10-23-2012 Saigon

10-23-2012  Saigon!

LAT Report

Woke up this AM and felt so much better!  Whatever I had it has passed.  I ate a roll and had coffee for breakfast.  We had our bags out by 7:00am and we left the ship at 8:30am on a really nice bus that had scads of leg room.  The country side in this part of Vietnam is really nice and green ..they do however in the middle of their fields have grave plots where they bury their family.  It is pretty strange...reminded me of Ireland..and their superstitions about burying their dead.  We actually went on a freeway that was just built and there are not any motor cycles allowed only cars and buses.  We also saw vendors right along side the freeway selling their goods not sure how you could stop to buy anything.  I also noticed that it is so much cleaner here then in in the Hanoi part of Vietnam.  Even as we entered Saigon the slum parts were not that bad from what we could see.  The city is a very thriving metropolis and it is more  expensive to live here then in NY City...not sure who affords these prices.  There are very swanky shops like Gucci and Versace.    But there is lots of markets also.  Lots of paces to spend money.  We got to the hotel around 10:30 and dropped off our luggage and jumped on the bus for a city tour which included the Notre Dame cathedral, the post office and the lacquer factory...my wallet took a beating at the lacquer factory it was lots of fun.  Came back to the hotel got our room and the gang all decided to go to the hard rock cafe for a hamburger...it was good to have something that I could identify with...we then took a little trip by cab to a couple places including the market...not my cup of tea...way too hot and smelly ..Linda and I took off from there to go,to the post office where I saw a T-shirt I wanted...then walked a mile back to the hotel and had a nice cold drink...back in room now to determine what we are going to send in this box the hotel gave us...we said we wanted something fairly large and wanted two of them...they guy brought up a TV box that I could put Linda in...so we settled for one box between us..Linda has her stuff packed...I have been doing the blog!

LMR Report

Early up breakfast at 6:30am. Loaded luggage to be ready by 7:00am.  On bus by 8:00am.  1 1/2 hour drive to Saigon.  Beautiful hotel lobby that is as big as our ship.  Bus tour around city stopped at post office, a cathedral and a beautiful park.

Next stop was one of my favorites ..the lacquer factory.  Very short tour but an amazing gift shop.  Linda and I bought lots of gifts.

Back to the hotel and our room was ready.  It is about 4 times the size of the boat cabin, but I have to climb into the tub!

Lunch at the hard rock cafe had great hamburgers and fries.

We then took a cab ride in an attempt to find MACV headquarters from Vietnam war.  Cab driver was not very helpful and could not understand where we wanted to go.

We went to the market but it was so stinky and hot we decided to go back to the post office to get a specific T-shirt we wanted...the cab driver totally ripped us off..they were suppose to be one of the "good" companies ..but were not!  So we walked back to the hotel to avoid another rip off!

Had a couple of drinks in the bar..still full from lunch..came back to room and got a 32" empty tv box to ship some our stuff home.

10-22-2012

10-22-2012  Saigon

LAT Report

I am feeling better...still not 100%, decided not to go with group on sampan boat but to stay and do the blog and rest...have only eaten yogurt and ginger tea..just turn green when anyone mentions noodles or shrimp...yikes... So I sat up on the sun deck and watched the water, the shore , the sky and my IPAD.  Did not have lunch...just drinking splice.  Staff really trying to take care of me...that is nice!

LMR Report

Linda feeling better, thank goodness!

Left boat at 8:30 on sampan boat.  Cannot believe it but our first stop was a  factory where they make bricks.  In this heat and humidity there we are walking around even among the kilns where fires are burning.  I think Viking needs to reconsider this stop.

Second was a local market, farmers come here as a social gathering place, as well as to bring their goods to sell.  Saw lots of beautiful fruits and veggies, and quite a bit of not so beautiful fish and meats.

The "happy room" stop was at the admirals house which in the movie "the lover"  (old French film).  Had a nice  out yard with swings in the shade.

Back on the boat they gave us a basket of safe fruit to eat.

Lunch - having a hamburger that was like meatloaf on bread.

PM excursion floating market, as we left on the boat to go it started to rain and it poured.  Boat gave us all cheesy ponchos, but it was so neat on the choppy waves.

Arrived at the market and watched the vendors if they had a pole on the front of their boat with a fruit on it they want to sell if on the back of the boat the pole has a bag with a certain kind of fruit they want to buy that fruit.

Then went to a family run  business - 8 generations who make rice wine, rice paper for spring rolls and also coconut products.

