The ride to Halong Bay from Hanoi is about 2 and a half hours. We rode on a bus with the other tourists on our cruise, as well as our tour guide, Binh. Binh was to-the-point, but also charming and funny. He spoke impeccable English. He asked us all to introduce ourselves. There were aContinue reading “Halong Bay: Day 1”
Category Archives: Travel Log
Hanoi: Day 8
The Temple of Literature is a centuries-old botanic garden and temple complex dedicated to the exaltation of Confucian ideals and learning. It has several pool-embellished, garden courtyards, and ornate pagodas, leading to a shrine at the back of the complex. I was enjoying my time in the historic temple, but Aaron seemed listless. He keptContinue reading “Hanoi: Day 8”
Hanoi: Day 7
After lunch, we trekked around the karsts some more. Our overstuffed bellies couldn’t have handled much more than a leisurely pace. We enjoyed one hour more of Yin’s company, discussing our cultures further as we ogled the mist-shrouded landscape. We took a few photos, then it was time to return to Hanoi. The ride backContinue reading “Hanoi: Day 7”
Hanoi: Day 6
I wish I could tell you that we’ve taken advantage of every second of being here. But for one full afternoon, Aaron and I stayed in our room at Cocoon Inn and watched Rick and Morty. I don’t regret it, but I am properly ashamed. As our time in Hanoi draws to a close, we’reContinue reading “Hanoi: Day 6”
Hanoi: Day 5
Museums here often close during the lunch hour (or two), so we had to browse in the museum shop for a few minutes before the ticket counter opened. The History Museum itself was small, but its collection was well-curated. On either side of the lobby were two avant-garde art installations that seemed out of place,Continue reading “Hanoi: Day 5”
Hanoi: Day 4
Yesterday was lazy, boring, and wonderful. Aaron and I passed several hours in our local favorite cafe, Coffee A. We sipped iced coconut coffees, wrote, and planned our trip. Coconut coffee is a Vietnamese treat that’s sort of like a Starbucks Frappuccino, but with coconut milk, condensed milk, and coffee that isn’t burnt to shit.Continue reading “Hanoi: Day 4”
Hanoi: Day 3
Apparently, Cocoon Inn was turning 3 years old. That’s what we learned when we rode the elevator to the bar after our naps. To celebrate, they were serving cake and fruit in addition to the already free beer they gave out at happy hour. Aaron and I did our part to join in the celebrationContinue reading “Hanoi: Day 3”
Hanoi: Day 2
After fueling up at Garden House Restaurant, we were ready to chew some sidewalk– except Hanoi doesn’t so much have sidewalks as it has scooter parking and fruit stand space. Our first stop was the Heritage Tea House in Old Town Hanoi, a restoration of a traditional merchant’s home. It was small, but intricately detailedContinue reading “Hanoi: Day 2”
Hanoi: Day 1
Our introduction to Hanoi was fitting for the city. It was sketchy, a bit scary, a little crazy, and, in the end, totally groovy. Let me explain. We exited the terminal looking for a cab. Our data was not working on our phones, so we couldn’t use Grab (the Asian Uber). We were waved overContinue reading “Hanoi: Day 1”
Luang Prabang: Day 4
After an afternoon rest, we thought we’d get a bit fancy for the evening and do a date night. I made reservations at Paste, the fussy modern fusion restaurant we had tapas at a couple of days before. First though, we would need to get some coffee in us, so we grabbed a latte andContinue reading “Luang Prabang: Day 4”
Hanoimoon 