Final Escapades

Sitting at the Thai Royal Orchid Lounge in Phuket Saturday evening and I owe our faithful followers a penultimate blog post (I'm saving the Epilogue until I assume the position on my sofa at home in Ottawa). 

Yesterday (Friday) started off cloudy but we had breakfast and headed to the beach to catch some rays as usual.  The clouds gave a bit of respite from the relentless heat but as we all know that's when people get the worst sunburns.  So, we acted accordingly taking frequent dips and lathering on the sunblock.  When the sun came back in full force round noon, I headed back to the hotel and the shade available by the pool.  Ken, a Floridian now, thinks 75-80 is cool so he hung out until much later in the day.  The afternoon was same same; I had a nap and Ken went to Starbucks for coffee.  

We headed back to the beach with a couple large Chang (local beer) for a late day dip and to catch a last sunset together.  Nothing like the fabulous display of the night before but beautiful nonetheless.  

We headed off to Two Chefs for dinner; some wine to celebrate our fantastic adventure (Chilean Sauvignon Blanc) and a last taste of Thai food for both of us.  I'm sure Ken will revert to pizza once I'm gone, lol.  

Some last shopping for me and, for a change, surprise surprise Ken also bought something.  He needs to do something to fill all the empty space in his suitcases freed up by my departure!!

Back at the hotel, I was jamming stuff into suitcases, boxes and knapsacks.  Lol, I may need a Sherpa to carry all this stuff but it looks like I can make it work.  

Saturday was a beauteous sunny day so we headed to the beach right after breakfast. I stayed until noon and then tore myself away from the soothing sound of the waves and headed back to the hotel.  Wanted to have loads of time to get cleaned up, grab a bite, finish packing and wonder whether the cab I'd booked would arrive at the appointed time.   I am a freak on travel days, lol!

Ken came back for our final goodbye an hour before the cab was to arrive. Wanted to make sure my "Sherpa" on this end was happy so had picked up a couple Smirnoff Ice for a toast.  The cab was a bit late but I'd factored in way too much time so it didn't matter.  We drove back the opposite direction from which we had arrived so I saw lots of beautiful beaches but none any more so than Kata Beach where we hung out.  Made it to the Phuket airport with lots of time to spare.  Let the flying begin.   

Another sunny day in Paradise

Thursday in Phuket and the sun is shining.  Pretty much a rinse and repeat of the previous four days at the beach though we were both a teensy bit worse for the wear from last night's pub crawl.  Breakfast and then to the beach to catch some rays.  After a dip or two and an hour in the sun, we had some hair of the dog to speed up our recovery; I love Smirnoff Ice for breakfast, lol.   

The sun seemed hotter than usual today (likely as a result of the pub crawl - we are out of practice) and the sand was flying around so around 2:00 I headed to the hotel pool.  Leftover breakfast yoghurt for lunch, a bit of time with my book (I'm reading Still Alice; a bit sad but a fascinating read) and then back to my room for a nap.  Didn't I say that naps are addictive ...

We had decided to check out the sunset at the beach for a change so grabbed a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses and headed to the beach to find Ken.  A spectacular sunset followed by a beautiful night sky.   Might have to replay that again tomorrow.  

After a quick clean-up at the hotel, we headed back to Red Chopsticks for dinner. We shared a papaya salad to start; fiery chillies and crunchy veggies provided a great intro to our repast.   We both chose different chicken curries for mains, both of which were very flavourful and satisfying.  A little shopping/haggling (both unsuccessful) on our way back to the hotel.  Stopped at the tour shop across the road from the hotel so taxis are booked for our trips to the airport; Saturday for me Sunday for Ken.  Hard to believe this is all coming to an end but going to worry about that Saturday afternoon.  Until then, I plan to squeeze every ounce of enjoyment out of the next couple of days.  

Good night from Paradise.  

An evening with friends

Wednesday in Phuket and the sun is shining.  Pretty much a rinse and repeat of the previous three days at the beach.  Breakfast and then early to the beach for Ken and I.  Everyday there are a few less people at the beach; not sure if they are all on tours or sunburnt but the beach is quiet.  A bit windy today so it was a big test for the cheapo umbrellas folks are using to avoid the sun; many failed.