Bought Linda a special gift from the group....durian flavored camels..I am sure she will be thrilled!

Came back to the boat in another squall.  Had to leave shoes on deck as we came aboard so they could be cleaned.

Paid up our ship bill as we leave for Saigon in the morning.

10-21-2012 Vietnam

10-21-2012  Cu Lao Gien - Sa Dec

LAT Report (such as it is)

Went to breakfast and thought I would try the Vietnamese version which was Shrimp and Rice noodle soup....BIG MISTAKE!!! It was good...but not for long.  We got off our boat onto these smaller "speed boats" and it was ok for awhile...going down the Mekong  passing villages and places that are fish hatcheries...then I started no feeling very well...not sick to my stomach not diarrhea ...just not good.  So at the first stop everyone got off but me...it was a rickety bridge that I wasn't to sure I would have gone on even if I was felling ok...then everyone loaded back on the boat and took off for two more stops and I was feeling worse and worse... When we got back to the boat I headed right for the cabin and fell into bed and told Linda I was gone for the day.  No lunch for me ...dinner came and no dinner for me...I askedLinda if she could get me some ice for the sprite she brought me earlier and a couple of crackers I would try that when she got back from dinner.  About 8 pm here she comes with an arm load of stuff and our tour guide Kong right behind her with a cup of tea made from ginger...apparently a cure all here in Vietnam.  So I ate a small container of the yogurt and drank the ginger tea...it actually did make me feel better.  I slept ok...off and on...but the pain in my stomach was gone..so I guess whatever it was has passed on...YIKES!!  I told Linda I was sure I would never do asian food again...at least for breakfast!  One of the other passengers is also sick...he is have the heaves and diarrhea ...glad I am not doing that...


LMR Report

Leaving ship this morning like a bunch of "pack-rats",  announcement told us to bring hats umbrellas, "talkie walkies", sunblock, cameras and water....really loaded down.

Boarded speedboats and went 10 miles down the river, saw lots of fishing villages.  Went into one small village to see a private home, they were selling some unique items I had not seen before.

Back on boat to next small town where we boarded rickshaws that were bicycle powered, had to keep your feet up on a ledge and your bottom on a separate small ledge.  We rode thru the small town, kids all smiled and said hello.  Back on the speedboat to next stop where we fed fish (tilapia).

Returned to ship for lunch.  (Patsy one of the choices for dinner tonight was lamb...I am not having it but still thought of you!)

Linda is not feeling well..I sat on the deck until our 3pm excursion to an island with a catholic monastery, built in 1865.  Everyone was as hot on this tour as we were at Angkor Wat!

Returned to ship for Cambodian fashion show on the sun deck.   After dinner there was a great storm even bigger then last night.  All the deck chairs blew all over everywhere.

10-20-2012 Sailing!

10/20/2012   sail day!

LAT Report

LAT Report

Today we left Phnom Penh for Tan Chau.   No tours!  Just on the boat cruising, a great opportunity to catch up on the blog.  Was able to get WIFI access most of the day which is amazing!  It was warm on the sun deck even in the shade but occasionally you could get a nice breeze and the sit would be worth it.  We passed many cities along the way,,well really more villages then cities.  Along the way we crossed the border between  Cambodia and Vietnam, we anchored in the center of the river and a small skip boat from the boarder control came out and got all the passports, checked them and then brought them back, the process took about an hour.  We arrived in the harbor of Tan Chau just before dinner, we are anchored in the middle of the river again.  It was a nice pleasant day talking with different folks..but still hanging close to our good buddies Candy, Dick, Pat and Ed!   Mid afternoon I went and had a foot and leg massage which was very nice and relaxing ..it lasted about an hour...it was deep muscle and sometimes hurt but felt marvelous when she stopped.

LMR Report

Sailing all day back to Vietnam, arrived at border crossing about 1:30pm.  Spent time on sun deck,

Customs and immigrations boarded at 2:00pm while I was having a wonderful Khmer Massage for an hour. So all the passengers were stateless while Vietnamese reviewed our passports and visa's.

Had a wonderful rain storm come upon arrival. Took off at 3:30pm for our dicking point of the evening.  Docked in the middle of the river as we are leaving via speed boat in the morning.

