My journey continues ever northbound to Hanoi — and to meet up with meet Lynsey Seminary. She and I have worked together at Simpson for the past 4+ years and became great friends along the way. We began conspiring to leave our jobs and travel the world, and agreed to meet in Vietnam at some […]
flashpacker
Cave, Rice, Bike and Other Four-letter Words: Phong Nha and Ninh Binh
From the Imperial City of Hue, I headed a bit northwesterly to check out the infamous and awe inspiring caves at Phong Nha which everyone I’ve met along the way has been to or is on their way to see. Once again heeding Morgan and Kevin’s advice, I booked the Midtown Hostel in the town […]
Hoi An – Ancient City of Lanterns in Vietnam
Hoi An – lanterns, charm and peaceful rivers. An ancient Japanese bridge. Tiled roofs in intricate layers. According to UNESCO’s website, “ Hoi An Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous […]
Dalat – Weasel Poop, a Crazy House and Celebrating 2nd Place
From the crazy hustle and bustle of HCMC, I began working my way north through the country. Next stop, Dalat for 4 nights. A beautiful, small town at an altitude of 4900 feet, Dalat was once a summer escape for the French and was developed as a resort. Many of the old buildings remain and […]
Vi-et-Nam! 🇻🇳 Vi-et-Nam! 🇻🇳
NIght bus! From the sleepy beach town of Sihinoukville, Cambodia to The Big City — Ho Chi Minh City. Should be a 12 hour bus-ride aboard a comfy sleeper bus. Great way to get to the next spot while saving money on a hostel, since I could sleep on the bus. I was impressed with […]
Serendipity
After our time in Phnom Penh, Theresa headed back home to Denver and Jessie and James went to the beaches of Kampot. After looking at a map of the southern Cambodian beach area to determine my next course of action, I spotted Serendipity Beach. “Serendipity” is one of my favorite words – for the sound […]
Phnom Penh – Visiting The Killing Fields and S-21 Tuol Sleng
A bus took us from the charming Battambang to Phnom Penh, a drive of around 5 hours. Jessie and James had done some research and booked us into a hostel called Lovely Jubbly Villa. When we arrived in Phnom Penh (hereinafter to be referred to, at least occasionally, as PP) I asked the pack of […]
Battambang – bamboo trains, dinners gone amuk and the custom of hand wobbling
Edited December, 2024 After thoroughly enjoying Siem Reap, our next stop was Battambang. A good-sized city of over one million people, Battambang is a few hours from Siem Reap by bus or a 6-8-hour boat ride down the Tonle Sap River. You can guess which mode of transport we opted for! We grabbed seats at […]
Laos 4000 Islands: Been there, Don Det.
Kayaking, waterfalls, scooters and water buffalo – enjoying the 4000 Islands of southern Laos.
Lovely Lao(s) – First Stop: Luang Prabang
Wasn’t quite sure if it’s correct to say LaoS or Lao, so I’ve always let the “s” trail when I said it; but now that I’m here, I have learned that although either pronunciation is acceptable, Lao is correct. “Sabidee!!” in a sing-song cheerful voice is sung out many times each day and means “hello” […]