Vietnam here I come! (again)....

The first time I visited Vietnam was in 1998, I had only gone to Hanoi and saw the typical touristy things,  Hanoi Hilton, the war museum and a few pagodas and I was with my friend Nerylane. Tomorrow I will go back and visit all by myself. Here is my itinerary for those that want to follow.  So here are a few questions to ask yourself, would you travel by yourself? Would you share a cabin on a train with three strangers? Would you tour on your own?
Why or why not? I think this is something everyone should do at least once. I think this defines a sense of strength, character, craziness? How comfortable are you alone for 10 days without telephone, or possibly internet? Would you be bored with yourself?  Even though I have traveled by myself many times, it has been at least 10 years since the last time, which means I am a bit apprehensive. Will I find my way around? Will I be able to enjoy the reserved Vietnamese alone?
I will let you know soon! I will try to post as I go along and I will even try to take photos with my iPad to post.
If not, I will be sure to give you a complete update upon my return.  Today I went to the ENT specialist again, had my nose or should I say my brain swabbed, nothing like a 12 inch Q-tip going up your nose,  X-ray of my chest and 4 X-rays of my head! I have a follow up appointment on the 11 of April. You never know, I might make an appearance in Monsters inside me! Of course I have a set of new and improved antibiotics! See you soon! Happy Birthday Lauren (April 5th) love mama

TRAVEL VIETNAM VIETNAM HOLIDAY Private tour – 10 days Hanoi – Sapa – Duong Lam village – Halong bay – Saigon – Cu Chi tunnels – Mekong delta – Can Tho = 31st Mar 2012 1st Apr 2012 2nd Apr 2012 3rd Apr 2012 4th Apr 2012 5th Apr 2012 6th Apr 2012 7th Apr 2012 8th Apr 2012 9th Apr 2012 Day 1: Hanoi arrival – night train to Lao Cai – Sapa Day 2: Lao Cai – Bac Ha market – Sapa Day 3: Sapa – Lao Cai – night train to Hanoi Day 4: Hanoi – Duong Lam ancient village Day 5: Hanoi – Halong bay on cruise Day 6: Halong bay – Hanoi – fly to Saigon Day 7: Saigon city tour and Cu Chi tunnels Day 8: Saigon – Mekong delta – Can Tho Day 9: Can Tho – Saigon Day 10: Saigon departure

Tel: (844) 39429444 sales@travelvietnam.com Fax: (844) 39429442 www. travelvietnam.com

TRAVEL VIETNAM ACCOMMODATION (4 stars) City Hotel Website Type of room Status Sapa Chau Long www.chapagarden.com Deluxe (Boutique hotel) Hanoi Silk Path www.silkpathhotel.com Deluxe Ok Halong Indochina Sail www.indochinasails.com Deluxe Can Tho Victoria Can Tho www.victoriahotels.asia Superior Saigon Liberty Central www.libertycentralhotel.com Upgrade to Premium Deluxe

