Phu Quoc

Phi Quoc is a great beach vacation. But it doesn't feel like Vietnam. The resort is cut off from the island and filled with Europeans. We are actually the only Americans here. But it seems like we've already left the country. After so many great days seeing some of the back roads of Vietnam this is actually a bit of a let down. The resort could be in the Caribbean for all the difference. Its a nice rest of course but a bit disappointing in some ways. 

The photo is more like what we are used to seeing. Typical rice paddy by the side of the road.

Life in Vietnam

So we spent the last 3 days biking around Vietnam and we really got a taste of life here. Often we were the only non-vietnamese around for miles. The folks were friendly and entrepreneurial in nature but also very proud of what they have accomplished. Scooters are everywhere and so is pollution. Speech so free it seems but nobody criticized the government. They seem acutely aware of rising Chinese influence and anxious for some western protection. All in all a study in contrasts.

Today we went to a floating market where dozens of boats hawk their wares by sticking a sample on a bamboo pole. The boatmen live on the water in ways we no linger do in the US. The market sells its food alive. A bit weird to our eyes but the Vietnamese like to see their food killed before their eyes.

Late in the day we transfered to Phu Quoc for some much needed R&R. After 3 days of biking we deserve it. Here's our beach.

Biking in Mekong delta

Through the miracle of technology we are in the middle of the Mekong delta but still have wifi access.  We spent the say biking on small paths filled with scooters and children rushing out to say hello to us. It was almost surreal  at one point a 300 pound pig went by in tow to a motor scooter. It was also amazingly hot and now very buggy with mosquitoes.  The neatest part was the frequent ferry rides across the tributaries. You get a really sense of a detla to visit,

Now we are in a local home to stay the night.  Huge meal just done. Soon to bed. The photo is of the family heirloom mother of pearl cabinet.

Hoi An is magic

We spent the last three days in the wonderful town of Hoi An. It is the food capital of Vietnam. We took a cooking class and has several great meals. Last night we both had Cha Can -- a grilled fish and noodle concoction that was out of this world. And since we learned how to make mango and cabbage salad all our friends will get a taste.

Hoi An is also the clothing capital of the country. Paul got a new tailor made sport coat. Katy got a blazer and a local outfit called the ao doi in which she looks stunning. It is Almost embarrassing how cheaply we got them and how quickly.

Sadly you won't see any pictures of the dress.  Paul dropped the camera and broke it!  We hope to get a new one in Ho Chi Min city later today. Oh ... Almost forgot. We also got a Ho Chi Min refrigerator magnet!,

Traffic in Hanoi is wild

Day 3, 4 in vietnam

Day 3 in hanoi was a nice hike in BanVi national park. We went for a 5 mile hike up to about 1200 meters. At the top was a small pagoda for the mountain gods. Of course the view was fogged in.  It always is for us. So we didn't see anything at all despite the effort.  But it was still a good hike and worth the effort. When we got back to the hotel we had a well deserved beer and some photos noodle soup to fortify ourselves.

The next day it was off to HaLong bay
. The bay is a fascinating place with karst projections dotting a shallow bay. Highlights included a visit to a floating fishing village (a bit touristy for my taste) and a wonderful morning tai chi class on the top deck for sunrise

Hanoi day 2

Another day in Hanoi. Very crowded city. But it has several oasis. Here are two photos of the Quan Tuc pagoda which sits in the middle of a lake -- one of the quiet spots.

We also saw the temple of literature -- which is the oldest university in Vietnam. Founded in 1076. We were most amused to see both a college class and a host of kindergartners there all praying for academic success.  If only it were that easy!

First day in Hanoi

It was a great first day. Friends took us around the city. A unique and beautiful place. 100s of lakes and pagodas everywhere. One in center city has a 100 year old turtle in it.

The traffic is wild. No lights. Cross at your own risk. Just walk straight y ahead and don't make eye contact. The old quarter is a wild cacophony of noise and cars and people but it all seems to work out fine.   It reminds me a bit of the souks in the middle East.

We went to a ceramic shop and Katy took her first molding class. Naturally we had to buy some bowls and a tea set.

Arrived in Hanoi

A grey day as we try to recover from jet lag.  Here is the view from o our hotel window

Another Grand Adventure -- South East Asia

We are off on another grand adventure later this week.  We depart on the 19th of January for three weeks in South East Asia -- mostly Vietnam, but with a little bit of Cambodia and Laos thrown in.  We'll be traveling with two other couples (or friends Dev & Ellen and their friend Ron and JoAnne).  For those who want to follow along, we'll be posting updates here on the blog (and links on Facebook).  Our rough itinerary is as follows:

We begin in Hanoi where we arrive and spend a couple of days looking at this beautiful old city.  Highlights will include a 1000 year old pagoda and the classic water puppet shows, along a trip to the Ba Vi National Park.  Then its a short trip over to Halong Bay, a world heritage sight, where we will spend some time visiting old-style fishing villages.

Next up is a short flight to the mid-section of Vietnam and the town of Hoi An, where will take a cooking class and see a classic market town.   Then we jump down to Cai Bei in the Mekong Delta for 3 days of bike touring.  We will finish the Vietnam portion of the trip with some relaxation -- 3 days on the beach a Phu Quoc.

Then it will be off to Siam Riep and Angkor Wat and the other structures.  We'll do some more biking and take in the sites.  Then our trip closes with a visit to Luang Prabang in Laos.  Luang Prabang is a world heritage town on the Mekong with a very vibrant history that is still "alive" (or so we are told).  It's a bit of a shot in the dark, but comes highly recommended.  After that, its back to Hanoi for Tet celebrations and a trip home.  Should be a blast.