Off the Beaten Path Planning my trip to Sapa, I talked to so many other travelers trying to get as many tips and as much information as possible. At my hotel, I ran into a lovely Italian woman, also traveling alone. We found ourselves both searching for resources to plan a 5 day trip to Sapa and decided to join forces. The more we chatted the more clear it became that Elena and I would travel together. We didn't want to do the package tour but instead wanted...

Let's Eat.You'd never believe it but the most popular question I'm getting on email is "what kind of food are you eating?" Meals are always an adventure here. And one I've found to be wonderfully different than back home.First off, I eat breakfast every day. No bagel on the run here. I mean a full meal. Although on occasion I have had a Western style breakfast of eggs and toast w/ jelly and butter, I much prefer the Pho (pronounced Foe)....

The Jetty StarAs the sun set over the Lake in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, the beams glistened off the water and the red footbridge deepened it's tone. Quite a sight at such a magical hour of the day. I sit with my head tilted back on the park bench and let my mind wander. It seemed as though with a blink of an eye the night sky bled through the dusk.With the cool breeze blowing th clouds across the darkened sky, I tried to recognize any of the constellations I ...

Jazz in HanoiTonight calls for a big night out. No reason, just because I have been so practiclal up to now. Freshly showered and totally dressed up, I was ready for a night out on the town.Okay, let me stop to re-define "dressed up". As many of you know who inquired before I left, my streamlined bag of a mere 22 inches long allows me to palck only a select few items. So dressing up meant wearing 1 of the 3 pants/1 skirt I brought, my impractcle sandles...

The Sound of Silence The best way to experience Halong is in the water, rowing a kayak. The peaceful beauty envelopes you and words escape you. The only sounds you can hear are the soft splashes of your paddle piercing the stillness of the water. The kayaks are able to nestle in close to the karsts. I wondered why I hadn't seen any rock climbing with nothing but rock formations surrounding us. Then when we got within arms distance and were able to touch them,...