After dinner had a torrential rain and the Viking staff made sure we all made it to our cabins safely, as the wood floors were very wet.  The rain sounded and felt great!Pictures 10-20-2012

10-19-2012 phnom Penh

10-19-2012  Phnom Penh

LAT Report

In case I have not mentioned it in my last couple of posts....it remains hot then "heck" here...but as my brother would say..."it's next to the equator...what do you expect?"...but oh  my gosh the humidity!  We ran into a shop manager who is from Seattle who told us how lovely and cool this is ..as it is the fall season..oh ok? If you say so!  Today after breakfast we did a  city tour by rickshaw...there were 54 of us all lined up one per shaw.  I got several bruises getting in and out of it..I do look like I have been thru a war my legs are bruised from head to toe.   One stop was the silver pagoda..at the palace ...it was gosh as all are..see pics when posted, then on to the  museum and Linda and I split from the tour  and went shopping (what a surprise).  The afternoon was the killing fields an S21 which was a school converted to a torture house...this was all pretty sad and hard to relate to..I wish it had not happened..and it was in my life time...

Ok the biggest thing of the day was at dinner I actually tried Darien!  On my brother's dare...it was sweet at first then very very awful...the smell was all it was racked up to be..I have six people that will voucher that I did it and I,have a picture to prove it.  I brushed my teeth twice and garbled with mouth wash and it still was in my mouth this morning so I had to have a beer...more might help?

LMR Report

We have been requested to wear conservative clothing today in the AM,  preferably black and white, in honor of the kings passing. We were suppose to visit the palace today but the kings body is there so we cannot.  Candy bought us black ribbons which our group all wore throughout the day.  Many in our group were concerned the clothing was not conservative enough.

We leave after breakfast in individual rickshaws, should be quite a site as there are over 50 of us.  Sort of like a children's daycare line all holding onto a string.  Rickshaws went through town quite an experience at ground level.  With all the motor bikes, tuk-tuks and cars zooming around us in all directions.  Went first to royal palace gardens and walked around.  Saw silver pagoda with a solid gold Buddha that had over 28000 diamonds...

Left there and headed to museum, Dick and Candy's rickshaws ran into each other...no body but the rickshaw was hurt!

Amazing sites of businesses all street type vendors with pictures of king surrounded with many flowers.  Passed flower shops doing booming business.  Second stop was the museum, LAT and I skipped and went to a store called "daughters of Cambodia", items made by women trying to learn a trade and escape abuse.  Of course we made some purchases.

Met back at boat for lunch.

This afternoon was the killing fields and genocide display.  Truly awful what people can do to each other.  We had a subdued bus ride home through heavy 5:00 traffic...which was very heavy!

Dinner when we got home followed by Cambodian street kids dancing performance.
10-19-2012

10-18-2012 phnom penh

10-18-2012 - Phenon Penh

LAT Report

Today went to a monastery on a hill quite away from home so got to see a lot of the country side, lots of sad housing ..shacks...lots of garbage everywhere as they don't have a garage removal service.  Plastics was introduced into this country in 1983 and the people did not understand that it does not "melt into the ground" like discarded food does so it sits in mounds everywhere.   In contrast to the poverty is the monasteries... They are beautiful and often opulent.  The monastery we went into this morning was very very beautiful and we took our shoes off (do this in all the monasteries) and went in and it was a great open hall with beautiful paintings on the walls and ceilings and beautiful chandeliers ..and there were three older monks in the middle sitting down on the floor in their orange robes.  We were instructed to all sit down on the floor also (on mats), they were going to give us their blessing and chant for us..we were to close our eyes and meditate...I honestly meditated on how the heck I was going to get up off the floor when they were done...during the chant they threw Lotus buds at us..I thought it was raining..but I did not open my eyes!  We then wandered around the grounds and left for the next stop.  This was a vsmall village where they do silver work, still very poor shacks and they work right at their houses, one of the houses was working on the urn for the king's burial..they were very honored and their urn was beautiful.  We then did a shopping opportunity and we did...we are in all villages always followed by young people trying to sell you something of their wares...they always know enough English to ask your name and ask where you are from...some of them have told us their names are Linda also...but we don't really think that is true.  Walking in these villages is soooooo hot and muggy...that I could not wait to get back and take a shower and have a nice cold cold beer  The afternoon we went for a tuk-tuk ride with Diick, Candy, Ed and Pat.   We all  hose a place around the city we wanted to see..Linda chose a chocolate store I chose a quilt store.  It was wonderful and their quilts are all hand quilted and very very nice ..they were made in the villages to raise money for food and medicine for that village.  Ok ok  I bought a beautiful king sized red/maroon single fabric quilt with the most beautiful hand quilting design...ii also found two pillow shams with patchwork squares that are reds and dark maroons to match.  The quilt cost $218.00  can you believe that?  I should have bought more!  They had an incredible log cabin that was in browns and tans... One that was fans , one that was kimono's, one with a cute local woman with a native costume...oh my I wish I had bought more...I am having it shipped home so should be there soon after I arrive.  It was a fun afternoon!


