Travel

Chiang Saen, Thailand. 23-24 January 2015

Golden Buddha of Chiang Saen

Golden Buddha of Chiang Saen

Strap myself in for a bumpy ride! I am in Thailand, land of happy fat Buddhas, slow swaying elephant rides, and speedy drivers who totally trust in Buddha that the guy they are tailgating will not make a sudden stop or change lanes as he passes on a sharp uphill curve. A three hour drive can easily be done in two with our driver. The bumpier, narrower, curvier the road, the zippier he becomes. Obviously laws on using walkie talkies or a cell phone while driving have not reached Thailand.
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By Pat, ago

Luang Prabang, Lao. 20-21 January 2015

Meeting the Buddhas of Luang Prabang

Meeting the Buddhas of Luang Prabang

I arrive at the modern, clean Luang Prabang International Airport (driving would take hours). Our flight is late so we rush to lunch along the Nam Khan River. No fear anyone starves as the food continues to be superb. I pass some of my plethora of riches to the pregnant cat at my feet. This UNESCO World Heritage city of 70,000 is a perfect place. Located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, Luang Prabang is surrounded by mountains, rivers, low-keyed saleswomen, and beautiful nature. My afternoon is spent amid this natural beauty.

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By Pat, ago

Vientiane, Lao – “Land of a Million Elephants”. 19 January 2015

DSC06546It’s Monday so I must be in Lao. Flying into Vientiane, I see the beauty of the land with its rice fields, buffaloes, the Mekong River, trees and green expanses. On the ground, I immediately notice the clean streets, lack of motor scooters (car to scooter ratio is 4:1), traffic lights are obeyed, and several ethnic restaurants from Italian to Korean. I pass many of the 150+ Buddhist temples in the city and what seems like as many automobile dealers. On foot, I no longer need to play dodge-a-scooter. There are sidewalks! Indeed, Vientiane seems a cosmopolitan city and I am enamored of it.
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By Pat, ago

Hà Nội, Việt Nam. 17-18 January 2015

DSC06313Holy Crap on a Cracker! Hà NộI is nothing what I expected. This city has it all for those looking for a vibrant (actually manic) environment. The streets have a deranged energy that only the young or courageous should travel. To even look at traffic, hurry, or dodge is a sign of trepidation. Dozens of motor scooters, a couple cars, a taxi, two cyclos, four bikes and varied vendors assault your every street crossing. But if you have the fortitude, then Hà Nội is the place to be. The streets are full of entrepreneurs, shops, bright colors, activity and food vendors. Just put on blinders and ignore the motor scooters zipping by within inches of your little bits. Drivers really do go around you!
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By Pat, ago

Đà Nẵng and Huế, Việt Nam. 14-15 January 2015

China Beach

China Beach

Between Hôi An and Đà Nẵng are the finest beaches in Vietnam. Waves crash onshore as we walk barefoot upon a stretch of fine sand – we stroll China Beach, where US soldiers went for R & R during the war. The water of the China Sea is warm. Vietnamese call it the East Sea to avoid using the ‘China’ word. I see many unreadable signs, unmistakably propaganda, interspersed with the gentle, smiling face of Ho Chi Minh, particularly around schools.

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By Pat, ago