TRAVEL VIETNAM At 15.30: welcome at the airport and transfer to city centre and tour briefing. Late afternoon, if time permits you take the orientation tour of the center Hanoi, walking around the guild streets in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Opera House. Enjoy welcome Dinner in local restaurant hosted by Vietnam Today Travel while waiting for the 21:00 departure o-n the deluxe night train to Lao Cai. Overnight o-n train in air conditioned cabin. Accommodation: 4 soft berth sharing cabin with AC Meals: Dinner Day 2 (1st Apr): Lao Cai – Bac Ha market – Sapa The train will pull in around 6:00 at Lao Cai station, near the border of China, you will be met by your driver for the 38 miles drive to Sapa, the premier destination of northwest Vietnam. Enjoy your breakfast and then transfer to Bac Ha market - a stunning spectacular weekend market. Bac Ha is one of colorful markets in extreme north Vietnam where thousands of local people in their traditional attire buy and sell the local products. Dogs, cats, pigs, horses... are all on sales. This is a golden opportunity to take your best photos! In the afternoon, we will take a pleasant walk to Ban Pho village, home to the flower H'mong people. This is a great opportunity to interact with the friendly locals and have pleasant walk amongst tribal villages. Transfer to Sapa town in the late afternoon. Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa Meal: Breakfast Day 3 (2nd Apr): Sapa – Lao Cai – night train to Hanoi A whole day for discover of nature as well as different culture of hill tribe people on a new trek in Sapa with a H'mong guide who speaks excellent English You will begin with a walking tour of Sapa market, then trekking down hill from village to villages around Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai and Ta Van area which is beautifully decorated by terraced-fields and the house of H'mong, Red Zao and Zay people. You have several levels for your trekking today from soft trek 2-3miles, medium trek (3-4 miles) and hard trek (5 miles +) Great opportunity for taking photos of breathtaking landscapes, meeting friendly hill- tribe people at home and work... Have home hosted lunch in the village of Zday people. Later in the afternoon Jeep or Van will take you back to Sapa for refreshment then transfer to Lao Cai for the night train to Hanoi. Accommodation: 4 soft berths sharing cabin with AC Meals: Breakfast& Lunch Day 4 (3rd Apr): Hanoi – Duong Lam ancient village

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TRAVEL VIETNAM You will arrive in Hanoi station very early. One daily room at New Moon hotel (very near station) will be available for you to have a short break. After breakfast at your hotel, you will depart for Duong Lam ancient village. Duong Lam Ancient Village has a history of about 1,200 years with many houses dating back up to 400 years and well-known for its surviving laterite brick houses, built three to four centuries ago. Laterite is red clay formed from weathered basalt found in northern Vietnam. It is also famous nationwide as “the hometown of two kings”. You will drive about 65 km from Hanoi to visit Duong Lam ancient village in Son Tay province. Duong Lam, a purely agricultural village of the Northern Red River Delta. On arrival we take a walk on the village path to visit Mong Phu temple where is dedicated to national heroes, King Ngo Quyen temple and King Phung Hung temple. Enjoy Vietnamese special Vietnamese lunch in an ancient house. While you are in the house you can also join the local people in producing local specialties such as soft green- lentil cake and rice cake filled with brown onion and enjoys these products (Depends on the season of the year). Continue to visit Mia Pagoda - built in 15th century and admire 287 statues of all sizes before transfer back to your hotel in Hanoi. Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi Meals: Breakfast Day 5 (4th Apr): Early arrive in Hanoi - Cruise Halong Bay The driver will pick you up drive to Halong passing the countryside of the Red River Delta. 12.00 Arrive at Bai Chay/Halong pier. 12:15 Transfer by tender to the Indochina Sails boat – enjoy Welcome Drink. Receive cruise briefing and check in to cabins and begin cruise. 13:00 Lunch - deluxe Vietnamese and International Set Menu. Massage service is available beginning after lunch and throughout the cruise. 14.30 Arrive at Titop Island. Enjoy swimming, relaxing on the beach and climbing the steps to the top of the mountain on the island for fantastic views and photo opportunities. Water and towels supplied. We will spend about 45 minutes on the island. 15.15 Transfer back to the boat and sail for approximately 45 minutes to our second destination - the Bat Cave area. 16.15 Arrive at the Bat Cave area. There are two programs to choose from at this time. One option is a 40 minute kayaking program to the nearby Bat Cave and lagoon and surrounding waters. Kayaking is $10. per person unless already booked as part of your package. Water is supplied. The second option is to visit the largest floating fishing village in Halong Bay. We will travel to the village on the tender and tour the village for approximately 20 minutes. 18:30 Arrive at Luon Bo area - anchor for overnight. 19:00 Dinner - deluxe Vietnamese & Western Buffet or Set Menu Dinner. 20:30 Evening activities include: film entertainment in the dining room at approximately 9:15, board games and playing cards are available. 21:00 – 23:00: Happy Hour! Buy one drink - get one free (wine excluded). 23.00: End of program for Day One Accommodation: Indochina Sail cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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TRAVEL VIETNAM Day 6 (5th Apr): Halong bay – Hanoi – fly to Saigon 6:45 Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries served in the dining room. 7:00 Arrive at the Surprise Cave area, there is a small fishing village here. Relax onboard. You may join Tai Chi instruction on the sundeck at 7:00, duraion about 30 minutes. 8:00 Transfer by tender to the Surprise Cave. Walk up the 100 steps to the entrance of the cave and tour on foot for approximately 45 minutes. 9:00 Upon return to the boat take time to freshen up and please check-out of cabins. Please leave heavy luggage outside of the cabins (staff will transfer to the pier). Depart for Bai Chay/Halong pier. 9:30 Enjoy Breakfast Set Menu or Buffet served in the dining room. Settle bills in the dining room after breakfast. 10:00 Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room and enjoy the bay scenery as we approach the pier. 10:45 Arrive at Bai Chay/Halong pier. 11:00 Transfer by tender to the pier Your driver will wait you at the pier and then transfer directly to Noi Bai airport for flight to Danang. Upon arrival at Danang airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Hoian. Check in and free time at leisure Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian Meals: Breakfast Day 7 (6th Apr): Saigon city tour and Cu Chi tunnels This morning, you leave Saigon for CuChi and visit the tunnels; you will visit Cu Chi tunnels, which is only 70km from the center of Saigon. This place was called ‘Iron Triangle’ by American during the war and actually it stood as a stronghold of Vietcong (Vietnamese Army) for almost 30 years despite of many American bombs and military actions. A walk underground the tunnels will help you understand how the Vietnamese people had fought and won the war. You can enjoy your lunch at the well known local restaurant. Your tour in the afternoon includes the former War Remnants Museum, Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, Central Post Office and Ben Thanh market. Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon Meals: Breakfast

