Watch out Krispy Kreme

This was our entertainment on our tour of 

the Vietnam country side.

Going South

Tired of the cold, we were in search of sand and sun, with a little detour. Garry,being the war junky that he is, really wanted to visit the Vietnam war site of Kha Sahn. We visited the museum which had many interesting facts about the war and the siege of Kha Sahn. I was ashamed, after having visited this area as well as the Vinh Moc tunnels. The museum showed a picture of the fishing village before and after the U.S. bombings. The devastation was powerful. It is a surreal experience to be here and visit these places after growing up hearing about the war. After seeing the land and the people who live "in" it everyday,  we never stood a chance. The whole country seems to be a dense jungle. Next stop, Nha Trang.

Halong Bay

Wow, what a place. Even in the rain and mist, it is a wondrous place. Halong Bay is a UNESCO world heritage site. The bay features almost 2000 limestone monolithic islands. As the sea erodes away the limestone the islands eventually tumble into the ocean. Many of these islands support floating villages. The fishermen and their families live on small floating houses. The children attend school on a small floating building. 

We boarded our boat and proceeded to check it out. It was a beautiful Junk boat. They served  us lunch, dinner, and brunch the next day. We took shore excursions to a few of the islands. It was truly an awe inspiring trip. 

Here are the pictures of the kids that received the books we bought for their school. Thanks Kim for delivering them and emailing us the great pics.

Leaving the sites and sounds of Hanoi

After 4 days in Hanoi, we finally figured out that crossing the road was the like the old video game Frogger.  Apparently, I need to practice.  Chris and I met up with our boys from K-town, Rusty and Garry. After a day of walking around town with them, I thought I had mastered the motorbike stare down. Walk slow and make eye contact with the drivers. I made it half way across the street and was waiting on a bus to pass when a motor scooter decided to "scoot" around the bus. I guess he did not see me. So yes, mom and dad, I was hit by a scooter. Luckily I have been lifting weights, so I pushed him out of the way. No broken bones, just a couple of bruised toes and leg. Now that we have that out of the way, on to Hue (pronounced "way"). Thank you God. After, four days, I am over the guy trying to take us on a cyclo tour, or the lady trying to sell us books, the other lady trying to get us to buy her fruit. Not to mention all of the motor bike horns and the constant flow of traffic. Get me to the country side. We are leaving  in the morning to visit the World Heritage site of Halong Bay. We are going to spend the night on a Junk boat. No, that is not an old run down boat, but a large wooden boat  with big sails. I will post pictures when we return. That  is the excitement so far for Vietnam. Will keep you posted.

Where are the traffic lights?

Can someone tell us how to cross the streets???

Southeast Asia update

I thought I would add some photos and get us up to date on the trip. 

We arrived in Thailand on Jan. 7th. We explored the canal which also included a snake show.  Those of you who know how much I love snakes, I am sure you find this amusing. We then proceeded to shop for some clothes to take with us on our travels. After getting caught up on our sleep and bad Thai TV we headed for Lao.

We flew from Bangkok to Udon Thani where we met a couple from Minnesota. They were Laos refugees from the 80's. Bp is a Presbyterian minister and Som is a seamstress that makes wedding dresses. They took us with them and their family that picked them up at the hotel. They helped us get through immigration and on to Vientiane, the capitol of Laos. Som proceeded to tell us about the communist occupation in Laos. They escaped in the 80's to keep from being murdered. She told us how they swam across the Mekong river, where they ended up in a refugee camp in Thailand for 2 years. Her first born child was born in a jail cell with a midwife. After escaping, they did not see their family for 17 years.  I think sometimes we forget how lucky we are to live in the United States. We spent a few days in Vientiane and then took off for the backpackers paradise known as Vang Vieng. What a town! This is the town that is set on the banks of a beautiful river which is home to the frat party on inner tubes. I have added pictures so you will understand. We left Vang Vieng heading for Luang Prabang, on the white knuckle, gut wrenching, tummy tumbling minibus ride from hell. Luang Prabang is a stunning town. We spent a week checking out the locals and the markets. You know how I love a small town market. We met some amazing people and been able to help out some of the local children with school books.  Our time came to an end and we headed to the next country. Crazy Vietnam. 

Welcome to our thoughts

Welcome to our official blog. Chris and I decided this would be an easier way to share our experiences of life on the road.  We hope you enjoy our thoughts about the different cultures and places we visit.