Dalat Santa Claus

Thank you Thanh and Thao!!! I leave the Santa Claus Hostel with warm memories of human connection... of the help that was afforded in making personalized taxi arrangements (needing to catch a 7am flight), in having my laundry done, of being asked how they could help, and if being helpful and selfless in their approach. But beyond that was the opportunity to sit on the balcony with their friends and other guests and kibitz and eat and drink (“happy water” anyone?) and laugh and sing/karaoke with very good people. My days were spent with adventure trips (kayak one day, canyoning/rappelling the next), so I barely saw Dalat. But my memories of the city are strongly shaped by the genuine joy and happiness I had in sharing connective human moments with these people - names and voices and smiles I will not soon forget. This is why I travel!