If I could sum up everthing that I understand about Vietnam - I would say - It's all in the wiring! As Jeff and I hopped around the old city of Hanoi I suddenly looked up to see a power pole that looked strange to me. It took me a few seconds to realize that the wiring system looked terrifyingly hazardous and I couldnt take my eyes off the mad mess of black wire. Jeff tried to focus on a taking a picture that would show the true horror of those wires that had no direction or order. He stood with the camera stuck to his eye as cars, motorbikes and people were weaving around us and then out of nowhere Jeff said: "it's a total mess but everything seems to work" That is how I ... read more

Remember that song from Cat Stevens- Morning has Broken?... "Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heaven Like the first dewfall, on the first grass Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden Sprung in completeness where his feet pass Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning Born of the one light, Eden saw play Praise with elation, praise every morning God's recreation of the new day" This is how I can describe the view driving up to Sapa at 6 in the morning. Jeff was so enthralled by the view that he was literally sticking his head out of the van to take pictures. It took us an hour to get to the city of Sapa where we were taken to a hotel room for the sole purpose of taking a shower after the ... read more

OMG! I am speechless- We are in Vietnam and IT'S exciting! This morning we arrived at the Taipei airport at 5 in the morning, tired and feeling ok about the decision to fly cold turkey. From my experience the Taiwanese travel very quietly, everything always seems to be organized and stylish. The women dress impeccably and the men are suave. When I walk next to them in the streets I usually feel like a shlub. and nice shlub- but a shlub all the same. We were flying to Vietnam via Vietnam Air. To my suprise, waiting in line for check-in was like being in the shuk on Friday. People were in line with all of their pekalach, big bags , little bags, bags without handles, bags that are held together with lots and lots of tape. ... read more

There is something to be said about going to a place second time around. The first time I came to Taipei about four years ago I was so scared to venture out, everything seemed new and strange. I actually was in a state of panick most of the time. If I remember correctly I thought I could buy clothing in Taiwan. This trip is already different. This trip I know not to go into any clothing store! My body will fit neither shirts, skirts or pants not now and not ever. Anyway I hate clothing shopping so it's a win win. I know the rail system and I know that I have hours alone as Jeff goes off to work. We landed after a 15 hour flight from rollercoaster city.. exhausted and thrilled to be on ... read more

As we were driven, by a 21 year old driver with some slovenian irish folk music on the radio we found ourselves once again going down another narrow mountain road at the speed of 80 km. As we raced passed the trees I could only laugh how yesterday going on a similar road at the speed of 10 km I was terrified and on the verge of a total meltdown. Jeff threw me a look that meant "this is our last look before we fall into the ravine" or he was about to kill me for driving him so crazy yesterday while I looked totally relaxed as we weaved and waved through this new forest. Today we decided to do some serious white water rafting on the Soca river. In our raft was our guide , ... read more