Thanks for your honesty! Thank you for an insightful and honest account of your experience here. Halong Bay has been on my travel list for quite some time, and after reading what you wrote I am rethinking it! Not that I don't think it isn't an incredible place, but most of the things you mentioned are things that would have bothered me too. Overcrowding, trash, a little bit of sickness... I wish it had been a tad better for ya'll! Wishing you safe and happy future travels ~Jennifer
Halong Bay I heard that there are a few cruises that have access further out into the next bay north of Halong, you may find this less spoiled. If you do go to Halong i would recommend only doing one night rather than the optional two. Happy Travels.
A great bridge Nothing better than driving or walking over the Golden Gate. An amazing bridge and great city. We lived in Seattle for 7 years and it has been one of our most favorite places to live. Love following your blogs.
Twinkes! Don't tell me you fed that pure English/NZ girl Twinkes? The worst "food" there is straight out of the pit of American capitalism, 200% Chemical Preservatives and sugar. At least now you won't have to embalm her when she passed on from eating American junke food.
You 2 had too much fun.
Congratulations to both of you! I think Melbourne is one of the most fabulous cities in the world (I know I'm biased!), and I really enjoyed reading this blog :)
What fun! How creative--a treasure hunt, a surprise destination and a proposal! Truly, a never-to-be-forgotten start to your long life together--congratulations!
Welcome back blogging!!! It's been two years since your last blog and you've been missed. How about a blog filling in that gap...and how did you meet your girlfriend? I enjoyed touring the Yorkshire Moors...but in the summertime. Good to see that you spent Christmas with your family.
A life journey that was about creating place... Hi Bob,
Thanks for writing. I've not stopped traveling in that dry spell, but did find my time limited for blogging. The biggest adventure was purchasing my first property and doing a proper do up renovation - most of the work on my (our) own. It was a great learning and life experience like traveling, but didn't lend itself to blogging frequently.
Cheers,
Donavin
Glad you are feeling better There is nothing worse than being sick in a crappy room. We loved our time in Vientiane but we were there during the boat festival. Really glad you are feeling better. On to new adventures.
Reminds me of our honeymoon Hi Donavin,
Glad you are enjoying your trip! Your photos remind me of our honeymoon, although it looks much busier there now....not sure if it was the time of year that we went (November) or if the word has gotten out and more travelers have been visiting there since 2008?
I was surprised to read that you found a spicy Cambodian dish, as they tend not to go spicy, and if asked will comment on their crazy Thai neighbors for liking spicy food. :)
And what I wouldn\'t give for a good local massage right now...or 5 of them in a row!
It is fun to know that we have shared the amazing experience of traveling SE Asia - it is a special place!
Donavin Wick Blogs We both have appreciated your beautifully written accounts of this trip and excellent photography. It is amazing what sophistication is seen in these ruins. Things were constructed to be beautiful and to last!
I wish I had discovered this blog years ago. I did the mass email update for my previous adventures (United States and Europe) and now have no online documentation to share with fellow travelers.
To the chagrin of some friends and family wanderlust has struck again. I managed to stay focused for nearly a year and a half in a job related to my college education, however the desire to travel has grown strong again and can no longer be suppressed.
I have secured a 12 month Visa for New Zealand and hope to document this adventure for posterity, or at least the life of the TravelBlog.
Enj... full info
JenniferMP
Jennifer P.
Thanks for your honesty!
Thank you for an insightful and honest account of your experience here. Halong Bay has been on my travel list for quite some time, and after reading what you wrote I am rethinking it! Not that I don't think it isn't an incredible place, but most of the things you mentioned are things that would have bothered me too. Overcrowding, trash, a little bit of sickness... I wish it had been a tad better for ya'll! Wishing you safe and happy future travels ~Jennifer