In these dark, damp, long nights of winter, my soul longs for the tropics. Warmth, humidity, exotic flowers, fascinating culture, and inexpensive traveling….. oh Bali, how I miss you!!! Here our fantastic cottage in Ubud.
Category Archives: Asia
Discovering the Subtle Charm of Vientiane
The Laotian capital of Vientiane is not a city often lauded as a tourist hub. Unlike Bangkok or Saigon, this lazy, tree-lined town is considered boring by many, and to be used only as a transit point for the rest of the country. We loved it.
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Lao, one of our favorite countries in SE Asia, is a land of beauty, friendly people, and stunning architecture. Here, a scene from one of our favorite temples in Vientiane.
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Foto Friday from intriguing Angkor Wat. A favorite part of exploring this immense collection of temples was finding all of the secret little pathways leading to gorgeously carved discoveries.
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At the Tombs of the Emperors temple complex, just south of Hue on the Perfume River, has some fantastic temples offering exquisite detail. If you find yourself in Hue, taking the very interesting, albeit touristy, cruise down the Perfume River is a must.
Happening Halong Bay
You Sing! You Sing! The karaoke microphone was thrust into Jim’s hand by the cheering crowd. Thick smoke circled the room, becoming increasingly worse as the passing tobacco bong was alternated by chain smoking cigarettes.. I sat silently, waiting to see what he would do. Singers we are not, but faced with such enthusiasm, it would be hard to resist.
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Lately I have been missing Indonesia and SE Asia. I miss the tropical scenery, the food, the laid-back lifestyle, the inexpensive prices, and the vibrant culture. This scene from rural Bali perfectly captures what I am missing. I can’t wait to go back.
Living Well in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a place I loved, and yet am unsure if I ever want to return to. A UNESCO World Heritage Site of around 50,000 residents, the town sits at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. What makes it so appealing may also lead to it’s inevitable downfall, as more and more travelers flock to it’s serene banks. Inexpensive hotels and guest houses abound along with a variety of great restaurants, both international and of local Laotian cuisine. The thriving night market is made up of street after street of astonishing handmade goods, and the daily Alms offering to the monks is a highlight. All of this, combined with great natural beauty, makes Luang Prabang an easy to place to fall in love with.
A Unique Day in the Country
My traditional krama scarf kept only some of the dust out of my nose and mouth as my motorcycle driver raced along the packed dirt road and I was soon covered from head to foot in the fine, grey powder. Jim and his driver had taken an alternate route out of town and were nowhere to be seen. I was on the back of a moto with a driver who spoke no English somewhere in the countryside of rural Cambodia. And I was having the time of my life!
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SE Asia is one of our favorite places in the world to travel to. We love the culture, food, and iconic beach scenes of daily life like this in small town Vietnam.