Had dinner and by that time I am ready for bed!

LMR Report

Left for an hour long  us ride --much better bus then yesterday.
Becoming good friends with Dick and Candy from Lake Oswego and Ed andPat from Edmonton area.  Having our meals with them and lots of laughs about our foibles.

Sent laundry down anxious to see how much that will be.

First stop today is biggest Buddhist temple in Cambodia, absolutely stunning.  We all sat on the floor and meditated while monks prayed for us, very spiritual.  Big picture of Sihanouck surrounded by flowers.  Population is three million which they expect to triple during seven days of the funeral.  Saw the temple with the dead priest that has been preserved..that long ..he looked pretty good..see pictures.

This was the only "happy room" stop and our guide gave us toilet paper before we went in, not quite an out house smell but close!  Big tub of water next to toilet with pot to fill toilet for flushing.

Second AM stop small village which specialized in silver, saw a family making the giant urn for the kings ashes after cremation which will not happen for three months.

Lunch at 1pm followed by tuk-tuk ride through town.  I want to go to the chocolate store, cannot imagine how that will be in the 90 degree and 95% humidity.  Yesterday Lind and  I stood outside without an umbrella in the all too brief shower or rain fall..it felt good and we wanted more!

Made it to the chocolate store, candy did not melt on return trip to ship.  We stopped at an ATM to get money, at the central market so Pat and Ed could look for granddaughters gifts.

Linda bought a quilt, which I am sure she will talk a out in her blog.

Upon return to ship went to Angkor Gift shop and made some holiday purchases!  Then to su deck for wine and drink of the day.  Everyone from Group B (our group) in great moods and totally relaxed.  Missed the evening lecture on French influence on Cambodia.  Dinner - more laughs -- getting table joules going just amongst our little group..we make sure our table is just big enough so no new people can crash!

Tomorrow is the rickshaw ride and killing fields museum.  Got my laundry back, good to have all clean clothes.Pics 10-18-2012Pictures 10-18-2012

10-17-2012

10-17-2012

LAT Report

It's hot here! So the story continues..climbed off the boat after breakfast and took a short trip to an orphanage,  was in a lovely neighborhood (relatively speaking) ..the place was neat , and very nice.  Children greeted us and the director gave us a welcome speech with info on what' they are all about.  Very interesting.  They learn to sew and paint along with their school work..they even had featherweight machines and a server..made very nice bags...ooops competition for me!
  Then took bus ride back...climbed hill back to boat ...and off we went...now I am drinking beer at all times ..it just sweats out my pours...not getting tipsy even drinking 5% Angkor beer!   You have no idea how good this tastes in this 110% humidity!   I love Portland weather ...I want to sit in my easy chair and put on my electric blanket....but have to do this adventure first.  I miss everyone!


LMR Report

Did not fall out of bed last night,used stool as needed.  Breakfast in dining room, up a big slippery hill to the bus.  First stop was a  Buddhist temple, saw1st monkey of the trip.  It was very hot but not as many steps to climb as Angkor Wat.  At breakfast we had to order lunch ..just like in a hospital.  Second stop was an orphanage.  Before we went to the orphanage we stopped at the local market to bu tooth paste and brushes to give them..also some balls to play with. Some of the children are without parents, some parents cannot afford and others are abandoned.  They range from 4 to 18 and are supported through the collage.  They have a new Cambodian adoption policy but the orphanage has not adopted any children out.  There are about 90 children and 10 adults that work at the center.  The kids do sewing and painting to sell in their little store to raise money for the orphanage.

Back on the small bus and headed home to the boat and down the steep hill.  We had to take our shoes off on board and they clean them and return them to our rooms.  We then headed to lunch ..nice salads and choice of entrees ..chicken, veggies or fish.

This afternoon is a lecture on Cambodian marriage and then one on history.  LAT is skipping to do the blog.  Movie tonight after dinner.


Pics 10-17-2012

10-16-2012

10/16/2012

LAT Report

This is the last day in Siem reap.  It is a beautiful tourist town but you see rich and poor, old and new.. Today our trip in the morning is to a school way out in the country where children attend that are very poor but are selected because they show promise.  As we arrived after about  an hour drive we were greeted by the children.  Each child "adopted" an adult on the cruise Andi had three that adopted me.  They took me to each classroom and showed me what they were learning and the computers which had a very elementary word/typing game on it.  One of my guides read to me from a book in the library, it was a child's book, he was learning not only how to read but English.  He did very well..and he was very proud.  He asked me my name, my mothers name and what I do.  He told me about his mother and family and that he wants to be a teacher..his friend wants to be an engineer...I wished them much success.  Linda had a sweet little girl adopt her and both my little guy and her little girl are good friends.  We had our pictures taken together ..it was so much fun!

We then headed back to the hotel to get ready to leave for the boat....did I mention to anyone that it was hot?  The ride was 200 miles and with the roads and the traffic being what it is..it was a long trip to the boat.  The boat was docked and we had to go down the side of a hill to board quite something given my sure footed ness yikes......the cabins are small but very nice ..very carefully designed to maximize space and optimize closets and drawers.  We had a nice dinner and the upper deck is an open bar for beer and it is good beer...I was in bed by 8:30 and sound asleep five minutes later.

LMR report:

8am gathering for breakfast before part of the group went to a school supported by Viking cruises.  Way out in the country..kids are screened and tested then ad mitten to the program.  They take computer and English classes.  We were met at the bus by kids, each one sort of adopted one of the bus riders and showed us around.  My little girl was 8 years old and an absolute delight.  She read the three little pigs to me and only had trouble with the words "huffed and puffed".  I would take her home in a minute!  I suppose however grand mother, mother and brother would object.  Pictures of her can be seen along with this update.  Upon returning it was time to check out and take the 4.5 hour ride to the ship.
 It was docked in such a way that we had to climb down a steep hill, but Vilking staff was lined up to give us an arm.  Cabins are small-- bed is even higher then mine at home, need a stool to climb in!

Cocktail hour on the sun deck, then dinner in the dining room, after dinner a lecture on Pol Pot ( we skipped it), as we still had to unpack and be ready for early departure in the morning.

Cabin is quite warm, cannot figure out how to turn the air conditioner down.  Water in bathroom is scalding, Linda burnt her figure ..but Neosporin to the rescue!  laundry service is available every day..so will take advantage of..have lots of sweat baked clothes..  Room does not have phones or tv...

Have been teasing Dick about our favorite team...OSU ...he is a duck fan..so teasing all in good fun!

10/15/2012 - Siem Reap

LAT report

     Well I can report that the weather has not changed ..it is still hot and muggy..but I'd did not rain..so we did not get that ten minutes of relief.  Our tours today took us to two more wats.  First was one that was built by woman.  It had a lot of very ornate carvings but the Wat itself was in major need of reconstruction.  There were some stairs and the floors or walkways were very large cobble stones that were totally uneven and one had to be very careful not to trip!  That one would be me!  Linda always went first and counted the stairs up and down and that helped...I even was going down a slight incline and a very nice Japanese lady turned around and ga e me her hand!  That was as I said nice and helpful.  We did a little shopping at the souvenir shop (only a scarf) and then we got back on the bus ..this all took about an hour and all of us were soaked to the bones with sweat.  Off we then went to the next Wat.  We drove several miles then had to get off the bus and get onto a smaller bus so we could more easily or even at all travel on the "road" that got us to the jungle Wat.  It had a huge wall around it that went for miles and miles, and apparently back in its day the "compound" held 79,000 people.  The Wat was in major ruin with the tree roots growing over the walls it was an amazing and somewhat beautiful site.  This is where they filmed "Raiders of the Lost Arc".  They were doing some construction to secure some of the huge stones in the buildings that had started to fall over because of the tree routes.  Really an amazing site and my favorite Wat so far...there was even a patch of shade to stand under..it wasn't cooler it was just shade!  So the we got back on the small bus, traveled to the larger bus and back to the motel.  We then took our second shower of the day and headed down stairs for lunch.  In the afternoon we went to a local crafts school where the artisans made really nice  lovely things all the way from wood carvings, silk scarfs and clothes, items out of silver ..you ended up in the store at the end and I bought several nice items and still only spent $80.00.  Then we went to the town market for about 45 minutes then back to the hotel to get ready for dinner.  After dinner they had a group of traditional Cambodian dancers that performed several dances ..that was fun to see..dinner was buffet ..and just ok.  Tomorrow we leave for the boat...I am really looking forward to that!

LMR Report:

Just a quick report on dinner from last night...we had Kashmer dinner and it was ok.  Had chicken skewers, rice, local veggies and fruit.  They served water that they said was boiled first.  I am not convinced and will not drink table water again...you can now read between the lines!

Out again today  at 8:00am for two more temple ..one Buddhist and one where Angeline Jolie filmed Tomb Raiders, our local guide assured us he met here but he has some wild tales..so maybe not?

Cambodian people meet our buses every where selling bracelets, shirts, art and toys.  They even stood outside our bus window and asked us to buy.  Of course many of us bout items from them!

Back to the hotel for afternoon shower and then back out at 3:00 pm.

We were told that king Schanouk passed away this morning in china.  So it is possible that his body will come to Penom Penh for a state funeral while we are there so all business will be closed.  In addition it is New Year so they have a three day holiday to celebrate that.

At 3:00pm we went to an artists workshop and saw their silk paintings, stone carving, and lacquer work being done.  At the conclusion of the tour we we went to the gift shop where items from the artists are sold.  Linda and I must tohave been among the best customers as we got a ration bag for our purchases and others in our group did not!

From there we went to an oudoor market in downtown Siem Reap.  We had an opportunity to practice our bartering skills.

Did not get the afternoon rain today like yesterday's downpour.  We were all looking forward to it  for some momentary cooling.

linda and I decided our next trip will be somewhere where coats are required all he time, along with sweaters and heavy blankets.

pics 10-15-2012

10/14/2012 Siem Reap- Angkor Wat

10/14/2012 Siem Reap Cambodia

LAT Report

Well as i said to Linda I now know why hey describe hell as "hot" and they must have been in Cambodia when they came up with the idea...it is just stifling here and the humidity is unbearable.  We left after a nice breakfast to go to Angkor Wat, needed to get pictures taken for temple passes.  Went at 8:00 AM so it wouldn't be so hot, well that didn't work so well.  From the parking lot the walk over the mot to the main structure is about 8 city blocks which is not bad except for the fact that there is NO shade and our guide walks very slow and talks the entire time.  By the time we got to the wat i was soaked.  There was a set of stairs with no hand rails and i was very shaky after my morning fall at the hotel (oh yea forgot to mention that..didn't see a step down and landed on my knee..just bruised..but still shaky).  The inside of the Wat is even hotter,  did you notice how I am starting to describe everything in terms of the climate?  Anyway this level of the Wat had many stone cavings on the walls..I forget how many miles..then we came to a set of stairs..I think about 30 steps but they were what looked like straight up like a ladder, with no hand rail..and I said I am NOT going any further as there is another level above that with even steeper stairs.  I stopped and went back with another lady who didn't want to try it either..it would have been alright except she turned out to be a right winger (she brought it up not me)..so that wasn't fun either as I had to sit with her under a tree for about an hour waiting for the group to return,  Linda climbed both tiers to the top  so she can tell you about that...she was very brave!  We came back to the hotel...sopping wet and very tired...took showers and decided to skip the afternoon Wat visit and  go to  lunch and shopping with Candy and Dick.  Had a fun lunch at the Blue Pumpkin we just shared a bunch of appetizers then we went to leave and down came the monsoon rain...oh my gosh.. as we were standing under the awing of the restaurant we saw a "Foot Doctor" place next door (there are tons of them).  They do massages but their main attraction is a big water tank the size three large bath tubs made out of glass with a padded seat all the way around and water with these little fish about the size of a small gold fish that et the dead skin off our feet!  that was amazing and fun..we sat there for about an hour with the fishes chomping away,,we had the company of Candy and Dick pls a couple of guys from San Francisco, one  designer and one who does cancer research..we did a little shopping and then Lind and I headed back to the hotel on a tuk-tuk, took a nap and went out for a cambodian dinner that night ..it was ok


LMR Report

Angor Wat- Our guides wanted us to leave early from the hotel in order to beat the heat.  They must have been nuts!  Upon arrival it was already 90 degrees with the same in humidity.  We walked 300 meters to even reach the first of three sets of stairs to climb to the top, the guides gave us two places to wait if we could not make it.  I think I was crazy (probably heat stroke) to attempt the climb.  The first flight of stairs was not too bad- hand handrails, the second big set of stairs were steep, narrow and no hand rails of any kind.  Everyone was soaked through with sweat!  Lots of discussion about wether we should keep going but three of us said we have made it 66 2/3% so lets keep on going!

WE MADE IT!  Then t the top was a very long trek around the temple top- tok about 40 minutes to begin the climb back down.  I know this is one of the 7 wonders of the world, but I am not sure I want t do the other six.  We are suppose to now get certificates to show we made it to the top!

Upon arrival at the hotel I  wrung my clothes out before I got into the shower and afterwards!  We have passes with pictures that allow us three days to go back..that won't be me!

This afternoon we rode a tuk-tuk to the center of the city and had lunch - I had a great banana milkshake.  Had an interesting experience sat with feet in water allowing the fish in tank to chew on our toes and clean or dead skin off our feet...Gail this event was for you!

Dinner tonight is Khmer!Pics 10/14/2012

10/13/2012 HANOI & SIEM REAP

10/13/2012

LAT Report:

Linda and  woke up early and had breakfast went back to our room worked n the blog then at 9:00am went for the most horrifying ride I have been on..it was on what they call "electric cars" and what i would call a four seater golf car with a driver in the front.  he took us into traffic that came at us from every direction.  the gal was to go to the market area in Hanoi where the streets are way to narrow for a bus...but wide enough for three million motor bikes from every direction and a couple of cars and several walkers...oh my  gaud...all i could see was motor bikes coming at me and they blow there horn constantly...it is crazy... the vendors are packed in like sardines and have their wares  to the curbs..it really is amazing..you see woman that carry fruit in baskets riding on a pole that goes over their shoulder...  we only had a half an hour ride but everyone thought t should had been much longer...me I am not so sure.  We headed for the airport to take Vietnam air to Siem Reap..had a wait bt there were many shops so we did a little of that...then we arrived here at Siem and it looks like they ha some rain..it was not so muggy or hot ..but it was later in the day..so I don't know.  The drive from the airport was lovely an interesting...seeing all the local houses and markets and even a couple of cows on the road.. at the resort we were greeted by a group of drummers and dancers, a refreshing wet towel and a lovely glass of iced tea that they used lemon grass as a straw.. we are leaving for dinner now will close and write more in tomorrows blog.

LMR report

WOW!  We had the best event of the whole Hanoi experience (to me).took an open air jitney around the old town Hanoi.  It was amazing-sounds, smells, people.  Only a 1/2 hour long - could have been 2 hours- Dick and Candy from Portland were our mates in the jitney,

Returned to the hotel had a break then checked out and went to the airport.  Viking River guides took care of our check in needs, customs etc.  Told us to stick together like sticky rice!

Airport shops were interesting lots of local products i.e bottle of whiskey with a cobra inside-- I did  not buy it!

Took Vietnam airlines to Siem Reap, short flight of 1 1/2 ours.  Small airport had to walk outside from plane to terminal,

Arrived at Sofitel Hotel 6:30PM,  Beautiful.  Greeted by Cambodian musicians, glasses of tea (with ice) sucked from lemongrass straws.

Went to Cambodian restaurant or dinner at 7:30PM,  Very interesting.  Better wine choices.  Still no pinot gris,  We stopped at store on way back from dinner so bought some wine t take n boat with me in case they don't have the right kind,

Pics 10/13/2022

October 12, 2012 Hanoi

October 12,2012

LAT Report

**having problems downloading pictures, IPAD allows only one picture at a time, so will add when I get home the majority of the pics but wil always try to post a couple to the web.

Oh my gaud it's  hot here  .. now I know why we have so many people from Vietnam in th US  I would move also.  it is the humidity....and all the water and even the beer they serve is medium cold.  My stomach continued to give me some angst so I had a very moderate breakfast and no lunch then we did a  course dinner that I liked only the soup course of...we so not much there either.  The day had several tours and honestly I almost passed out it was so hot.    We went to tthe Temple of Litature   the Museum of Ethnology that showed the different groups of people that live here in Hanoi/Vietnam and there orgin and a little hstory on thsm... then we did the Ho Chi Min Mausoleum, well we did it from abut a mile away as they will not let you get any closer they gaurds armed with AK47's and they do not look friendly.  So we looked at the buildng and heard about its occupant who died in 1972 and they are trying to figure out how to preserve his body... I personally think by this point it is a moot point....there are only 3 million communinists out of 89 million people..and most who are are dignataries or officials... not well thught of over here lots of complaints about taxes and the cost of thngs ...they say the rich are rich and the poor are very poor... kinda like what  Mitt and Ryan are striving for..We then went to the Hanoi Hilton or what is left of it, that was sad and interesting...oh my how they treated people, the cell that John Mc Cain was in is no longer in existance but they did have examples and it was a a very HOT place!  Still getting to know eople and rn into our first a__hole republican...who said Obama was going to win but that is state Wyoming was going to do their job to help Romney...good luck with that big electrial count!!  Most of the people we are hanging with our blue like us...except for a nice Canadian couple and they are neither....  

