Bangkok, Thailand

Our most visited city in the world and we still can't get enough! Even in the unbelievable 98 degree heat and high humidity we once again visited our beloved Bangkok.

Due to the current political unrest, the city took on a different vibe than we are used to. There was a heightened hustle and bustle due to protests, roadblocks and the tent city erected for anti-government protesters. None of this deterred us from enjoying the sites and catching up with colleagues and good friends



On our first day, we enjoyed my favorite market in the World - Chatuchak! Phil was a real trooper tracking our steps via the tiny stalls and even saved me from a cat sized rat that crossed the path in front of me. The Thais were laughing at my screams and said it was "No Big Deal!" No, it was not a big deal it was A BIG RAT!!!

We found some of our favorite stalls and bargained away!

Wat Arun - The Temple of Dawn

The Temple of Dawn, a Buddhist temple provided a great look out sight to see the Chao Phraya river. We climbed to the the top and enjoyed the view of the river and the long boats flying up and down with great speed and noise! The last time we visited the temple was over 18 years ago so it was exciting to go back and see it now. It is created with shards of pottery and mosaics!

A monk and his students at Wat Arun

There are three steep staircases that lead to the top of the temple. So, up we climbed. The view was of the busy river traffic with the Grand Palace in the background.

A view from the top

The Chao Phraya traffic

The steep climb down

One of the monkey guards at Wat Arun

After our climb we headed to Lord Jim's at The Oriental Hotel and enjoyed refreshing drinks on the busy river and headed to the Night Market.

MOCA - Museum of Comtemporary Art

Our good friends Chalie and Gib treated me to a visit to the newly opened MOCA which houses a private art collection. The art was unbelievable and included some one-of-a-kind pieces Here are a few of my favorites . . . 

This creative painting  looks like a series of painted lines with a variety of bright colors. As you stepped away from it, you could barely make out the tuk tuks, people, a bus and the iconic gold dome at the top. When we took photos the whole picture came into view. Spectacular!

Called "Bangkok at Night"

This painting used light to make the costumes look 3 D. The detail was intricate and it looked as if the dancers were performing right in front of you.

My favorite was this one with three full faced Thai girls applying their face powder - a must to keep the shine to a minimum.

Our stay here was enriched by the friendships we have made and the gracious Thai people.  We always enjoy the culture, food and the chaotic city! We'll be back!

xoxo from Bangkok,

Kathy & Phil

Hanoi & Halong Bay

We just got back from a memorable trip to Hanoi and kayaking in Halong Bay. The weather was quite cold and the sun was missing, but it was still an amazing site!

Our connecting flight on the way to Hanoi was delayed and we ended up spending our first night in Hong Kong. We got up early the next day for a flight to Danang and then on to Hanoi! We were used to motorcycles and scooters in Bangkok - but this city takes that experience to a new level.

 The bikes are everywhere and we crossed most streets arm in arm or in masses because it was safer!

Hanoi Traffic

Pepsi Noodle Cafe

They also carry everything on their bikes but you will have to read on to get to that part and see for yourself.

After a day of touring the city and eating great food, we headed to Halong Bay - a UNESCO World Heritage site -  for a few days on The Treasure Junk and beautiful limestone peaks!

Our floating Hotel on Halong Bay

The Treasure Junk was a great way to cruise the bay, eat great food and meet some very interesting travelers of all kinds. Our room was a little over the top as you can see . . .

Dining area on our boat

As soon as we got settled, we headed out on the kayaks to see the bay and its spectacular scenery. A bit chillier than we had expected, but fun nonetheless.

Shell seeking during our break

Taking a break on a sandy beach

After a fun afternoon exploring, we headed back to the deck of our Junk and enjoyed hot showers and cooking lessons before a traditional Vietnamese dinner.  After dinner, we went squid fishing with lighted lures that proved to be impossible. Not a squid to be caught or seen anywhere!

 We wake to another day on the bay and explore caves and lagoons for several hours on our kayaks. I was the photographer in front while my trusted partner paddled us all around.

Into the dark caves we went so I traded my camera for a flashlight!

Through the Cave into the open

We spotted Brown Monkeys!

 We were given the option to swim . . . only a few monkeys decide to take a dip!!!! Brrrr

Phil monkeying around

We visited a fishing village with crude houses and even a primary school. The villagers went about their daily lives as we cruised on by.

Our Water Taxi awaits

On our way!

Beautiful colors all around 

Baby nets to keep kids from falling in the water!

TV/Radio Antennae and lights for Karaoke at night

Primary School 

We loved our time in Halong Bay and met some amazing people. Sadly, we had to say good bye and headed for dry land. After a 4 hour drive back to Hanoi, we had drinks with new friends and toasted to a great trip!

Our final day in Hanoi we decided to spend the day on foot in the crazy hustle and bustle.  This "butcher" was perched just outside the door of our hotel. When we came back at the end of the day, that tenderloin was still there - a bit dusty, but still for sale!

I Loved the ladies that carried their wares or food on these poles, navigating through the busy streets with sometimes very heavy loads!

Ceramic lady

Flowers of all varieties were available on street corners, on the backs of scooters and pedal bikes. As soon as they would park they would be sold out in no time!

But, one of the highlights of our trip had to be sitting on a curb near Ho Chi Minh's tomb taking photos of all of the crazy things people were carrying on their scooters and motorbikes. Before we had our cameras at the ready, we saw two guys with a full sized, gutted pig carcass draped across their laps motoring down the street. We then got our cameras out and this is what we saw . . .

A day of Shopping

Balloons on a Bike

Bedroom on a Bike

Bundles on a Bike

Live Chickens on a Bike

Desk/Office on a Bike

Memorial Flowers on a Bike

Green Bundles on a Bike

Newspapers on a Bike

Metal Poles on a Bike

Water Bottles on a Bike

Lucky Orange Tree on a Bike

Bigger Orange Tree on a Bike

Flowers on a Bike

Bouquet on a Bike

Dusters & Baskets on a Bike

Sunflowers on a Bike

Grate on a Bike

Baby on a Trike!

As we were heading back to the hotel, Phil spotted this bike in the window at an opening of a new hotel. It was not for sale - but he was very excited to check it out.

After a long day we headed back to the hotel and enjoyed one more hectic stroll!

Some final shopping before going home

We loved Hanoi and especially Halong Bay and hope to return when we can enjoy the warmth and the sun!

Back to Shanghai for us!

xoxo, Phil & Kathy