There are schools of little fish in the water here.  When they are headed wherever they are going and "run into" somebody, they split and pretty soon you're surrounded but they continue on and soon enough they're gone.   Once in a while, something must be chasing them and they will jump en masse to escape.  It's a beautiful phenomenon that I wish I could photograph for you but it's random and God knows I don't have patience for waiting.  

The sun is hot midday and five hours of sun is plenty for me so back to the pool to lounge and read.  Leftover breakfast yoghurt for lunch while waiting for the room to be cleaned so I can have a nap!!   Naps are addictive ...

Beer at our favourite beach bar to enjoy the sunset was the first stop on this week's pub crawl, followed by six more restaurants/bars.  

We shared an app at the second (3 shrimp wrapped in rice noodles and fried with a sweet sauce) and were surprised to,see a young elephant walk by.  

Next stop Dino's Bar where we found the elephant holding court.   For 20 Baht, you got a bag of cukes and bananas to feed the very impatient elephant who thanked all comers with a kiss.  Very cute so Ken and I gave it a try.  I actually did it twice as Ken's photos were out of focus so I had a young Finnish girl take photos the second go round.  Lol.  

Smooch

A leisurely beer and some people watching before we left Dino's for stop 4; a little bar down an alley with a few chairs and a gracious host Graig (I think).  We chatted with another Finnish girl there who was leaving the next day for the airport at 5:00 am.  Yikes, leaving paradise is bad.  Leaving that early is masochistic.  

Off to Two Chefs (stop #6), where mojitos are the drink special so I have two (yum). We ran into the Finnish couple from Dino's there.  They are off to James Bond Island with a 6:00 am pickup. Ken and I discussed heading to Phi Phi but decided not to as we've had enough early mornings.  We bid the young folks adieu and headed to stop #7.  

Chicken and pineapple (yum)

We waited too long to eat anything substantial so we are a bit blitzed when we realize it's almost midnight and that's the deadline to get our room keys which we leave at the hotel when we are out.  We finish "dinner" and scare the bejesus out of the hotel restaurant staff when we climb into the restaurant (using stairs of course),just two minutes shy of midnight. 

Another lazy day on a beautiful beach followed by drinks with friends. What could be better?

Good night from Paradise.  Hic ...

Life's a beach

Tuesday in Phuket and the sun is shining.  Pretty much a rinse and repeat of the previous two days.  Breakfast and then early to the beach for me.  Ken had an issue with his safe that the hotel took forever to "fix" so he was a couple hours later.  The waves seemed bigger and the big waves more frequent today so the swimmers seemed more like bowling pins tumbling through the breakwater.  Mostly fun but a couple of folks got pretty shaken up and were helped out of the surf so the didn't get pummelled again and again.  

The sun is hot midday and five hours of sun is plenty for me so back to the pool to lounge and read.  Leftover breakfast yoghurt for lunch while waiting for the power to come back on so I can have a nap!!   Not sure if I'll be able to work a full day when I get back to the office.  

Beer at our favourite beach bar to enjoy the sunset and then a fairly pedestrian dinner down the road.  Did some window shopping on the way back and then relaxed on the veranda with a couple Smirnoff Ice before hitting the hay. Thinking about a pub crawl tomorrow to shake things up a bit. 

Another lazy day on a beautiful beach.  What could be better?

Good night from Paradise.  

Surfs up

Second day in Phuket and the sun is shining.  Tempting to cut and paste yesterday's post but, of course, each day has it's nuances that make it unique.  Grabbed breakfast at the hotel and headed to the beach after Ken got shaved and beautiful.  Still want to get some lounging in before it becomes stinking hot. Going to be 30C again today and feel like 33!!  We head across the road to the beach loaded with all our beach treasures from yesterday.  

Lots of people watching on the beach again today.  A few new things including parasailing and seadoos roaring around.  Also, surf is up so there are some pretty big waves that take folks by surprise and throw them around like clothes in a washing machine.  No one gets hurt so it's all good fun with the odd bloodcurdling scream and hoots of laughter.  The vendors didn't have much luck that I could see today but there were some new additions including vases as well as beautiful parasols and fans.  Have to check if I have room in my suitcase before I buy anything else!!

Random sunbather

Beach scene

Gotcha !

After several hours of applying sunscreen and floating around in the Indian Ocean, I decided to head back to the hotel pool and find a shady spot for reading after a dip to remove some of the salt and sand.   Ken joined me after a bit, had a quick dip and a beer before heading off in search of Starbucks and a great cup of Joe.  No lunch today; too hot and I'm not hungry.  

