Vietnam Images & Experiences: Oct. 20th - Nov. 6th 2019

From Sunday, Oct. 20th to Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 we ventured to Vietnam and back for a total of 18 days - more than half way around the globe. By taxi, plane, van, scooter, bicycle, boat and canoe and trekking we immersed ourselves in another world. Some major jet lag, a few minor scraps and falls, some car sickness...we carried on and brought back hundreds of images and many more memories. Our personalized tour was orchestrated by Veronica Spann of Audley Travel http://www.audleytravel.com - Southeast Asia Senior Specialist Veronica.Spann@audleytravel.com. We were joined in Vietnam by three outstanding guides/translators - Duc in the North, "Sue" in the Central Region in and around Hoi An and Phuc in Saigon & the Mekong Delta. Each day is a Chapter in this web album totaling some 720 images - reduced from 4,200 taken. From underground tunnels to cloud filled mountains Vietnam is visually rich and prospering with new discoveries around every bend. Peace.

The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Haneda, Monday evening, October 21st, 2019

Here's the "space ship" like corridor for our Tokyo overnight stay after traveling from Madison, WI on Sunday, October 20th in the morning, to Chicago and then non-stop Tokyo on ANA...a long, long two days. On Tuesday morning we flew Tokyo to Hanoi - Days 1, 2 and 3 to begin our discovery.

Silk Path Boutique, Hanoi Day 3, Tues. Oct 22nd: Check-in afternoon on our first Day in Vietnam

Our driver and guide met us at the Hanoi airport and brought us directly to our initial accommodations - the Silk Path Boutique - a world away from the non-stop motions of Hanoi filled with scooters, pedestrians, bicycles and much more.. We arrived jet-lagged and ready for a departure from our airplane seats and car seats. This was it.

Outside our hotel the world zooms by. If you want to cross - raise your hand and walk slowly with confidence.

Looks like chaos but really it is a ballet on wheels with scooter and bikes and cars and trucks weaving seamlessly among pedestrians and each other. Every day, every night...it goes on. Hanoi (population 11 million) has 6.5 scooters. Enjoy.

Hoàn Kiếm Lake near the center of Hanoi - across from Silk Road Boutique

The bridge leads to Temple of the Jade Mountain - a popular tourist attraction.

Blue Butterfly Dining

Happy Vietnamese Women's Day written in the window - the actual day was a little earlier but the thought remains. Framed photos in the Blue Butterfly show an earlier time in Hanoi at the same location.

Tràng Tiền Plaza - upscale shopping in the heart of Hanoi-

Tràng Tiền Plaza is a shopping center located in the downtown of Hanoi, Vietnam. The complex's construction began on April 30, 2000 when Vietnamese people celebrated 25th anniversary of The liberation of the south of Vietnam. The complex was finished after 18 months of construction. Wikipedia

Day 4: Weds. Oct 23rd, 2019

Driving the long and winding roads to Sapa with stunning scenery and hidden gems. Destination - Topas Ecolodge in the clouds - a National Geographic gem. https://www.nationalgeographiclodges.com/lodges/asia/topas-ecolodge/about/#.XefgzehKiUk

Day 4: Weds. Oct. 23rd: Wake up slowly with Tai Chi in the Park:

A beautiful setting by the Lake where many gather to welcome in a new day beginning with Tai Chi. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tai_chi

Morning Scooter and Bike traffic in front of Silk Path Boutique

The narrow buildings dates back to a tax structure set up centuries ago...owners pay more for building that take up more street space. So many buildings are taller and narrower including the Silk Path Boutique.

An Engineering Marvel

Many large infrastructure projects have been undertaken in the last 2 decades often with commercial partnerships from Korea and Japan and sometimes China.

Rest stop along the way used by travelers and tourists.

Large dam project for Hydroelectric and flood control

Basic road side stands manned by women

Women bring fruits and vegetables to be sold to travelers and construction workers. While waiting for customers they weave handicrafts, take care of their children, and share company.