Palaces,pagodas tombs and temples

We went to the train station very early for a few reasons, one being it was our first time riding it, and the second reason... hoping not to run into Kenny the con. With success we boarded the train and after two hours we were chugging along heading south to newer sights and undiscovered areas (for us that is). Our little berths were just that but still quite comfortable. We booked all four beds in one cabin so we could enjoy the privacy. Played some dominoes, had some fine wine and cheese , and a relatively good sleep. The hard part for me was whenever the train stopped to change tracks or pick up people, I would wake up, Steve as always did just fine! We were on the train for 14 hours traveling mostly through the night. We arrived to a wet drizzly Hue in Central Vietnam. A city given Unesco World Heritage status, and rightfully so. It`s was once imperial Vietnam's capital city. We saw some of the old crumbled buildings along newer modern ones and the impressive Citidel with it`s moat protecting the imperial city within a city. Day one gave us a little drizzle and the next few days followed with rain and more rain. The people here are strong in character and go about their day regardless of the weather. We gladly took the free bicycles from our hotel and peddled around the city, nice to get out and get some fresh air (or so we thought). Riding around here has been exciting and a little crazy. As in many parts of Asia, drivers just pull out into traffic without a shoulder check, it`s really driver beware! We got into the flow, well Steve did and I just followed, we had much laughter using other bikers, mopeds, and cars as blockers for us while manouvering about. Plenty to see, hear, and smell. Steve has named a few of the areas such as the circle of madness and the corner of chaos. On day two we noticed that we're stuffed up again as the pollution is pretty bad here also. Now we rented a moped and are traveling at higher speeds with even more things to laugh at and to watch out for. Crossed many narrow bridges, one where even a rickshaw got stuck. Mighty tighty, it took all I had not to laugh. Focus , focus!!! Gotta say, sure trust my driver. The senses are bombarded with quite a few sounds, smells, and sights. It's just too bad about the air quality. Went to an incredible place for dinner. Out of this world (well the one we are accustomed too). It`s called the Royal restaurant, and that it was. We were seated in a very fine room by ourselves and enjoyed top notch service with presentation of the food as tasty as it looked. Steve noticed that they had hidden cameras so that when we completed one course the next one was promptly delivered. There were nine all together. Fortunately small decadent amounts and we were both stuffed when the meal was complete. All that for $10.00 each!!! Gotta love it. Today is our last day here so we got on our free bikes and road around the city, entered the Citadel and spent many hours taking it all in. Incredible, speechless moments, we could almost feel the mighty ceremonies and to see the devastation left by bombings in this war torn area. Quite humbling it all is. We are so very fortunate to live in a time and country that did not have to subject us to what some of these fine people have had to endure. I am growing with respect daily and learning more than any history book could write or should I say if I took the time to read them. Tomorrow brings another day another train trip.

Good Morning Vietnam

Finally caught our flight to Hanoi, Vietnam. A 3 hour trip, arrived safe, and quickly dug out our socks and jackets. Brrrrrrrrrr , 10 degrees celcius. When we got to our hotel a scammer named Ken told us our hotel was booked and that their sister hotel had a room available. We checked it out, it looked OK and checked in. Then we dropped our bags off and headed out to explore this city. What a pretty sight it was as we walked around one of the city's lakes, lined with trees and a boardwalk. Checked out many little shops, enjoyed some people watching and took in the sights. The Vietnamese not only manufacture the clothes but put it together with a great fashion sense. By comparison Steve and I are dressed like a couple of country hicks which of course we are. Went out for supper and stumbled upon a fine french restaurant, went through their wine list and shared 6 different reds, yummy! It's been a few months since we've had this kind of selection at a decent price! The food was fabulous and the owner came over after dinner and gave us a congac to finish. Yum Yum.
He noticed my bright red CANADA jacket and is apparantly from Vancouver, small world!!! We meandered back to our room, had a nice sleep and were fresh to enjoy day two. "Good morning Vietnam." Next on the agenda was to purchase train tickets to Central Vietnam. Steve using his bartering skills had our rickshaw driver lower the price if he let Steve do the pedaling. What a funny sight, I laughed all the way, pedestrians were laughing, motorbike drivers and tour buses alike were all laughing. Probably not a common sight. Once we got to the train station to purchase tickets we needed to get a little extra cash as they do not accept credit cards. Our one and only remaining card got eaten up in the machine ( we started with two each but some bugger has been using Steve`s so we had it cancelled). Steve and the rickshaw driver went to a local branch, while I stood guard wishing for the machine to spit it out. No luck there. Steve returned and we were to go the main branch in the morning and our card would be there. So we did, low and behold the teller whips our card out of her purse, Steve comments on her supposed shopping spree, they laughed and helped us with our withdrawal. Next it's off to pick up train tickets only to be told they were sold out and the next train would not be available for three days. Back to the hotel to see if Kenny the con could hook us up. Steve told him we were aware of scams, wanted no part of it, and had him write a receipt. After a couple of hours he brought us the tickets for the next day, hurray!!!! We both had a feeling (not a good one), so we took our tickets to another agent and she sadly informed us that we had been ripped off. Kenny the con charged double. Next we walked around the lake to collect our thoughts and make our next move and that it was. Back to the hotel to pack up and exit stage left. We did not paid for our room and all they had was our passport numbers. Well what a sight and noise it was in the lobby. Kenny the con said he got the tickets on the black market. Steve called bullshit, went into a tirade about the travel agents comments with a little misdirection about supposedly talking to the police. Kenny didn't try to follow and out the door we went. Around the corner we conveniently booked a room at Freedom Hotel. And that it was, great little boutique hotel, nice staff, breakfast included, all for $30.00...Priceless. Back to the fab french restaurant run by the Canadian for another great meal. Tomorrow it's off to the train station.

Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur

Took a late flight out, and about a one hour drive to our hotel. We were pleasantly surprised to see sky scrappers and modern infrastructure. We arrived safely at our room about 1:00 a.m. Woke up to actually seeing where we were with a nice view of the twin towers. It`s the third tallest building in the world. We wandered down to eat our free breakfast and we felt like we were on Vancouver's nasty side of Hastings street.
Just like home?????? Drunks and druggies passed out everywhere with garbage and other stinky smells abound. We met up with Mas, our handler who took us on a tour of the city. The air was not polluted, and we were awestruck with all the developed areas. Nothing like Bangkok! We climbed 230 plus stairs to view the city and see a very large budda, Steve had a photo session with a couple snakes while I stood far enough away to get a good photo (yuck, I just don`t like those kind of reptiles). We had lunch off a cart, 4 of each, samosas, spring rolls and juice all together for 2 bucks. (this was the only time since we have been here to have a cheap meal, must of been because who we were with)!!! We see a pattern while traveling, one price for locals and one for the falangs(tourists), which pisses me off!!! We saw many incredible buildings both very old and some styling new ones. In so many ways it is like being in New York City but with a lot of men wearing turbins and ladies covered from head to toe (must be so hot). Later we did the touristy dinner theater and watched a traditional Malaysian dance show. Day two on our own we caught their sky train and headed to one of the high end malls. They had Gucci, Prada, Armoni,etc. and stores that we couldn't afford a pair of socks (not that we need them). I think there was 12 stories, very cool to just check it out. Booked our flight out to Vietnam and went to another mall and watched a movie, Sherlock Holmes. It was an excellent show, so well done. Off to bed to be up at 3;30 a.m.to catch our early flight, only to be denied access. We were told and Steve also looked on line that we could get our visa`s upon arrival, but no no no, so yet another hour trip back to the city, hooked up with Mas and off to the Vietnamese embassy. There we had to wait and wait and then pay big bucks to get visa`s that will allow us 30 days to tour around. The only clincher was we have to stay 3 more days here. So we happily moved to another area where we felt safe to walk around. Now unfortunately Steve has come down with a cold, so he spent many hours recouperating in the room. I wandered around Chinatown, (which is like a mini Koa San road in Bangkok) , and to our disappointment much like the nasty room we had there, above a bloody bar!!! Called and complained and we were swiftly moved the next morning. UUUGGGGHHHHH
I know Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur quite well if any one needs advice. Killed a day walking around alone. Steve is better and up for the task of changing flights and going back to the embassy to pick up our visas. Today is our last day here, hurray!!!!! Things we have seen and noticed is there are not all the dogs and cats wandering the streets (we hope they are spaded and neutured, not eaten), the people here wear their jackets backwards while riding their motorbikes, blocking wind and venting to the rear. They do recycle bottles, lots of honking, not a lot of smiling faces, and there are McDonalds and 7-11`s on every corner (wish we had bought their stocks years ago). At the embassy there was a sign that said travel broadens your mind, it hopefully does or it will make mine explode, so much to learn!!!! Breath in , breath out.