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TRAVEL VIETNAM Day 8 (7th Apr): Saigon – Mekong delta excursion – Can Tho After breakfast, depart the hotel and drive South ward to the Cai Be – Vinh Long Province. From here you will see the Mekong Delta (“Nine Dragon River Delta). This is special experiences of Mekong Delta. Visit the Candy factory, orchard garden, listen to traditional music and have lunch with family in the garden. You cross the islands on Mekong River on oars boats and experience the real of country side along Mekong. Stay overnight in Can Tho – the capital of Mekong Delta. Late afternoon take the short walk to the local market near by. Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho Meal: Breakfast & Lunch Day 9 (8th Apr): Can Tho - Floating market - Saigon Depart hotel early in the morning to board a motorized boat to travel to visit the famous Cai Rang Floating market. Continue the boat ride to visit the orchards and try the tropical fruits. Visit the local people at their home. Drive back to Can Tho for lunch. Continue on to Saigon, arriving in the late afternoon. Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon Meal: Breakfast Day 10 (9th Apr): Saigon Departure You have free time until be transferred to the airport for your departure flight at 10.40. End of the tour. Cảm ơn và chào tạm biệt. Meals: Breakfast With kind regards, With kind regards, Nguyen Phuong Thao Travel Consultant

NOTE: It will be cold in the northern Vietnam and hot in Southern Vietnam during your travel dates, so warm coat, T-shirt, short, hat, swimming suite, eyes-wear... are recommended. If you require further assistance or information, please do not hesitate to contact us. In the mean time I look forward to your thoughts and comments in your reply.

Tel: (844) 39429444 sales@travelvietnam.com Fax: (844) 39429442 www. travelvietnam.com

Class has concluded....

