less than half that required for a person to be declared drunk. "The official cause of death is accidental drowning," she concluded. "We're not investigating anything," confirmed Lieutenant Richard True of the Memphis Police.

"HE WAS A COMPLICATED PERSON," DECIDES GEORGE Stein, when asked to sum up his charge and friend. "He had a lot of sides to him. But he had a musical soul. He was a musical soul."

September 1, 1994, The Garage in London's Finsbury Park. Jeff Buckley removes his shirt. The first three rows – entirely comprised, it seems, of smitten women – swoon en masse. The room ripples with sweat and electricity throughout the heady song which follows. As it finishes, one girl yells in a desperate, yearning tone, "Have my babies!" "And mine!" shouts another. Jeff laughs. "Hey, I gotta show to do."

"He didn't let too many people in. Even his good friends," concludes Tom Clark. "No-one really knows what his private life was like. But he was great to be with and so funny. The minute Jeff walked into a bar he'd be singing, the theme song to The Jeffersons, anything. I feel bad for his band. They're really hurting right now I am too. I really miss that fucking guy."

[hongkon]

Best Junk Boat Rentals Families In Hong Kong

Experience the beauty of Hong Kong's coastline with the exciting Hong Kong Junk Boat Tour offered by Hong Kong Yachting. Sail through the stunning waters aboard a traditional Chinese junk boat, soaking in the picturesque views and vibrant atmosphere. This tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the city from a different perspective, creating unforgettable memories for you and your companions. Embark on this journey with Hong Kong Yachting for an unforgettable adventure on the seas of Hong Kong.

[vietnamtravelprice]

Dragon Legend Cruise - Bai Tu Long Bay 2 Days 1 Night

- Price from: $ 202 - Duration: 02 Days - Start/End:Hanoi / Hanoi - Visit: Bai Tu Long bay - Tour guide in: English - Travel style: Authentic - Highlight: The 2 Dragon Legend ships are the newest members of the Indochina Junk fleet, proudly marking the highest standards of construction. Each Dragon Legend boat features 24 luxury cabins, 4 decks with both inside and outside restaurants, a spa, bar, sundeck area and other entertainment options. Two days, one night untouched cruise of Bai Tu Long Bay is ideal for you to discover the natural beauty and local life. This trip takes you deep into the wonder of nature and the experience of a memorable night in the majestic bay. Overnight on luxury cruise Unique cruising path Scenic of journey: Bai Tu Long Bay, Thien Canh Son Cave, Vung Vieng floating village, Cong Dam geological park Joyful activities: Swimming, kayaking, cave exploring, Tai Chi Spa & Massage available (extra charge) #tours #travel #privatetour #customized #familytravel

[dragon-snoots-a-boopin]

Well, here is what I assume is the first wave of LEGO Animal Crossing sets. Going to be honest, the house builds looks super pathetic to me. There's little to no interior space and the little space there is is crammed full of crap like how would one imagine the character walking around with all that junk on the floor. I don't mind the Bunnie's Outdoor Activities, Kapp'n's Island Boat Tour and Julian's Birthday Party sets at all.

But the two house ones are just so lacking in my opinion. However, the worst offender is the set in the top picture there because there's no way in hell that a set with 535 pieces is worth $75 and there's no way you can justify that with LEGO having to pay for the Animal Crossing license, I don't think that has anything to do with it. I might get the three sets I listed above and probably no more than that.

[mukul02]

Best Places to Visit in Vietnam

Situated in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is renowned for its opulent cultural legacy and breathtaking landscapes. Drawing travelers from across the globe, this nation boasts a tropical climate catering to diverse interests. Whether you’re a fan of history, a culinary enthusiast, a beach lover, or an adventure seeker, Vietnam tour packages extend a warm welcome with experiences tailored to every preference. So, let’s discover some of the top places to visit in Vietnam with your family and friends.

TOP AND BEST PLACES TO EXPLORE IN VIETNAM

HANOI

Source: hotels.com

Start your journey in Vietnam with the capital city, Hanoi. Steeped in history, Hanoi reflects the country’s resilience and charm. The Old Quarter is a maze of small streets where you can witness the city’s vibrant street life, taste local delicacies, and shop for traditional crafts.

Additionally, don’t miss the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, surrounded by historical temples.

HA LONG BAY

It is another must-visit destination in Vietnam. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to around 1,600 limestone islands and islets rising from emerald waters. Exploring this picturesque bay is best done by a traditional junk boat, readily available for rental.

Moreover, Kayaking is another popular and excellent way to get up close and personal with the bay’s natural beauty.

PHONG NHA-KE BANG NATIONAL PARK

Source: lonelyplanet.com

For nature lovers, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a true paradise waiting to be discovered. It is home to the world’s biggest cave systems, including Son Doong, the park is a UNESCO-listed site filled with lush landscapes, underground rivers, and captivating limestone formations. Take a guided tour to visit the impressive caves and soak in the pristine beauty of this natural wonder.

SAPA

Nestled in the northern reaches of Vietnam, Sapa is a charming town celebrated for its breathtaking mountain vistas, intricate rice terraces, and vibrant ethnic hill tribes. Serving as the portal to Fansipan, Vietnam’s loftiest peak, Sapa offers myriad exploration options, whether by foot or through a scenic cable car journey.

A distinctive aspect of the Sapa experience lies in the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. Delve into the traditions of diverse ethnic groups, such as the Red Dzao, Hmong, and Dao, by opting to stay with a welcoming local family, fostering a rich understanding of their unique heritage.

HALONG BAY

Halong Bay is one of the beautiful bays near the Chinese border in the Gulf of Tonkin. The bay is famous for its towering limestone cliffs, emerald-green waters, and romantic cruise tours. You can explore the bay’s many islands, caves, and beaches on a traditional junk boat, kayaking, or swimming in the cool water. Halong Bay is also great for rock climbing, hiking, and fishing.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Vietnam is a captivating nation, offering diverse experiences catering to every traveler’s taste. The country has various destinations to explore, from vibrant urban hubs to serene rural landscapes, from unspoiled beaches to awe-inspiring mountains. The ones mentioned above are merely a snapshot of Vietnam culture. So, if you are planning to visit Vietnam, prepare your luggage, secure your tickets, and brace yourself for an unforgettable expedition across the enchanting landscapes with Vietnam tour packages.

[aonoexpat]

10-08-2023

Yesterday, I spent the morning in Kaikōura, and joined a fellow Dutchie on a boat tour to spot albatross! These majestic birds hold the record for the largest wingspan of any flying bird on earth, even beating the condor. The ones we saw maxed out at about 3 meters, and they were a spectacular sight to see. They make a lot more sounds than I had expected, and boy are they fun :) The skipper had a batch of food that she could toss into the water to attract the birds, and they were clearly familiar with the process, because they were following us from the moment we left the harbour. This also meant they were not afraid of us at all, and were happy to get up close and personal!

My favourite one was the wandering albatross, which we saw the most individuals of. They are elegant flyers, slightly less elegant during landing and takeoff, and have the friendliest little faces...

...as opposed to the black-browed albatross, who looked perpetually pissed off for being beaten to the food by its larger cousins:

Other species we saw included the great northern petrel, a whole bunch of cape petrels (the smaller black and white birds in the photos above) who were masters at soaring along with the boat, Salvin's albatross, white-capped albatross, a couple of shags and plenty of seagulls. I did get seasick unfortunately as the sea conditions were labeled 'moderate', but luckily I had had maybe two bites of bread for breakfast so I didn't make a mess, and I had come prepared with ginger candy. The skipper gave me some nice warm ginger tea as well. Both she and the other passenger took good care of me ❤

After the tour I decided to give up my plans of hiking for the rest of the day, because a warning was issued for heavy snow in the evening. The skipper told me they might even close the state highway if it got really bad, so I didn't want to take my chances with that. As Kaikōura didn't make me feel very welcome in the first place due to their strict rules about self-contained camping, I packed up my things and left, heading down the East coast to Ōtautahi. It was another long drive, and I was really tired by the time I arrived. I was happy to find a parking spot for the night close to some takeaway junk food, and got settled for the bad weather to hit here as well.

And just as was forecast, today has been a hell of a rainy day in Ōtautahi, and, in all honesty, in my mind too. I know with a blog like this it can seem like everything on my trip is sunshine and rainbows, as you, as the readers, see the highlights. The highlights are what I take photos of, what I can passionately recount to you. But I won't omit the downsides. Sure, going on hikes and seeing spectacular sights is fun. But you know what's not fun? Waking up at 3 A.M. to a noise when you know you're all alone in a parking lot off an unsealed road in the middle of the woods. Getting told off by a town council member for not having the right type of toilet. Always being on the lookout for public facilities, all of which usually feel unsafe. Not knowing when or where you'll next be able to have a shower. A leaking faucet in the back of your van and constant worries about its status, hoping the cold weather isn't causing a mould infestation in places I can't see. Wearing gloves inside because it's literally freezing outside.

And the annoying thing is, I don't feel like I have a right to complain. I've got an extremely comfortable van with soft blankets, free electricity with my solar panel, drinking water, and enough resources to live from. But I'm all alone. All the time. The moments where the highs seem worth the struggle in between are starting to dwindle in numbers. The rest of the trip feels like a challenge I've set myself that I'll be happy to have overcome. I currently don't feel very excited about it at all. I know that will change, I know in a little while I'll look back on this and it'll seem silly that I ever thought about it, but today I really just want to go home.

I've spent some time today writing to Workaway hosts in the Ōtautahi area, hoping to maybe meet up and hang out with locals. I feel like I need to find some inspiration again, and making a more long-term plan will help. I would like to have a clearer picture of where I'm going, and when I'll get there. Maybe after this week I'll be able to form that picture. Because I don't want to give up just yet. There is still so much left to see and do. But I know in order to enjoy those things, I need to be in a better head space. How I'll get there, I'm not sure yet. But I am determined to.

(^ credit to pastel-hazy-dreams)

[maxeservices]

Ultimate Vietnam Travel Guide: Best Tourist Places & How to Apply Vietnam Visa Online

Discover the Charm of Vietnam

Vietnam is a land of breathtaking contrasts — where ancient temples sit beside bustling cities, emerald rice paddies meet misty mountains, and quiet fishing villages blend into vibrant beach towns. From the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, Vietnam is packed with cultural richness, natural beauty, and culinary delights that are sure to leave you enchanted.

Before you start exploring this Southeast Asian gem, there’s one important step to take — getting your Vietnam tourist visa. Luckily, Vietnam’s e-visa system makes this process quick and simple. In this guide, we’ll take you through how to apply for a visa online and highlight the best tourist places to visit across the country.

Let’s begin your unforgettable Vietnam journey!

How to Apply for a Vietnam Tourist Visa Online

If you're planning to visit Vietnam, securing your visa is easier than ever thanks to the country's official e-visa system. Citizens from over 80 countries are eligible to apply online, skipping embassy visits and paperwork hassles.

Here’s what you need:

A valid passport (must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry)

A digital passport-sized photo

A scanned copy of your passport bio page

A valid email address

A credit/debit card for payment

Application Steps:

Visit the official Vietnam Immigration Portal: https://www.evisagov.vn/official/en-us/ Fill out the online form with your personal details, travel info, and upload documents.

Pay the visa fee (typically around $25 USD for a single-entry, 30-day visa).

Wait for email confirmation (processing takes around 3 business days).

Download and print your e-visa to show at immigration upon arrival.

For longer stays or multiple entries, you may need to apply through a Vietnamese embassy or use a visa-on-arrival (VOA) service if flying into select airports.

Hanoi – Vietnam’s Cultural Capital

The vibrant capital of Hanoi blends traditional charm with modern energy. It’s a city where you’ll hear temple bells alongside motorbike horns, and where French colonial architecture meets centuries-old pagodas.

Must-See Highlights:

Hoan Kiem Lake and the iconic red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple

Old Quarter: Wander narrow streets packed with street food, shops, and cafes

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex: A pilgrimage site for many Vietnamese

Temple of Literature: Vietnam’s first national university, founded in 1070

While in Hanoi, sip egg coffee at a hidden rooftop cafe and experience a traditional water puppet show — a local art form that dates back centuries.

Ha Long Bay – Nature’s Masterpiece

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is famous for its dramatic limestone islands rising from emerald waters. It's the ultimate escape for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Top Experiences:

Take a cruise or junk boat tour through the bay’s iconic karsts

Explore caves like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave) and Thien Cung Cave

Go kayaking in hidden lagoons and visit floating fishing villages

Spend a night on a luxury boat under the stars

Ha Long Bay is magical year-round, but try to visit in spring or autumn for the clearest skies and calmest seas.

Sapa – Mountain Retreat in Northern Vietnam

If you crave misty mountains, lush valleys, and cultural immersion, Sapa is your destination. Located in northern Vietnam near the Chinese border, Sapa is known for its breathtaking scenery and ethnic minority villages.

Don’t Miss:

Trekking through Muong Hoa Valley with views of rice terraces and waterfalls

Visiting villages of the Hmong, Red Dao, and Tay people

Taking a ride on the Fansipan Cable Car — the highest peak in Indochina

Sapa offers cool weather, vibrant markets, and the chance to experience Vietnam’s hill tribe culture up close.

Ninh Binh – “Ha Long Bay on Land”

Just a couple of hours from Hanoi lies Ninh Binh, often called Ha Long Bay on land for its karst formations and peaceful waterways.

What to Do:

Take a rowboat ride through Tam Coc or Trang An caves and rice paddies

Climb to the top of Hang Mua Viewpoint for panoramic views

Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu

Explore Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of the largest temple complexes in Vietnam

This region is a serene escape from the city, perfect for cycling, photography, and cultural exploration.

Hoi An – City of Lanterns

Charming and colorful, Hoi An is a historic trading port that feels frozen in time. Its well-preserved architecture and riverside lanterns make it one of Vietnam’s most beloved destinations.

Highlights:

Stroll the Ancient Town, a UNESCO site filled with Chinese temples, French buildings, and Japanese bridges

Take a lantern-making workshop

Try Cao Lau noodles, a local specialty

Visit tailor shops and get custom-made clothing in 24 hours

Hoi An is magical at night when thousands of lanterns light up the streets and river — especially during the monthly full moon festival.

Da Nang – Modern Beachside City

Just a short drive from Hoi An, Da Nang offers a more modern vibe with gorgeous beaches, mountains, and impressive bridges.

Top Attractions:

Relax at My Khe Beach

Visit the Marble Mountains

Walk the Golden Bridge held up by giant stone hands at Ba Na Hills

Take a motorbike ride to Hai Van Pass for coastal views

Da Nang is clean, convenient, and great for families or beach-loving travelers.

Hue – Imperial City of the Nguyen Dynasty

Located along the Perfume River, Hue was once the imperial capital of Vietnam. Today, it’s a treasure trove of palaces, pagodas, and historical sites.

Explore:

The Imperial City (Citadel): A massive complex of palaces, temples, and royal residences

Thien Mu Pagoda: One of Vietnam’s oldest religious sites

Royal Tombs of emperors like Khai Dinh and Minh Mang

Take a dragon boat cruise on the river

Hue is also famous for its cuisine — try the local bun bo Hue and royal banquets.

Ho Chi Minh City – Energy & Excitement

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic city. It’s where tradition meets skyscrapers, and food stalls coexist with trendy cafes.

Must-See Spots:

Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace

Shop in Ben Thanh Market

Enjoy rooftop bars and the lively Bui Vien Street

HCMC is also the gateway to the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels, a network used during the Vietnam War.

Phu Quoc – Island Paradise

For beach lovers, Phu Quoc Island is the ultimate getaway. Located off Vietnam’s southern coast, it boasts white sand beaches, clear waters, and a laid-back vibe.

What to Enjoy:

Relax at Sao Beach or Long Beach

Visit the Phu Quoc Prison Museum

Snorkel or dive around the An Thoi Archipelago

Explore night markets and try seafood hotpots

The island is visa-exempt for up to 30 days for many nationalities when flying directly, but double-check current rules.

Top Experiences in Vietnam

Take a motorbike road trip along the Hai Van Pass or Ho Chi Minh Highway

Enjoy a street food tour — banh mi, pho, fresh spring rolls, and more

Join a cooking class and learn to make local dishes

Visit a floating market in the Mekong Delta

Watch a sunrise in Ha Long Bay

Relax in a Vietnamese spa or hot springs

Travel Tips for Tourists

Best time to visit: March–May and September–November for mild weather

Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Language: Vietnamese (English is widely spoken in tourist areas)

Connectivity: Buy a local SIM card for cheap data access

Health: Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and drink bottled water

Safety: Vietnam is generally safe, but always keep an eye on your belongings

Final Thoughts

Vietnam is more than just a destination — it’s an experience that stays with you. From the chaotic charm of Hanoi to the peaceful beaches of Phu Quoc, every region offers something special. Whether you're soaking up history, hiking in the mountains, or indulging in world-famous street food, Vietnam delivers adventure and authenticity in equal measure.

So start your journey today — and don’t forget to apply for your Vietnam tourist visa online. A land of beauty, culture, and endless discovery awaits!

[vietnamstoryin]

Amanda Halong Cruise 2D1N: Halong Bay Cruise Packages & Tours

Escape to the breathtaking beauty of Ha Long Bay with Amanda Halong Cruise's unforgettable 2-day, 1-night journey. Experience luxurious comfort aboard a stunning junk boat, explore hidden caves, kayak through emerald waters, and savor delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Create lasting memories with this incredible cruise adventure in one of Vietnam's most spectacular natural wonders.

https://vietnamstory.in/tour/amanda-halong-cruise-2d1n/

[cloudyjungleshadow]

nainital complete tour guide

Here's a nainital complete tour guide, designed to help you plan a perfect trip to this scenic hill station in Uttarakhand, India.

🌄 Nainital Complete Tour Guide (2025)

📍 Overview

Location: Kumaon region, Uttarakhand

Elevation: ~2,084 m (6,837 ft)

Famous For: Naini Lake, scenic views, temples, colonial charm, shopping

Best Time to Visit:

March to June: Pleasant weather (Summer)

October to February: Snowfall & chilly winter

Avoid: July to September (Heavy rainfall & landslides)

🗓️ Recommended Trip Duration

3 to 5 Days

🚗 How to Reach

By Air:

Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (70 km)

From there: Taxi or shared cab to Nainital

By Train:

Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam (34 km)

From there: Buses, taxis available to Nainital

By Road:

Well connected by road to Delhi (300 km), Dehradun, Haridwar, and Haldwani

Delhi to Nainital: ~7–8 hours by car

🏨 Where to Stay

Budget:

Hotel Himalaya

Janardan Resort

Mid-Range:

The Naini Retreat

Hotel Chevron Fairhavens

Luxury:

The Manu Maharani

Shervani Hilltop

🌟 Tip: Choose a hotel near Mall Road or with a lake view.

🗺️ Top Tourist Attractions

🌊 Naini Lake

Boating, yachting, and scenic walks

Divided into Mallital (north end) and Tallital (south end)

🛕 Naina Devi Temple

Sacred Shakti Peeth on the northern shore of Naini Lake

🏞️ Snow View Point

Reached by ropeway or trek

Offers panoramic views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks

🚡 Nainital Ropeway

Connects Mallital to Snow View Point

Great for scenic aerial views

🔭 Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat)

A popular picnic spot with panoramic views of Nainital and surroundings

🏰 Raj Bhawan (Governor’s House)

Neo-Gothic architecture, guided tours available

🌄 Eco Cave Gardens

A network of interconnected caves and hanging gardens

📡 Hanuman Garhi

Ideal for watching sunrises and sunsets

Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman

🛍️ Where to Shop

🛒 Mall Road

Wooden artifacts, candles, woollens, souvenirs

Local handicrafts

🛒 Tibetan Market

Trendy clothes, junk jewellery, bags at bargain prices

🍴 Local Food to Try

Aloo Ke Gutke (spicy potatoes)

Bhatt Ki Churkani (black soybean curry)

Gulgula (sweet fritters)

Ras & Baadi

Fresh momos, thukpa, and local sweets from bakeries

Recommended Restaurants:

Sakley’s Restaurant & Pastry Shop

Giannis Pure Veg

Zooby's Kitchen

Machan Restaurant

🌿 Nearby Places to Visit (Day Trips)

🌲 Bhimtal (22 km)

Larger than Naini Lake, serene & less crowded

🌄 Sattal (23 km)

Seven interconnected freshwater lakes

🛶 Naukuchiatal (26 km)

Lake with 9 corners, ideal for paragliding & kayaking

🌄 Mukteshwar (50 km)

Known for adventure activities, temples, and peaceful retreats

🎯 Activities & Experiences

Boating in Naini Lake

Horse riding near Tiffin Top and Bara Pathar

Nature walks in Thandi Sadak

Stargazing at Aryabhatta Observatory (if open to public)

Photography & Bird watching

🧳 Packing Tips

Light woollens (summer), heavy woollens (winter)

Comfortable walking shoes

Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm

Umbrella/raincoat (monsoon)

📞 Important Contacts

Tourist Info Centre (Nainital): +91-5942-235316

Police Station: 100 or +91-5942-235489

Medical Help: B.D. Pandey Hospital, Nainital

So, here you can also check nainital tourist places for your trip.

[createdworldchori]

Here’s a complete tour guide to Nainital, a beautiful hill station nestled in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. This guide covers everything from how to reach, best time to visit, top attractions, food, shopping, stay options, and local tips — all in one place.

You can find some of nainital complete tour guide for your next trip

Overview of Nainital

Nainital is famous for its scenic lake, charming colonial architecture, and panoramic views of the Himalayas. It sits at an altitude of about 2,000 meters (6,600 ft) above sea level and is surrounded by lush hills.

How to Reach Nainital

By Air: Nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (approx. 70 km). Taxis are available from the airport.

By Train: Nearest station is Kathgodam (35 km away). Regular trains from Delhi, Lucknow, and Dehradun.

By Road: Well-connected by road. Regular buses and taxis are available from Delhi (approx. 300 km / 7–8 hrs).

Best Time to Visit

March to June: Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and boating.

October to February: Cold and crisp; snowfall likely in January.

Avoid July–August: Due to heavy monsoon and landslides.

Top Places to Visit

Naini Lake Heart of the town. You can enjoy boating (paddle, row, or yachting).

Naina Devi Temple Located at the lake’s northern end. A sacred Shakti Peeth.

Snow View Point Reachable by cable car or trek. Offers breathtaking views of Nanda Devi and other Himalayan peaks.

The Mall Road Perfect for evening strolls, shopping, and street food.

Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat) Great picnic spot and scenic viewpoint, around 4 km from town center.

Eco Cave Gardens Fun for kids and adults — natural interconnected caves and hanging gardens.

Nainital Zoo (GB Pant High Altitude Zoo) Home to rare Himalayan species like snow leopards and red pandas.

The Flats Open space near the lake — perfect for leisure and events.

Raj Bhawan (Governor’s House) Gothic-style architecture; guided tours available.

Himalaya Darshan Point / Land’s End / Kilbury Lesser-known viewpoints for peaceful Himalayan views.

Nearby Excursions (within 1–2 hours)

Bhimtal: Bigger lake, quieter than Nainital.

Sattal: Group of seven lakes, great for nature lovers.

Naukuchiatal: Nine-cornered lake, boating and paragliding.

Mukteshwar: Scenic hilltop, apple orchards, and adventure sports.

Shopping in Nainital

Mall Road: Woollens, candles, wooden artifacts, and souvenirs.

Tibetan Market: Trendy clothes, handbags, and junk jewelry.

Bhotia Market: Warm clothes, shawls, handmade items.

What to Eat

Local Delicacies: Aloo ke Gutke, Bhatt ki Churkani, Ras, and Arsa (a Kumaoni sweet).

Street Food: Momos, bun tikki, and maggi at viewpoints.

Cafes/Restaurants: Zooby’s Kitchen, Café Chica, Sakley’s, and Embassy.

Where to Stay

Budget: KMVN Tourist Rest House, Hotel Krishna, and Hotel Channi Raja.

Mid-range: The Pavilion, The Naini Retreat, Shervani Hilltop.

Luxury: The Manu Maharani, Abbotsford Heritage, and Chevron Fairhavens.

Tip: Book in advance during summer and winter holidays.

Travel Tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes — there’s a lot of uphill walking.

Carry warm clothes even in summer — evenings can be chilly.

Check local weather if planning snow or lake visits.

ATMs and petrol pumps are available, but can be crowded during peak season.

Try to walk on Mall Road (no vehicles allowed in evenings).

Respect the environment — no littering near lakes or viewpoints.

Would you like a suggested 3-day itinerary for Nainital as well?

Here we had discussed about nainital tourist places for your stay

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