Fast forward a couple hours and we are enjoying a couple of beer and another sunset before heading up the road to find dinner.   Mixed sate for a shared appetizer with fiery hot peanut sauce.  Had the Pad Thai and it was by far the best to date; plump juicy shrimp and the right amount of egg, bean sprouts and tofu.  Ken had a fried noodle dish that he enjoyed as well.  Washed down with Tiger and Chang beer; all good.   Lots of twinkling green lights lined up out a ways from sure; squid boats looking to bring in fresh calamari for the insatiable tourists. 

After dinner, we went exploring a bit and did some window shopping and gathered a few supplies for the beach tomorrow.  Ran across a cool bar with a Flintstone theme to try another night.

Good Night from paradise.    

Beach Day

First full day in Phuket and the sun is shining.  Grabbed breakfast at the hotel; not included as previously reported but very reasonable at less than $5 and we need to have energy for lounging.  Headed to the beach right away so we could enjoy the sun before it becomes stinking hot.  Sadly, no chairs for rent here so Ken went exploring and we bought two; a lounger and a semi-lounger.  Overpriced of course but we are here for a week so the daily amortization rate is quite reasonable.  We also have the plastic woven mats and towels from the hotel so we are all set.  

Nothing more fun than people watching on the beach.  Guys with fishing gear, folks of all shapes and sizes in their "fashionable" gear, a man drinking beer out of a bottle wrapped in a silk scarf (no one knew he was drinking!), people trying to get as much sun as possible, others trying to get as little sun as possible and mermaids and mermen sunning at the edge of the surf.  Who needs a book?   The part of the beach we were on seemed to be "inhabited" predominantly by Europeans so the conversations were a collage of languages and accents.  

The beach vendors didn't get started until close to 11.  They don't seem as aggressive here but they are selling everything from day tours to sunglasses, bikinis, wraps, fresh fruit, ice cream and strangest of all for me was the roasted corn on a stick (hope they give dental floss with that one).   Business seemed slow generally.  Ken surmised that Sundays might be a changeover day.  

After several hours of applying sunscreen and floating around in the Indian Ocean, we decided to call it a day.  Might need to add an umbrella to our beach gear tomorrow as midday sun is a killer here.  Back to the hotel for a late lunch; pizza for Ken (best crust so far) and yellow chicken curry for me (yum).  Then it was off to the pool in a shady spot for a dip, some more relaxing and chatting with our mainly Danish neighbours.   After a bit, Ken headed off in search of Starbucks and a great cup of Joe and I had a nap.  

Fast forward a couple hours and we are enjoying beer and another sunset before heading down the road to find dinner.   Pad Thai for both of us; mine with shrimp and Ken's with chicken.   Here, we are on the quest for the best Pad Thai.  Tonight's was okay but not going to win that distinction.   Restaurants here seem to favour lounge singers who can belt out songs from the 70s and 80s.   A bit strange but the duo at our restaurant were pretty good and I sang along when I knew the tune.  

After dinner, we went exploring a bit.  In addition to the non-stop restaurants and bars that you expect at beach resorts, there are massage parlours every few feet it seems.  Didn't see anyone availing themselves of those services on our walk so the ladies looked a little discouraged.  We found another fish pedicure place so maybe later in the week.  A bit of shopping; wine, some nuts for the beach and TimTams (an Aussie cookie that cruise friends rave about) and then back to the hotel for an earlyish night.  More beach action tomorrow.  

Good Night from Paradise.  

Phuket or bust

Today we were up and at it early as our car to the airport is picking us up at 7:30 am.  Travel days suck generally but we are off to Fuck-It (Phuket) for a week at the beach so whatever it takes.  Grabbed a quick bite of breakfast and paid our bill.  You take a second look when your hotel bill is millions but in the end not that bad for the week we were here and the tours to Sapa and Halong Bay. Loved this hotel and the very attentive staff.  Worth a look if you're heading to Hanoi.  

Our driver arrived at the scheduled time and we proceeded to fill pretty much every nook and cranny of the car with luggage.  Mainly my fault.  Lol.  What will I do when Ken and the extra room in his suitcases are not coming on the same plane with me?   Our driver was in no hurry to get to the airport but we had loads of time so no worries there.  The check in process was painless and there was no extra charge for the box from the aborted posting of cheap tat yesterday so I'm $150 ahead of the game.   Sadly, no place to change our VND so we will remain millionaires for the foreseeable future.  