I Finished my first photography workshop, overall a good class, a bit repetitive, but I learned some new things, which is always good.
I  am still on meds and feeling pretty shitty, but hopefully my head will drain before Saturday. I thought I  would show you a few photos of the Bank of China Building I shot the other night. Here is a little bit of information on the Bank of China.Bank of China Limited (BOC) SSE: 601988 SEHK: 3988 (simplified Chinese: 中国银行; traditional Chinese: 中國銀行; pinyin: Zhōngguó Yínháng; often abbreviated as 中銀 or 中行) is one of the big four state-owned commercial banks of the People's Republic of China. It was founded in 1912 by the Government of the Republic of China, to replace the Government Bank of Imperial China. It is the oldest bank in China. From its establishment until 1942, it issued banknotes on behalf of the Government of the Republic of China along with the "Big Four" banks of the period: the Central Bank of China, Farmers Bank of China and Bank of Communications. Although it initially functioned as the Chinese central bank, in 1928 the Central Bank of China replaced it in that role. Subsequently, BOC became a purely commercial bank. Its headquarters are in Xicheng District, Beijing.^[2]
In December 2010, the Bank of China New York branch began offering RMB products for Americans.^[3] This is the first major Chinese bank to offer such a product currently.
Tomorrow I will share with you my travels itinerary for Vietnam.

New Meds, New Doc, New Lens....

So today I went to see Dr. Lie, a very nice GP with great bedside manner, she looked and me and referred me to ENT, which just so happens to be right next door. I waited for the ENT and then I was called in. This Doctor was not so nice! Of course he is typical superior male Chinese that love to laugh at the person the are having a conversation with! Sexist, Racist or Chauvinist, or maybe all three! I have no been prescribed a new 14 day supply of Augmentin, Clarinase, Polaramine, Ephedrine nasal drops, and Phensedyl syrup for cough! I go back to visit the nice doctor on Friday. To put it simply my sinuses are seriously full of mucous! On Friday if there is not improvement I will have a scan of my beautiful head! I am sure at the end of all these meds I will have nothing good or bad left in me. I am trying to also take B12 and other natural things such as carrot juice and vitamins to help combat the bad.
On a lighter note, today is another lovely, cool, and breezy day. I went to Photo Scientific and purchased a  Nikon 50mm lens and some extra SD cards for my upcoming trip since my hard drive died!
The first two photos are of a fruit called the Dragon Fruit, this grows on a cactus and the meat inside is white with tiny little black seeds, very cool looking but not too tasty. I am not sure if it has any nutritional value. The other photos are trees in bloom and the last one is part of a Louis Vuitton window display.

Hard Drive fried and so am I

Today was a beautiful day, perfect temperature and sunshine! This has been a bad week, still seeing green (if you know what I mean) and my hard drive died, that means all my photos from all my travels fried! Can it get any worse! Yes, I could of not had a back up. So for all of you that do not back up, BACK UP! I would have died if I did not back up!  This is the reason for no photos temporarily. I have to get organized again and this will take a while, because I am no technical guru. Tomorrow I go to the doctor's again. Lets see what she says this time. I have five days to clear my head and chest before going to Vietnam. Keep your fingers crossed.
Here is your fun fact:
When the Chinese in Hong Kong marry, they go through two wedding ceremonies. The first is the official signing of the register and the bride wears a white western bridal dress. The second ceremony is the banquet which can take place up to two years later. The marriage is not recognised until the banquet takes place. During the banquet the bride wears the traditional red mandarin collared gold embroidered dress and a tea ceremony takes place where the bride and groom serve tea to the groom's parents.

Doctor visit number two, more meds and more green gook!

You are probably wondering why I have not written a post, I have been busy being sick! Sorry to be gross, but I have had more green gook coming out of my nose and throat than I thought humanly possible!

The diagnosis, huge sinus infection along with bronchial infection. The doctor was trying not to put me on antibiotics again since I was just on it two weeks ago, but due to my rapid decline she is now bombarding me from everywhere!

I will not bore you any further with details, hopefully they will kick in and I will be ready for Vietnam! I have also been taking a photography class! Imagine that! I have never had formal training and was having technical issues.

The solution, Craig Norris, has to be the most technical guy I have ever met. A camera geek is an understatement!

Tuesday is my final class. Ken has been traveling all over China and comes home tonight. I would show you a few photos, but my Lightroom is giving me technical difficulties! Hopefully my Lightroom guru Jamie will straighten me out!

