Home again

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I apologize for missing the last three days of posts. I'll fill you in briefly but I'm feeling pretty out of it after 20+ hours of travelling and the flu. As you all know Shane lost his match to the Iranian but because of the first round 'by' that Ayron drew for him and the few competitors in the division, Shane won a bronze medal! This is super exciting news. This is the first time Canada has won a medal in Sanshou and we are sure there are more to come!! Congratulations to Shane to stepping up against the best in the world.

After we checked out with the team we went to our new hoel in the French quarter. A days hunting for jerseys and other tid bits landed us at a very cool restaurant called Know One Teach One. It is a program started by a man born in China, moved to Australia and now lives in Hanoi. This fantastic program takes underprivledged and street kids and gives them training in the hospitality industry. It provides them a place to live, english lessons, cooking classes, serving techniques, etc. Everything they would need to go out into the world and provide for themselves and their families. After we had rest at the hotel we found ourselves at an amazing restaruant named Boby Chinns right Hoan kiem lake. Very tastey!

The next day we were up bright and early to catch our tour bus to Ha Long Bay. After a three hour ride through the country we came to the Bay of Tonkin. Our overnight cruise on a Chinese style junk was so nice and relaxing. It was great to get away from the pollution and noise of the city. We had amazing weather for the trip. Sunny and warm. Some of the guys even went swimming. I got really sick that night and I am still trying to fight it off. That's why I haven't posted since then.

Our tour aroun Halong Bay was simply amazing. We all said we'd love to go back and spend more time there.

Back in Hanoi the guys went out for a final night of dinner, shopping and taking advantage of the fact that the french left ice cream behind. I was in the Hotel acting out a fever induced opening scene from Apocolypse Now.

20+ hour later and we're all home safe and sound.

There is still much more to tell of this story but trust me when I say I'm having trouble focusing at the moment. Travelled for over 20 hours, sick with the flu, jet lagged, giddy with joy at being home.

Let me just finish off by saying how amazing the Vietnamese people are. They are remarkable and their country is beautiful. I would encourage anyone to visit. I know we are already planning a return visit.

Love to all.

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Comments

[Todd]

nice work Shane!