Arrived in Lao Cai to somewhat typical raw, misty weather. Drove a few hours to the market in the village of Coc Ly. Saw tribal people at the Tuesday market, Pho, selling wares, selling water buffalo, socializing.

Woke up early, able to do tai chi on the deck before breakfast. It was exhilarating and even spiritual. Took a boat to some amazing caves. A long drive back to Hanoi ... Checked out some stores in the Old Quarter, ate dinner in Little Hanoi, then took the overnight train to Sapa.

Left Hanoi at 8 a.m. and took a 4-hour drive to Halong Bay. Headed out in our boat. We docked near floating villages. We took a boat to view them, stopping at communal area that included a school. Robbie and I kayaked. There was a cooking demonstration, then dinner. Tomorrow we will see some grottos, then back up to Hanoi.

Had a decent night's sleep, after all that travel. Spent the morning at the Ho Chi Minh complex, which includes a mausoleum, Presidential government building, Ho Chi Minh's cars (gifts), houses, House on One Stilt. Who knew that HCM's body was being embalmed in Russia?! Also visited the Museum of Ethnology. We had lunch in restaurant that prepares one dish only. In the afternoon we went to the Temple of Literature, the site of Vietnam's first university and shr...

We're excited to be going on a long and interesting trip. Leaving on Asiana Airlines . Trip was long, almost 14 hours to Seoul, a few hour stay over and then close to another 5 hours to Hanoi. We both slept on the plane and feel pretty good. Staying at Hotel Metropole.