Hanoi Nights

Even in the rain Hanoi manages to be captivating. Old French charm mixed with oriental culture produces a unique mix that makes visiting the city a one of a kind experience. 

Pam and I start making our way back home tomorrow, looking forward to seeing everyone and catching up. See you then!

Around Hoi An

Hoi An is our last stop before returning to Hanoi for our trip home. It's probably Vietnams best known tourist attraction and I can see why. The old wooden buildings and historical sites are still intact since this area was never bombed during the war. It's located on the river but just a few minutes away from beautiful ocean beaches. Kind of has it all.

Bai Xep getaway

Some pics from around the village we are staying at. We are here with Meg and Jeff  for a couple of days and then we are all off to Hoi An. Nice to have nothing to do but enjoy the scenery and the beach for awhile.

Mausoleum Visits - Just the details

We had an interesting morning climbing around burial sites for ex emperors this morning, lots to see but the beauty is in the details.

Some pics from around Hue

Walking around Hue in central Vietnam with time spent at the Citadel-Imperial City and the Dong Ba market.  

Cards, the devil's plaything

We spent our last day exploring the Trang An landscape by bike visiting villages and countryside but knocked off early in the afternoon for a beer break and some cards. The cards I brought have a piper on them making them my good luck cards ( thanks Ananda and Cleary!). They must have been because I couldn't stop winning at crib all afternoon. Later last night though things picked up for Pam with some solid wins at Kings Corners. Since getting in the train to Hue this morning (almost missed it) Pam set a blistering pace with non stop KC wins. I will have a quiet chat with my piper friend before we play again.

On to Hue, should get there by about 7:30 tonight.  In the meantime we will check out the view from our sleeper car, relax and maybe play some more cards...

Just getting started on my cribbage winning streak

Pam doing the K C victory dance on the train to Hue

Lunch time Vietnamese railway style

Mmmm, not bad!

Ninh Binh Farmstay

Just arrived from Hanoi today, had a chance to poke around a bit but much more to see over the next two days, Pagodas and maybe a national wildlife preserve...one day at a time.