chocopixie

Vacation to Spain. While I did not go to the home of my favorite tennis star, Rafa, in Mallorca, I did get to explore some lovely towns in Andalucia. We stayed near Fuengirola, a resort hot spot for British tourists. We breakfasted several times at an Irish pub on sausage, egg and beans, though I did get to try churros several times and toast with dulce de leche. The Brits were very funny. Some days it was overcast and cold, 60 degrees Farhenheit, and at 9am, the Brits would be at the resort pool laying out and swimming...rain or shine. We hung out mostly in Marbella, our favorite town, but took day trips to Ronda, Sevilla, Granada, and Malaga. I did not get a good pic, but the Mediterrean Sea is spectacular when it's a clear ... read more

Can't wait to go back. Loved it. Stayed at Samui Paradise Resort and Spa on Chaweng Beach, the charming traditional Thai Grand Villas were awesome, I felt like I was staying at a rich Thai uncle's house, great food plus breakfast buffet was a good spread, Sawadee ka hospitality by staff, lounge pool, beautiful orchids and the location is a nice spot along the beach, close enough to nightlife if one wants it. A great hotel all around, check it out: http://samuiparadise.com/beach.htm I also stayed a few nights at Lamai Wanta on Lamai Beach, same same but different feel from Chaweng Beach, a bit more kick back. Standard rooms are more sparse in that modern minimalist sort of way, but great facilities overall and good value for the standard. I enjoyed the pool and beach minus ... read more

A country on the move.... read more

First visit to northern Vietnam. Vietnam is a very long country so I found out. very very long. took a 21 hour train ride from Hanoi to DaNang. That was only half way down the country. the flight back was about an hour. Vietnam was full of highs and lows, which all added to the adventure of the journey. The Hanoi traffic in the old quarter is unreal, I feel lucky to have survived crossing streets. Loved Cha ca la vong on Cha ca la vong street, cruising at night on a shiny red Vespa with Thao around Hoan Kiem Lake, getting a glimpse of Ho Chi Minh embalmed, tailor made clothing in HoiAn and Melissa getting a bread basket every time she asked the Vietnamese waiters for something like soy sauce. ... read more

Third visit to Angkor Wat temples.... read more