As I headed out towards my multi hour, multi day train voyage, armed with my last $2 pack of Amoxicillian, I wondered why I do this? I was tired from the cold, cranky that I hadn't been able to have a last week of tennis and sad to leave Laura and the really nice life she has made for herself in Vietnam. The family insisted I have lunch with them before I left and Phouc also insisted on taking me and my large packs on his scooter to the train station. As it...

If you are not up to a rant and a long one at that, skip this installment and wait for a happier one. I am sure there will be one soon.Leaving Vietnam. Hit the wall - had enough. Interestingly enough I am writing this on my first plane ride since arriving in Bangkok, what seems so long ago, and I am sitting behind a couple I met in the Departure lounge who have the exact same sentiment. I told them I stayed at least two days too long and they said they stayed...

Moving along.Tonight at 9 pm I am heading, on the night train, to the mountain town of Sapa. The journey takes about 9 hours so I will arrive in the early morning tomorrow. Sapa is a centre for Hilltribes and I booked a tour so it should be very easy - everything organized. The train, the bus to the town, the Hotel.....ah, the easy life. Just kidding because surprising enough, all of the bus and transportation planning and finding accomodation has been so rid...

Want to know what a perfect day on the road looks like?   Really? - Good Morning Hanoi.Got up this morning at 9 am - hard to get out of my King sized bed with the crisp white linens anxious to see some of Hanoi as I hadn't't had the chance the day before. Turned on my laptop to check my mail as the beautiful old Hotel has wifi in their $15.00 (breakfast included) antique filled rooms with 12 foot ceilings. Got a bottle of water out of the fridge to d...

Nina and Les - here are some beautiful flowers to enjoy as you recover.....Nina, hope the shoulder will be ready for June golf and Les - hope you will be able to be back on both feet soon.Miss you both,Love Deb