Geo: 12.2453, 109.199DAY SEVEN (1/9/13) — Transfer to Nha Trang Patrick and I were both fans of the television show in the late 80s starring Dana Delaney called "China Beach"; it was set at an evacuation hospital near Danang during the Vietnam War and focused on non-war stories, including soldiers who headed to the Vietnam beaches along the South China Sea for R&R. I'm told the Vietnamese now refer to the body of water as the "East Sea". The Chinese called it the South Sea. And the Philippines call it the West Philippine Sea. I think it has an identity crisis. Nha Trang (pronounced Nya Trang – as in rang) is one such beach. It is near the naval base and airport that played a critical role in the war: Cam Ranh. But I am getting ... read more

Geo: 21.0243, 105.855Busy, busy day, with a heavy emphasis on the Vietnam War. Our day begins with breakfast in the hotel and at 8 o'clock we venture out to awaiting buggies (electric cars) which give us a thrilling and speedy ride through Colonial Hanoi. These drivers play "chicken" with all the motorbikes and scooters that dominate the streets â€Â¦ a thrill ride not dissimilar to something at Six Flags. In and out of streets and traffic with some really harried encounters with other drivers. But we get a good feel for the lay of the land, and the extent of the retailers, in the Old Quarter. We return to the hotel and catch a bus for a half day of sightseeing. Our first stop: Da Ba Dinh Square and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum ... only the ... read more

Geo: 21.0243, 105.855DAY THREE (1/5/13)— Hanoi We join our band of eight for breakfast in the hotel and plan the day's itinerary. Many items are considered and abandoned for a variety of reasons. We consider a day trip to the ancient capital – 8 hours and too long having just traveled 30+ hours. We consider a trip to a village that is famous for his pottery – again too far and a bit tedious. We want to make sure what we are selecting is not a part of the 1.5-day Hanoi tour that Tauck will provide. We settle on the Ethnology Museum, which covers Vietnam's 54 ethnic minority groups, their people, dwellings and costumes. We are happy with our choice. Fun photo opportunity, with lots of information for all of us whose history classes focused on ... read more

Geo: 32.778, -96.7956DAY ONE (1/3/13)—St. Louis > Dallas > TokyoWe are traveling American Airlines from St. Louis to Dallas; then an American/JAL (Japan Air) to Tokyo, with Hanoi as our ultimate first destination. We arrive two days early … to give us time to recover from jet lag … and because we had to travel early in order to secure business class seats with our American Airlines Advantage points. (Patrick is 6'6" and the extra leg room is critical to his mental and physical wellbeing.)The flight is uneventful, which is always good. Last time we flew JAL, coming back from Hong Kong through Tokyo in the mid-80s, I remember the service and the food as luxurious. Not so much anymore. For one, we are flying business class, not first. For another, it's a different millennium. Things ... read more

Geo: 45.4345, 12.3384DAY FIFTEEN (8/16) — VeniceArrivederci, Roma ... and all the other lovely places we've visited.We departed early morning, by water taxi, for the airport. The ride was beautiful, with the early morning sun hitting the pinks and yellows of this city's ancient buildings.We checked our bags, filed for VAT tax refund and headed through security. Because we flew business class, we spent our last hour in Italy in the Skyway lounge where I had a farewell cappuccino. Arrivederci.The flights home (Venice to Atlanta, Atlanta to St. Louis) were uneventful, which is a good thing. We had a lovely view of snow-capped Alps before we crossed the Atlantic. I watched "The Lincoln Lawyer" and "The Adjustment Bureau"; and I read some of “The Girl Who Played with Fire”.Our Tauck Travel Director: Len Pacitti... read more