LMR Report

Busy full day in Hanoi - Had early buffet breakfast with the tour group.  We weren't really sure what day t was- still kind of rummy, but we had a newspaper at the door that told us the date.

We took a tour of several site and visited Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, as well as the educational building and the museum of Ethnology.

Traffic is chaotic, six million people and 3 million motor bikes!

At the education building we were met by vendors at the us who swarmed me, Linda ha to rescue me from their clutches, They really wanted to get my money, going so far as trying to reach into my purse.  They did have cute t-shirts for all.  We bought post cards and mailed them off.

At Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum I needed to use the "Happy Room"  as it is called here, the woman at the door would not let me in without paying and then only gave me two squares of toilet paper.  I didn't have any tiny bills so borrowed the oney frm our guide (Kong), i we him 2000  dongs.

There is a neat park by our hotel where young couples go to have wedding pictures taken.  Our guide said that many couples don't end up marrying but do like the photos.  The brides were totally drssed in beautiful log whte dresses with veils and the grooms in tux or nice suits.

Tonight was a six course Vietnamese dinner, with an interesting menu and bd wine choices, limited beer menu, too.  Wine was very expensive ($10.80) for a small glass and I gave it aay!

**Special note to Patsy--we have not found the hotel bar---cannot go without you!!

Linda did not serve in any medical capacity at the dinner , her nursing skills are becoming a bit rusty, but we have another group dinner tomorrow night in Cambodia.





LMR REportPics 1-12-2012

October 10&11/2012

October 10 2012

LAT

Take off at 0400 this morning from home, picked up LMR was uneventful given I had about ten minutes sleep all night..guess I was more excites then I knew.  Linda was ready and out the door as we arrived, with a honk goodby to neighbors Linda (yes another Linda) we headed to the airport with brother Paul taking the most indirect route he could find.  We arrived in plenty of time to go thru the multiple scanners and lines that it takes to fly from Portland to San Francisco.  Linda had only one causality and that was the loss of her shampoo and bug repellant..it was in her carry on and was over the limit allowed for liquids in a single container.   I did not have any stops by security like i did in Europe just had to take my shoes off like everyone else and get a full body scan.  We arrived in San Francisco at around 9:30 in plenty of time to shop, eat and wander before our 1pm take off to Seoul.  We have met some other folks from Oregon that will be on our cruise ..so we already have new friends.  We went to the money exchanger to get some Vietnam currency, we bought $250 a piece and ended up with something like 500 million dongs...wow I think we are rich!  We may not come back!  We will miss Patsy's help on the money exchange questions..she was in charge of that all throughout Europe...however we will not miss her directions...we have  managed to find our way throughout many terminals and flight check in..without a national incident.   I won't go into the explanation of how awful it is to sit squished into a three row seat with nice people but people you don't know sharing an Internet space for 14 hours.  But we made it.  The date and time changed so many times I still cannot tell you what day or what time it is... we are meeting for breakfast this morning (10/11 I think) and do it must be morning.  I feel asleep the second my head hit the pillow..Linda was not even tucked in yet... it is hot and humid here...so I am planning on a sweaty day....


LMR

Very long day .. not sure exactly when it is but we are in our hotel room in Hanoi, and it is midnight here.   We gained a day crossing the date line but lost two  hours gong from Seoul to Hanoi.

I only lost one itm in the security check in Portland.  Shampoo was over 3oz in carry on  Oh well ....19 hours of flying time is a LOT!

Korean air was a good airline, they fed and watered us every two hours - wanted to make sure we didn' t get dehydrated I guess,    Always had three choices of meals!

We  bought Vietnamese money in San Francisco,   but apparently over  bought, one dollar is worth 20,000 Bots.  SO we have many millions of dollars, but the bills are too big so need to exchange for smaller denominations at hotel desk.

Six hours of sleep ahead then to breakfast. and an hour meeting and then a city tour.  PM walk then a group dinner tonight at a traditional Vietnamese restaurant.

Have met tour mates from Portland, Edmonton and Stockton, there will be a total of 50 of us on the tour.

I got a little confused when we landed in Seoul, the muzak playing on the airplane was Strauss waltzes,  thought perhaps we had landed in  Vienna.  we did hve Asian music when we landd in Hanoi.  Well off to sleep!!