We’ve just landed in Hanoi, Vietnam. On this trip, we’re stepping out of our comfort zone to take a peek at how the other half lives. The limo ride from the airport to the hotel was our first taste. Next stop: Hanoi’s Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel. Continue reading “Roughing it in Hanoi’s Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel”
How Did Vietnam Become Vietnam?
We woke up this morning in Taipei, Taiwan. This afternoon we landed in Hanoi, Vietnam. Now we’re in a black sedan cruising down a tree-lined boulevard on our way to our hotel. Looking around as we go, my overriding thought is, Vietnam is amazing. But how did Vietnam become Vietnam? Continue reading “How Did Vietnam Become Vietnam?”
Nervous Time in Hanoi
Our flight from Taipei touched down at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport around mid-day. We’d been advised that if there’s anything wrong with our visas – even a typo – we wouldn’t be allowed into Vietnam. I had already fixed one error. We should be good to go. But for me it was definitely nervous time in Hanoi. Continue reading “Nervous Time in Hanoi”
Once Upon a Time in Vietnam…
Once upon a time in Vietnam, people learned how to cast bronze from copper and tin. Artisans made bronze tools, weapons, and ornate war drums. A unique civilization thrived in a wide, fertile valley. We’re flying over that valley now. Continue reading “Once Upon a Time in Vietnam…”
Why Vietnam?
We’re on our way to Vietnam. We’ll visit cities in the North, the South, and in Central Vietnam. Getting there isn’t cheap or easy. There are lots of interesting places we could have gone that are easier to reach. So why Vietnam? Continue reading “Why Vietnam?”
Tickets to Taipei
It’s approaching midnight in Los Angeles. We’re at Los Angeles International Airport, checked in, waiting for our flight to start boarding. We’ve got tickets to Taipei. Let’s get this trip started! Continue reading “Tickets to Taipei”
Journey to the Mysterious Far-East?
It started with an offer we couldn’t refuse. A cruise line we’re familiar with offered complimentary pre- and post-cruise land packages for a Mekong River cruise. Hmmm… Vietnam? Cambodia? The Mysterious Far-East? Let’s go! Continue reading “Journey to the Mysterious Far-East?”
Basque Country-to-Provence Trip Summary
It’s time to say au revoir to Nice. We’ll fly from Nice to Madrid, then from Madrid to Los Angeles. It’s been a great trip, getting to know Basque Country, then hitting the road for the South of France. Here’s a trip summary. Continue reading “Basque Country-to-Provence Trip Summary”
Fun, Fun, Fun in Nice, France
It was a beautiful day in Nice, France. We didn’t have a plan, other than to get out, walk around, and see where our feet would take us. We didn’t know that before the day was over, we’d be having Fun, Fun, Fun in Nice. Continue reading “Fun, Fun, Fun in Nice, France”
One Day to Play in Nice, France
We only have one full day to play in Nice. There are lots of options. Have a long lunch at the marina? Visit the shopping district? Stroll down the Promenade des Anglais? Visit the flower market in Cours Salaya? I don’t know. We’ll just have to see… Continue reading “One Day to Play in Nice, France”
