First Impressions of Hanoi
Yesterday was the first official day spent in Vietnam... We've found that it's drastically different from the Philippines. On the night that we arrived, I was confused to see nice cars, to get into a nice taxi, and to see a higher socioeconomic strata of people. I was...
“Good Morning, Vietnam!”: Hanoi In One Day
Being a big fan of movies like Apocalypse Now, Platoon, Born on the Fourth of July, Forrest Gump, The Deer Hunter, and Full Metal Jacket, I am truly excited to finally be in Vietnam. We arrived to a flood. But we woke up to sunshine. ...
The Philippines In A Nutshell
Before we begin Vietnam, let's do one last review of The Philippines. The future doctor in me will review Health, the backpacker in me will review Money, and the Lodging is just good information for you to have. HEALTH Except for a few bug bites here and there that...
Traveler’s Check Redemption
So my traveler's checks have officially been redeemed. At the airport terminal, we discovered that we had to pay a departure tax in cash, which Corinne and I did no have. There were no ATM's, just a bank where one could exchange money and traveler's checks! Thanks to...
Hello Saigon!
Just a quick post informing you all that we have landed safely in Saigon and are boarding a connecting flight to Hanoi in 30minutes. First impressions? Everything at Saigon's international airport is quiet...almost too eeriely quiet. Whereas Manila's airport had a low...
Goodbye Manila, Goodbye Philippines
Already been gone a week and I feel like I know Manila well enough to give it a fond farewell. I find Manila to be that quieter, slightly distant third brother to cities like Cairo and Mumbai. It's a huge metropolitan city, but grayer and more calm. Even the...
Last Reflections On The Philippines
1. There are police everywhere: outside stores and banks, in the subway, standing in the streets. They were all friendly and helpful and made me feel a bit more secure. 2. The subway system is fantastically clean and organized. There is a police officer whistling to...
Taal Volcano and Annah’s Motorcycle Diaries
After... A ten-hour long bus ride from 6:30 pm in Banaue to 3:30 am in Manila, A four-hour session in an internet cafe to avoid having to pay for two nights in a hotel, A quick shower and then dim-sum, A torturously brief trip to the Mall of Asia, the third largest...
Where Are We Now?
Where Are We Next?