Same same only different

Well what a week this has been. Our Aussie friend Dave had a birthday and we all got together to celebrate at one of our friends bars. Much laughter was had by all. We ate seafood, rice and cockles and of coarse birthday cake. Steve chipped a tooth opening a shell, so we will have to use my foot file to smooth it out(ha ha ha ).We took our bike to our mechanic and had an oil change, so while we were waiting we decided to have a spa afternoon together and Steve had his first massage, now he is hooked. While he was enjoying his hour and 20 minite hot oil rub down I got my hair colored and had a pedicure. After feeling relaxed we decided he needed a haircut too. That"s a first in the 17 years we`ve been together .Four services with a tip all for $60.00 . My color was the most expensive $30.00. I think she charged me 10 bucks per half inch. Sitting in the chair experiencing it from a completely different view, in the past 25 plus years it`s only been Tracey and Cynthia that have touched my curly locks, so it was definitley a different do. They rinsed off my color with refreshing cool water followed by three shampoos, but no conditioner, squeeky clean I was. She then blow dried my hair into a smooth flat finish which lasted an hour or so. Between the humidity and me sweating the curls were back in no time. But I have to say that I did look fabulous while it lasted. For those of you skyping us I`m sure your tired of my gray roots hidden beneath my headbands.
More beach days, more wonderful Thai food and yes another birthday party to attend. This time it was Kevan`s ( the German who has the hotel-bar with his brother and Mother, who we had Christmas with). We celebrated with champagne with a shot of redbull in it. Now we know it sounds bad, but it was great. Redbull is originally a Thai product and it is sold in small glass bottles in a syrup form (unlike our carbonated version at home). They had a roasted pig on a spit, and the guy from Rock Creek made sure we got some of the back (loin). Lots of salads and smiles. Later in the evening the band started up , and Steve got to jam a bit too! He had so much fun that dancing was included!!!! Later in the evening we went to Rock City (nightclub with 2 heavy metal bands) in Patong. We even did the after hours Macdonald's routine. So needless to say today is a down day, with naps included. ZZZZZZZZZZ's after cheese.

Happy New Year

Well another week has gone by and yes it`s been a busy one. We have had lots of time on our hands being in one area which has allowed the privelege of seeing the daily routines. The children being dropped off for school, the construction of new bungalows, or the locals hustling tourists are examples. Last week we met the new born baby at our nearby corner store, only two months old. We see dogs riding scooters or a family of 5 (very common), even little children in bamboo highchairs carefully placed in the front of the scooter behind the steering column. The Burmese workers load up into the back of large trucks also off to work. You see foreign men with the local Thai ladies, both exploiting and benifitting, perhaps forming a long term relationship. We've received our power bill of a whopping 500 baht or 18 bucks for 50 days, not too shabby. The system for paying the utilities is to drop by any of the numerous 7/11's. W A huge butterfly or moth spent the day in our room. Perhaps a sign to fly away so we booked a one way flight to Malaysia. There we'll meet a handler, Mas, who will taxi us around and do all our visa work. Not too sure as how much time will be spent in this area as we have heard mixed reviews. After Maylaysia it's possibly off to Vietnam. We are so lucky and YES we know it!! Some girlfriends will arrive in July then brother Dale and Rosi in December, don`t want to see "same same only different" too many times.
Had a great New Years celebration! Here they are celebrating 2553 not our 2010!!!! First we enjoyed watching the full moon rise over the jungle from our deck. Then off to one of our favourite little Italian places for dinner, they were having a private party but asked Steve and I to join in for a buffet dinner and just pay for drinks. After dinner it was to the beach along with thousands of others to watch the pyrotechnics in the sky. The drive to the beach was exciting as there were people setting off the fireworks on the streets all around us, it felt like a war zone with Steve dodging all the explosions on the way. The fireworks were incredible as the show went on for hours and they also light these floating lanterns which fill the sky. It looked like hundreds of orange stars, so surreal. One of the best New years ever.
That brings us to today.... another beach day and then we're invited to a party at Barry (Brit) and Tuk`s from the "Banana Boat Bar". So much to do, so much time to do it in. How lucky, and yes we know and appreciate it.