Joe: Hanoi train station, 4 a.m. We arrived in a torrential downpour but remained calm in order to find a taxi. In moments we were able to get one (at 10 times the going rate I am sure). In a few minutes we arrived at Hanoi Elegance 2 (HE2). We were greeted with a polite – I am sorry, we are fully booked (we had hoped for an early check-in – contingent on their being space). The boys and I went to their restaurant to nap while Deb sought after a room for us to crash. After all, it was 4:30 a.m. In a minute she returned with alternative accommodation: next door at the Hong Ngoc Hotel for $30USD for one room until 11:00 a.m. I am sure it was nice but we really didn’t look around as we were longing for sleep.After breakfast, we went our separate ways: the boys to HE2 to watch some TV and internet. Deb to the largest bookstore she could find and I walked the streets in search of anniversary present! Yup, its our 14th anniversary. For those counting, Ryan just turned 13 ;) We reconvened at 12:30 at our hotel where those who weren’t sick went for lunch. (I was feeling the effects of train station restaurant food and suffered from diarrhea). I also had my soles of my hiking shoes fixed. We intend to head out to the Green Tangerine for our Anniversary.
HAPPY 14TH ANNIVERSARY!!!! TO YOU ALL...WOW THAT'S GREAT. I REMEMBER BEING THERE AT YOUR WEDDING AND MUST SAY YOU TWO LOOK JUST THE SAME - ONLY MAYBE HAPPIER! Love you guys and enjoyed your faulty travels stroies of late... Seems that same personality trait carries over to immigrants too.
ReplyDeleteRYAN - YEAH! FEDERER, eh!? Lovely win - the most wins ever too. Glad you got to watch it even though it was loooong.
BRENDAN - Your best day ever??? Sliding and oozing mud? Very intersting. I'm sure lack of sleep is not exactly your favorite. OMG 4:30 a.m. looking for a cab in the rain and then the Hotel says "no room at the inn!" Yikes.
JOEY - you look like a real German Yodeler in the photos of your mud trek. What were you thinking wanting to go swimming in the dam - OH NO.
DEB: VIETNAM has a great rep for massages. Glad you're taking advantage of same. I've had one (pinching the top-of-shoulder muscles) It is glorious. You're managing reservations very well...too bad you have to do so more than once!
CONGRATULATIONS you guys. HAPPY 14TH. I'm usually on Mats' Skype at noonish. SLEEP well and eat healthy. Thinking of you with LOL, Love, Judie & Mats too and the cats.