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