I write this final journal entry from a busy internet cafe on the Khao San Road, oh yes, back in the steamy noodle metropolis of Bangkok one last time. I spent the day on the pool deck of that same hotel I snuck into three months ago on my first days here... I can hardly believe how quickly time has passed. In 12 hours, I'll be on a 747 Jumbo Jet bound for home... but not before stopping in Taipei, Anchorage and New York. At noon on Wednesday, if all goes according to plan, I'll touch down in Halifax after three months of South East Asian Adventures. I set out on this journey to find something. I'm not sure what it was, but I THINK I've found it. I feel satisfied, fulfilled and ready to come ... read more

Luang Prabang has stolen my heart. It has to be my favorite place of all so far. Everything just seems to fit. The people, the surroundings, the atmosphere, the attitude. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, nestled in the mountains, next to the Mekong River. I can't describe how beautiful it is here... just picture Lunenburg -- those same sort of heritage homes -- except next to a chocolate milk colored babbling river instead of the Atlantic Ocean. Oh, and the streets are lined with palm trees and fruit vendors. And there are gorgeous green mountains in every direction. There are only a few main streets... mostly filled with Guest Houses and restaurants. There are 32 wats here... (temples) and monks dressed in their bright orange outfits walking around everywhere. It's so serene. Fairytale-like. And the ... read more

Just got back from an absolutely breathtaking few days on Halong Bay. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's just like the pictures promise... Thousands and thousands of limestone islands that jut straight up into the air. Apparently, they're very similar to those on the Adaman coast of Thailand. The call it 'where the dragon meets the sea.' Left Hanoi early Tuesday morning to go to Halong City by bus. There are 5 zillion tour companies offering this type of cruise, but they're not all the 'same same.' I've heard some horror stories about being put on crappy rooms in the bottom of an old boat that looks nothing like the photos at the travel agencies. I've heard stories about getting smoked out by diesel fumes and rotting fish and eating only eggs for 3 ... read more

I have just had the best few days of my trip thus far. Am convinced that the only way to see this country is from the back of a motorbike. A real motorbike. Last time I wrote, I was about to leave Hoi An with a backpack full of new digs. I ditched my tourist bus ticket and Dale and Katherine, the Aussie couple, picked me up from my hotel. They hired a couple local fellows to drive us up the coast to Hue in a car! When you're on a bus, you really only get to see the highway. It was so nice to be able to stop when we felt like a drink or wanted to take a photo. Or to use the bathroom. There are no bathrooms on those dang busses. We stopped ... read more

Yes, here I am in Ho Chi Min City, where coned hats, french pastries and mystery meat on the street prevail. I like it better than PP already! Staying in a $2.50 USD guest house. I'm sharing with my new friend Helen from England, who is in her 8th month of travel. She's going for a whole year. At our hotel, we get free breakfast too -- your choice of tea or coffee and "baked." Took me awhile to figure out that meant 'baguette.' (You gotta love the English translations and spelling here!) Ate it in a little kitchen that doubles as a hair salon. Hair cuts are also included in the daily rate. :) Took the first bus out of Cambodia a few days ago. PP was certainly not a place for one... my gut ... read more