We are now in Ho Chi Minh, formerly Saigon. We walked counter clockwise around the city, visiting all the main sights. Although this city feels more ‘western’ than other cities we visited, there are still many things that are strictly Vietnam!

Mikes walked: 10.4

Odd sightings in Ho Chi Minh:

I don’t understand how everyone wears long sleeves, pants and hats in this 90 degree humid weather!

War Museum:

We spent our last day at Hoi An on the beach. The endless beach was perfect for walking. We saw lots of the round local fishing boats and we found a little restaurant for a great lunch right on the water.

Miles walked: 4.7 miles

Hoi An is such a wonderful place with its easy going atmosphere and old town charm. We enjoyed walking around the city, buying souvenirs and eating some of the best food we’ve had in Vietnam. We found such a great restaurant that we had dinner there two nights in a row! The evening was special due to the full moon. The town celebrates by releasing hundreds of paper laterns into the river. So beautiful!

Miles walked today: 6.2

Hoi An:

I love the tiny tables and chairs in this country!

Checking on the new clothes – Fitting with tailor:

Selecting fabric for Brent’s work shirts:

Boat trip:

Paper lanterns:

One wish for each lantern:

Releasing lanterns into river:

Today we left Hanoi and flew to Hoi An. Although only an hour south by plane, it is significantly warmer and sunnier. We are looking forward to some beach time!

This afternoon we rode bikes around town, stopping at one of the many tailors in town to get measured for some clothes. We also found an amazing place for dinner. It was so good we are considering going back tomorrow!

Miles walked today: 3.2

Hanoi looking nice at night:

Hello Hoi An!

We spent the last three days on a Junk Boat in Halong Bay exploring the numerous islands, called karsks, which make a unique landscape. We spent time with wonderful people from all over the world, kayaking and swimming in the day and drinking local rice wine on the boat at night.

Mikes walked: none because there is no land

Caves!

Kayaking!

Floating Village – around 50 families spend their lives in floating villages in Halong Bay.

Last day in Sapa hiking through scenic mountains and visiting H’mong and Red Dzao villages. This area is 3 km from China and many minority hill tribes live here.

Visiting a Red Dzao house in the village:

Happy Thanksgiving! We were on a boat the last couple days and did not have access to Internet to post an update.

For Thanksgiving we could not find an American Turkey if our lives counted on it. We searched the local markets in Sapa and were disturbed by some of the foods we found. The market made us realize how thankful we are for the Western food we eat at home, especially Thanksgiving dinner!

Miles walked: 8.7

On our second day in Hanoi we saw the ancient art of water puppetry, as well as more museums and markets. Then we took a night train north to Sapa where we have been hiking thru stunningly beautiful terraced hills to visit hill tribe villages (Hmong and Dzao).

Mikes walked last two days: 13.7

A few more Hanoi:

Hiking in Sapa:

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We arrived to the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, and spent the day exploring temples and museums. We are adjusting to the time change as well as the Vietnamese culture, which after one day we found to be very welcoming. Looking forward to our second day in Hanoi.

Miles walked yesterday: 7.9

Ngoc Son Temple in Hoan Kiem Lake:

Street near Old Quarter Hanoi:

Hoa Lo Prison Museum (Hanoi Hilton):

We spent the last two days in Dubai on a long layover and are happy to have reliable internet connection again. We did our best to see as many of the impressive things in Dubai as we could – gold and spice souks, enormous malls that have indoor aquariums, skating rinks, ski slopes, waterfalls and fountains. We also celebrated Brent’s birthday by going to the top of the world’s tallest building and having a seven course tea at the world’s most luxurious hotel.

Dubai during day and night:

Birthday tea at the Burj Al Arab, the worlds only 7 star hotel:

Birthday sunrise at the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building:
-Sears tower is on the far left of the scale:

Fun at the malls: Olympic skating rinks, indoor ski slopes and aquarium:

Shopping at the souks: