Interview With Traveler – Vinabelle Hermoso

11/18/2014

By ATA

1. Where are you from and please introduce yourself?

My name is Vinabelle Hermoso, from Philippines but living and working in Singapore for 5 years now. A passionate Travel Blogger, keen Travel Photographer and working at the same time in a University, JCU Singapore.

2. How long have you been travelling and how many countries you visited?

I have been travelling for more than 10 years now and have been to 10 countries in different cities. But, have flown for more than 150 times since I love to keep coming back to the countries that I really really like.

3. What is your reason for coming to Hanoi Vietnam and how long you visit?

I was really keen to visit Ha Long Bay since a lot of people say it’s a wonderful place to visit. It was a short trip, only 3 days but I think, “Asia Tour Advisor “ made it possible for me to enjoy my Hanoi trip fully.

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4. What is your favourite destination within Vietnam and why?

Possibly Hanoi. I really liked walking in the streets of “Old Quarter”, where a lot of local coffee shops can be found. One of the best coffees I tasted was in Cafe’ 58. And also “Hoan Kiem Lake”, where I saw a lot of locals just doing their own thing…doing exercise, painting, and even dancing…things that really fascinates when I’m traveling.

5. What was the craziest thing you’ve seen here, or the biggest culture shock for you when you arrived Vietnam for first time?

Actually, there is one. When we were on the way back to our hotel after Ha Long Bay trip that unfortunately we passed by a vehicular accident where one man dies, then we saw people throwing money to the accident scene. The driver explained to us that the money symbolizes a guide to provide him to his next journey in life.

6. What is the weirdest food you’ve seen in Vietnam and did you try it?

Oh, I wasn’t able to explore the “weirdest food” in Vietnam but, the Vietnamese food especially the spring rolls is awesome.

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7. Do you think Vietnam is a good long term location? Please give your reasons.

Definitely. Vietnam has a lot of good cultural & local places and things to offer and explore. In fact, one of the good people I know livingly happily in Ho Chi Minh City.

8. What is the weirdest experience you have had, whilst travelling?

Quite a lot. Many to mention because I’ve been doing solo traveling for many years so, a lot of good, bad and worst experiences that I had.

But, there was once, I fell asleep on the bus in Thailand for 5 hrs bus journey then I woke up alone or only one in the bus. I don’t know where I am but people are still good. The driver helped me back to find a bus where I can go to my original destination where it’s an hour away. Alone, female and feel unsafe was a scary, tough and hell one of an experience.

9. If you could choose a famous celebrity, to travel with, from anyone in history, who would it be and why?

Anyone in History? Perhaps, “Ernest Hemingway”. He is a writer and a traveler. He is one exceptional intellectual person and a tough guy. From what I’ve read, he lived for years in Spain, Cuba, Africa and even Paris.

But, of all living celebrities I would choose American chef and travel host “Anthony Bourdain”. I’ve always love to watch his show “No Reservations” and I’m a fan of his travel and food adventures.

10. If you could choose one place to live forever, where would it be and why?

Tough question. For all the places that I’ve been perhaps, “Boracay” in Philippines. Though I’ve been to Maldives where I’ve never seen a water in a beach shore that as blue as the sky, but Boracay will always have a place in my heart. I’ve been coming back there for more than 10 times since 2003. The food, the beach, the people and the “Mocha Shake” in Jonah’s Milkshake in Station 1 is totally one of my favorite drinks ever.

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