We had tried to upgrade but it was too expensive.  Nice surprise that even coach on Thai Airways is a treat.  Friendly, efficient service on a big airy plane.  They even fed the great unwashed a box-lunch containing a shrimp salad and a coconut pie-like dessert.  We were connecting through Bangkok which was a bit confusing but we managed to make it through immigration and find our connecting gate.  Another airy plane for the short one-hour flight and another box lunch; this time with little sandwiches and a weird red, pasty dessert.  On both flights managed to provide food and drink to the back of the plane (300+ people) in twenty minutes.  Very impressive.  

We arrived on time and so did our luggage.  The customs guy wanted me to open the box of souvenirs; not sure what he thought I had in there but he was disappointed.  Next off to find transport for the two of us and our excessive baggage to our home for the week, Kata Villa.  We found a service and hires a SUV to get us to the hotel.   The drive was very long as the roadwork added considerably to the time required to reach our destination which is quite far anyway.  The drive was relatively calm as the horn was used only intermittently.  

We are staying in Kata Beach.  The hotel is small (20 rooms) and modest/basic but there is a pool and it's just across the road from the beach.  The price is right ($60/night including breakfast) and since I intend to spend most of the time at the beach it's okay.  We drop our bags and change into beachwear and we head to the bar across the street to have a beer since we are both parched. 
Big bottle of Singha for me an even bigger bottle of Heineken for Ken.   We arrived just as the sun was setting.  Wow.   

After the first round we ordered some dinner.  Ken ordered his old standby chicken with sweet and sour sauce but didn't like it much.  I ordered the Pad Thai with prawns (aka shrimp) which was quite tasty.  Both meals were washed down with our second round of drinks.  

Shrimp Pad Thai

After dinner, we went up the road to get some water.  One of the biggest inconveniences on the trip is not being able to use tap water to brush your teeth.  It's easy to forget especially when you are cleaning the toothpaste off your brush.   Fully stocked, we head back to the hotel for a last drink and then unpack so we can hit the beach early tomorrow.  Can't wait.   

Bidding Farewell to Hanoi

Today is our last day in Hanoi and Vietnam.  We have really enjoyed our month here; experiencing the culture, learning about the proud history and I have savoured the cuisine.  Moving on is bittersweet as our next destination in Phuket, Thailand and we really can't wait to enjoy a week lounging on the beach without schedules to keep!!

Another misty cool day here so we spent the morning getting things organized for tomorrow's departure.  That included a last visit to his favourite coffee shop for Ken, shopping for last souvenirs (mainly me) and preparing a box to send home for the over-packing shopaholic (also me).

We grabbed a cab to the central post office which is close to the water puppet theatre we are going to at 3:00.  To get the box home in 2-4 weeks (by air) would cost 3,000,000 VND (more than $150!!). Shipping by sea (receipt in 3-4 months) was about 1/3 the cost.  Time for a rethink.  Decided to take the box on the flight to Phuket and then home as it would likely be cheaper and I would actually have the cheap tat packed in the box right away when I got home.  Grabbed a cab back to the hotel and then we walked back downtown for lunch.  LOL, the cab cost less than 100,000 VND round trip so a good investment??

We stopped at a little restaurant close to the lake called Wrap and Roll.  Ken ordered the pork and vermicelli and I opted for one last taste of Bahn Xeo (Hoian crepes with shrimp, pork and beansprouts).  Both dishes were generously portioned and came with a virtual garden of herbs and other greenery as well as rice paper for wrapping (neither of which Ken ate) and a complementary dipping sauce.  Yummm.

Well-fed we headed to the Thang Long Water Puppet show.  I did pay the extra 20,000 VND ($1.20) so that I could share the experience with faithful readers but sadly pictures taken from the eighth row without flash don't really work on an iPhone as you can see below.

The show was cute with fourteen different acts featuring vignettes of everyday activities like farming and fishing as well as highlights of Vietnamese folklore.  Dragons, unicorns, tortoises and phoenixes were featured for the latter.  The puppeteers stand behind a split-bamboo screen and control the puppets using long bamboo rods and string mechanisms hidden beneath the water.  Very cool as there were often synchronized activities so movements were precise.  The puppets were accompanied by a pretty good orchestra playing traditional instruments.  All in all, a good way to spend an hour though the seating left something to be desired.

