We are settling in to life in Luang Prabang. Our bedroom is on the upper right, second floor -with the blue open shutters. Our neighbors, young novices make their way home to the temple across the road from us. Their…
Southern Thailand ~ Beaches, a new culture and martial law.
Once again, being in a country where something “happens” is very instructive. When we leave Bangkok after 10 days, the crisis that is playing out in the streets of Bangkok remains opaque. It doesn’t seem clear how the…
A ferry trip to Vinh Long (Mekong Delta) where it’s all about the market ~ Viet Nam
Our entry into Vinh Long, further South into the Mekong Delta, is memorable. First is the easiest set of logistics, by local bus from Ben Tre and large ferry over one of the tributaries of the Mekong River. The ferry…
I made a promise to an elephant… Central Viet Nam
I made a promise to an elephant. I prefer not to make promises, (as my children will attest), but today I do. I have no idea if I can help, but I have to try. We can look away,…
Day 6 and 7 (Ho Chi Minh Trail ) ~ Getting into Lak Lake Region
Our arrival into the Lak Lake area is heralded by a total switch of scenery and dynamics. No more traffic. No more construction. A steady stream of rice paddies, small hills, and return to rural Viet Nam’s easy rhythm. Unlike…
Day 4 and 5 (Ho Chi Minh Trail) ~ Road Construction and spills
After riding through the lush countryside and indigenous communities, we hit a less than idyllic patch. The multiple shades of green give way to a uniform grey, due to the seemingly endless road construction. The road narrows to one lane,…
Bahnar village, Central Viet Nam ~ “Village of children.”
Ever since we visited the National Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi months ago, we wanted to go and see the majestic tall houses of the indigenous people of the Central Highlands. There are 54 minorities in Vietnam and many of…
Day 2 and 3 (Ho Chi Minh Trail) ~ from Kham Duc to Kon Tum
The goal for Day Two is to get to Kon Tum. However, when we are still two hours away, it’s 4 p.m., and a huge storm is clearly moving toward us. We are all pretty beat anyway, so we stop…