I thought I would leave you with the one of Ken's stories from his travels this week.

Enjoy!

So, today's lunch included bowls of boiled pig's feet (just like in the market) with little plastic gloves to wear while you picked them up to try to dis-assemble the toes and find something to eat.  I found nothing but fatty skin (not even crispy); and all I could think about was "where has this foot been - and stepping in what!?".   The rest of the fare, delivered today on a motorized 8 ft Lazy Susan, was the usual:  tiny whole river fish, funky meats from what?, chicken feet, tounges, wingtips, etc, 5 kinds of noodles, 3 kinds of spicy beans and tofu, lots of bok choi and broccoli, and of course, peanuts to be eaten one-by-one with chopsticks.  Everything was a specialty of GanZhou, I was told. Chinese only drink wine by downing the whole glass at once, so I must have had a bottle-and-a-half of "vintage" Great Wall red after the 30 or so toasts I had to respond to during a 2-hr  lunch.  Note to self: do not serve Ann Colgin cabernet to Chinese. Every Chinese CEO is a philosopher at heart.  Lunches are an amazing tour-de-force of quotes and parables from Hegel, Confucious and Mao.  I have to give them credit for erudition - or was it just the wine?

What would you do?

Is Hong Kong Pollution the cause of Broncial infection?

Well it has been five days of more medication and I have yet to turn the corner in feeling better. I originally got sick in February and it is now March 20th, for more than a month my lungs have been fighting pollutants of all kinds. Today I had the sofa vacuumed for mites and air condition filters replaced. I decided to do more reading about the air quality or the lack there of in Hong Kong. Here is an article I read from CNN. Appreciate your clean air and good weather, hopefully I will be able to venture out tomorrow!

Hong Kong (CNN) - Hong Kong is one of the world's richest cities. Almost one in 10 households boasts a millionaire. The government sits on a cash pile of about $80 billion. Yet Hong Kongers are choking, sometimes to death, on their own success. A bold claim, but the statistics are compelling. The Hong Kong University School of Public Health has just unveiled a new real-time cost of pollution index. According to new research from the university and local think tank Civic Exchange, there are 3,200 avoidable deaths a year in Hong Kong due to air pollution - more than three times higher than previous estimates. As I write this (at 7:15 p.m. HKT Tuesday) the index reports there has been seven preventable deaths and more than 14,000 preventable doctor's visits in Hong Kong in the 19 hours beginning midnight on Monday. Preventable, because the bad air quality that researchers say was responsible, can be easily improved. The HKU's team leader Professor Anthony Hedley - 22 years as chairman of community medicine at the university - says the model they have developed is "state of the art.” Certainly the Hong Kong government has nothing like it. In fact, they have no statistics on pollution-related health costs, and their methods for measuring pollution are, say critics, well out of date. But even with that technology, the quality of the air at roadside level in Hong Kong is rapidly deteriorating. Roadside pollution levels reached a record high last year. The number of days that pollution was rated "high" hit 20%. That is five times more than in 2005. And the impact, according to the Hedley Index, has been hard. To take December as an example: 311 people died, nearly 800,000 visits were made to doctors and heathcare experts and days lost at work cost the economy about $60 million. But clean air campaigners say the level of roadside pollution could be brought to within acceptable World Health Organisation levels within weeks. Roadside pollution is the chief cause of pollution-related respiratory illness in Hong Kong, according to Mike Kilburn of the thinktank Civic Exchange. He says that if the government spent some of their cash reserves in a cash-for-clunkers scheme to take dirty trucks and buses off the streets, then air quality would improve dramatically. Instead the government is giving Hong Kongers a tax rebate of around $800 per person. The government appears to have been stung into action by the release of the Hedley Index. A few hours after the index was released the Environmental Protection Department held a press conference to announce it was modifying its pollution monitoring to bring it in line with WHO standards. But many clean air campaigners greeted that move was greeted with a "too little, too late" response. The question they want answered is why is a government as rich as Hong Kong's is not spending more on a move which could have a big and rapid impact.