After the show, another coffee for Ken and a gelato for me before the last last shopping which was successful for both of us.  Back to the hotel to change into sandals as we are off for pedicures so our feet are beach-ready.  I opted for the deluxe version complete with colour for $9 (150,000 VND) and Ken had the basic model for less than half the price retiring to the Irish pub for a beer or two while my foot beautification project continued.

Ate a nice meal in the hotel restaurant before heading to the room to organize luggage.  LOL, I don't know how I'll manage once Ken's extra suitcase space is no longer an option for me overflow.  Hopefully, flying bizz class home will provide forgiveness for the extra weight/luggage.

Hitting the hay early as we have a 6:00 am wake-up call to get ready for the car that is taking us to the airport shortly after 7:00.

More tomorrow from Thailand ...

PS  Sorry for the short post but I fear this will be the norm once we are at the beach ...

Churches, Temples, Markets and Bars - Another Full Day

Second last day in Hanoi and we're off to a slow start as a result of hitting the hay a bit late last night. Breakfast, blogging and packing fill up most of the morning then we head off to see the last of the key sights; the Cathedral, the Market and the Temple of Jade Mountain at Hoam Kiem Lake.  We headed off to see the cathedral stopping at various temples and shops along the way. It's weird how things that were so foreign when we arrived almost a month ago have become commonplace; parking lots of motorcycles on sidewalks, motorbikes laden/overburdened with people and stuff everywhere, the ubiquitous restaurants and food vendors. One thing that I don't think I would ever get used to is the constant traffic and cacophony of honking horns but I digress.

A Temple along the way

Street life

Another temple - note electric wires

We finally reached the cathedral and it was locked up solid and surrounded by a huge metal fence for good measure,   I can't remember seeing a church that looked so closed for business.   St Joseph's Cathedral, built in 1886, is a beautiful edifice but no chance to look around inside.  nterestingly, there was a young couple getting their wedding photos taken in front of the cathedral.  Not suire how they will photoshop out the fence but they looked happy.  

St. Joseph's Cathedral

No need to linger so we headed to the lake and the temple there.  Today is the first new moon of the new year so it's a big day for the Buddhists here and there are lots of folks praying in the temples large and small so the Temple at Jade Mountain is a busy spot with the fragrance of incense wafting in the air.  The "high holy day" is also the reason why folks were burning paper outside their homes and shops as we meandered over here. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can you believe that he's been a monk for 20 years?

From the temple, we made our way to the ticket office of the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre to secure tickets for tomorrow afternoon's show; the last of our "must-dos" here.  On the way to the market, we stop for lunch where Ken gets a cheese sand which and I get a wrap and roll platter featuring pork; a speciality of the house and as scrumptious as it is beautiful.  Sated, we continue to the market, dropping off the purchases from the morning (mine, of course).  The market is a big disappointment after the Ben Thanh Marketing HCMC so we have to look elsewhere formalize final treasures.  Ken is finally in a mood to shop so finds a few treasures while I head off in search of pampering; one more trip to the salon.  Who can resist a $10 blow dry?  

Temples are everywhere

My wrap and roll lunch!

Got turned around when I left the salon so our partners-in-crime for our pub crawl are already at the hotel when I finally get back.  After a quick clean-up, we start with a round of Tiger beer in the hotel bar before heading out.   Next stop Finnegan's Pub and more Tigers, Guinness and Carlsberg. 

View from the "balcony" at Finnegan's

Our seats on the second floor balcony yield great people watching opportunities but after our drinks we head down three doors to the Prague Pub for another round and a shared pizza.  They are setting up their altar to the new moon and it is overflowing with offerings from their kitchen.  Time for the next stop, we cross the street to a restaurant bar.

Inside the Prague Pub

Here we have another round of drinks and a few more snacks; calamari and spring rolls.  The calamari, cooked to perfection and served with a sweet spicy sauce, was a big hit.  The spring rolls were just okay.  Next ...

Off to the Mix Bar where sadly we couldn't sit on the tire chairs as it was misting heavily.  No more food but the cheapest drinks by far with a quart of Tiger costing only 20,000 VND ($1.15 CDN)!!  A last round of drinks before we head back to the hotel to bid adieu to Vickie and Bruce as they are heading to Hong Kong tomorrow morning.  A great evening with new friends.  

 

Seating on the Mix Bar Patio

Big beer and goodnight!