Vietnam | Cambodia | Thailand
Asia Bound
On the topic of eating out alone my friend commented... "it really doesn't bother me, in fact I care less about how that seems or what people think than I give myself credit for. I had a story about that... that on some level it matters... but really it doesn't matter...
Waste not Want not
So after a 13 hr flight, I land in China for a 5 hr layover. Had a moment in the restroom where I paused noting that the stalls were marked differently I didn’t know who was more perplexed: me, or the cleaning lady watching me takes pictures of the squatting pan. I...
Guts of Steel
I spent a few hours meandering the busy streets of Hanoi. Getting lost in the matrix of side roads. Women balancing their scales of ware on their strong shoulders or conversing over a hot bowl of noodles seemingly unaffected by the buzz and horns of the vehicles that...
Dragons Den-Halong Bay, Vietnam
I spent the last two days on a boat trip through Ha Long Bay. Ha Long Bay is well known for its stunning emerald green waters with approximatley 2000 islands scattered throughout. Legend has it that the mighty Dragon Mother has descended down in this mystical bay....
Who Let the Dogs Out-Hanoi, Vietnam
Took a break from street food-Pho Bo Ha Noi-beef broth cooked for 10 hrs in cinnamon cardomon star anise -secret ingredient sea worm; rice noodles beef tenderloin. Cost? $5.00 I made it back safely from my trip on the bay. Back to the same little hotel as it's...
Eat, Pray, Love-Danang, Vietnam
I have been in Da Nang the last couple of days. This lovely coastal city that was once a French colonial port is outlined with beautiful sandy beaches. I splurged a little this time, which comparative to home wasn't much, and got a room with a different kind of view....
Bicycle Built for One-Hoi An, Vietnam
Today I travelled from Danang to Hoi An-an ancient Vietnamese town eclectically comprised of French colonial architecture, ancient temples and wooden Chinese boathouses. Narrow roads strung together by vibrant paper latterns and interrupted by small canals. I arrive...
“I Do”-Hoi An Vietnam
Today I ventured off the beaten path, first by boat. Being from the coast, the water lends a welcomed, familiar perspective. I am the nautical observer, just far enough removed from the land, separated by these still waters, to capture each image. We arrive up river...
Children of Cambodia
A colleague of mine back home had enriched me with stories of the orphanage in Cambodia, New Hope for Cambodia Children, where he and his family have volunteered. It was my plan to spend a few days there while in Cambodia. Kathy picked me up at the airport and we...
The Wedding Crasher-Cambodia
I walk alongside Kathy who makes her way to the centre of the village, "come on kids!" The children run from their clusters and congregate around her while she sets out the guidelines ("stay in pairs and don't forget to get a receipt for every item..you must have a...
Tuk Tuks, Temples and Tarantulas-cambodia
It was my first night in Siem Reap-outside of my stay at the orphanage I had a few things on my agenda while in Cambodia. 1. See the famous Angkor Wat 2. Eat traditional Khmer food-and if that included species which have made it in the spectrum of most common...
Zen and the Art of Cambodian Outback Riding
What better way to explore the Cambodian outback than on a honda 125 cc (sporting a vintage war helmet). A little more horse power than a scooter but slow enough so I don't break my neck. A word about riding bikes..there is truly no better way, in my opinion, to...
Stairway to Heaven-Chiang Mai, Thailand
I arrive in Chiang Mai Thailand just in time for dinner. One of the teachers I met at the orphanage in Cambodia connected me with her American friend who is currently living in Chiang Mai. And as luck would have it, Nathan is a food blogger whose passion for food has...
Indulgence-chiang Mai, Thailand
So I've slacked a bit on my blogging which pretty much speaks the level of relaxation I've hit here in Chiang Mai. Vietnam and Cambodia were a journey unto themselves. I've never felt so close to the earth beneath my feet as I did in those countries. Here in Thailand...
Into the Wild-chiang Mai, thailand
I was up bright and early this morning. I had booked an excursion to an elephant sanctuary about an hour and a half outside of Chiang Mai. While the idea of riding an elephant sounds extraordinary, I've become aware since being here that many of the tours who offer...
Last night in Bangkok-Gaggan
The day arrived..the final chapter of this incredible adventure..the last night in Bangkok. I intentionally booked my departure out of Bangkok for one reason and one reason only to have the opportunity to eat at the top restaurant in all of Asia-Gaggan. It is very...