April 13, 96 (as I start to write this) It’s altogether too pleasant, in my beloved East Rift Valley, to remain angry and upset for too long. There is nothing like the patch of wildflowers at Ji An Station, or a bush of burgundy hibiscus blossoms at an unexpected train stop, or a proud-as-Lucifer ringnecked pheasant strutting about, or pagan dan pin for breakfast in Fong Lin, or 90 km/h on 11A as dawn breaks, to knock the spots off any bout of ill temper. Da bei Taiwan pi jo doesn’t do any harm either—and it’s not nearly as strong or fattening as Canadian beer. Besides, Lao-puo rang this morning again, and she is in good spirits. Dr. Lee has her on full bed rest, and traction, for at least three days, in the hope that ... read more

April 2, 96 (as I start to write this) Chapter 40 was a disaster! My apologies to you all--the blog site went into a sort of "Sorcerer's Apprentice" mode, and advised everyone repeatedly that a new entry had been published. However, there was no publishing. I'm just going to move on, and since there is more news about Lao-puo I will add a quick Chapter 41 later on today.. The travelblog website was down for most of the day, while the technical people took the broom handle out of my spokes. Moving, even from the fourth floor of a walkup, can be fun—and not just because we have neither a piano nor a freezer. It was astonishing, nevertheless, how much rubbish we have accumulated in a short period of time. Our new landlady kindly let us ... read more

Hanoi - a mixture of discreet charm and excitement To visit HANOI is to steep yourself in history, tradition, and legend in a capital that has been inhabited continuously for almost a millenium. Visitors often note that the city is quieter, greener, and "cooler" than other big cities of Vietnam. Indeed, Hanoi itself, and the Northern Vietnam, have quite clear four seasons, and October to March are lovely pretty cool months whilst other towns southward just have dry and rainy times. It probably influences in the mentality of the inhabitants and the city seems attract more intellectuals and artists, while Saigon is great for entrepreneurs and hustlers. Hanoi's present architecture is mainly from the 19th and 20th centuries, and the French-built section of the town is largely intact. Yet, the city preserves many old religious temples ... read more

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Trip Over Leon DunnArrive at Karaan and traceys after very long flight via Singapore vefry pleased to get off that damn plane! Get to Karaans and meet up with the rest of the whanau very tired just muck around and go to bed early. have big day tomorrow getting organised for Karaan and Traceys wedding. ... read more