There’s something special about Paris. We’ve been here a bunch of times, and so far at least, we’ve never tired of returning. But in the past year or two, it seems that all the news about Paris has been bad. Riots. Poverty. And of course, the disastrous fire at Notre Dame. Will it be the same Paris today that we used to know? This is our first visit to Paris after the fire. We shall see. Continue reading “Paris After the Fire”
Paris, Normandy, Dublin – Here’s the Plan
I’ve always wanted to go to Normandy, France. It’s supposed to be a cheese-lover’s paradise. Dairy, in general, in fact. Butter! As I understand it, just about everything that comes out of a Norman kitchen is made with butter. Cooks in Normandy have no use for olive oil. For them, it’s butter all the way. Continue reading “Paris, Normandy, Dublin – Here’s the Plan”
Vietnam Trip Summary
Ten days ago, we entered Vietnam via the Mekong River. We cruised around in the Mekong Delta, visiting small towns along the way. When we disembarked, we took a bus to Ho Chi Minh City, where we boarded a plane to Hanoi. We’ve been in Hanoi four days, and now it’s time to return home. Here’s a Vietnam trip summary. Continue reading “Vietnam Trip Summary”
Hanoi’s Old Quarter
We’re on our way to Hanoi’s Old Quarter. It’s just about the only part of Hanoi that we’ve seen, but it’s so enchanting, it seems to be pulling us back for one last visit. Continue reading “Hanoi’s Old Quarter”
Breakfast Bánh Mì — Oh, Baby!
It’s our last day in Hanoi. Even though we haven’t seen most of the main tourist attractions, we decided to go back to the Old Quarter and just hang out. But first, I’m taking an early-morning walk that, unbeknownst to me, is going to lead me to my first breakfast bánh mì. Continue reading “Breakfast Bánh Mì — Oh, Baby!”
Hanoi after Dark
We’re on a bus, returning to Hanoi at the end of a one-day visit to Ha Long Bay. It’s dark as we approach the outskirts of town. I think everyone on the bus is asleep except me. I’m gazing out the window, taking it all in. It will be interesting to see Hanoi after dark.
Long before we reached the city itself, we passed numerous centers of activity along the roadside. Just about everything appeared to be open. There were lots of open-air eating establishments where families appeared to be having dinner. Continue reading “Hanoi after Dark”
Beautiful Ha Long Bay
We set out from our hotel in Hanoi this morning, headed for world-famous Ha Long Bay. Three hours later we pulled into the parking lot at Tuan Chau Marina, where there must have been at least twenty boats waiting for tourists like us to show up. We boarded a boat named the White Tiger. Continue reading “Beautiful Ha Long Bay”
Doi Moi on the Way to Ha Long Bay
We’re on our way to Ha Long Bay, heading east on the Hanoi-Haiphong Expressway. We were cruising along when we passed a government billboard expressing a “Rah Rah!” message in classic propagandist style. Until I saw that billboard, I had almost forgotten – we’re in a communist country. But in today’s Vietnam, what does that even mean? Thanks to a policy known as “Doi Moi,” it’s not an easy question to answer. Continue reading “Doi Moi on the Way to Ha Long Bay”
On Our Way to Ha Long Bay
We’re on our way to Ha Long Bay. We signed up for a tour that includes transportation there and back from Hanoi, all in one day. Not the optimal plan, perhaps, but according to the guide books, it’s doable.
Ha Long Bay is Vietnam’s number one tourist attraction. You’ve probably seen pictures of it, although you may not have known where the picture was taken. The sight of those giant rocks rising up out of the mist is pretty special. Our itinerary didn’t allow much time, but we didn’t want to be this close to Ha Long Bay without getting a chance to see it. Continue reading “On Our Way to Ha Long Bay”
Hanoi Traffic — In Chaos there is Order?
I’ve never experienced anything that compares to Hanoi traffic. There’s a ton of it, that’s for sure, but it’s not like the stop-and-go traffic back home. Hanoi traffic flows. It’s like a giant serpent winding its way through the maze of streets here. Continue reading “Hanoi Traffic — In Chaos there is Order?”
