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Bangkok with a bang

Tuesday, 29 June 2010

From Hanoi, I flew to Bangkok. It was just to transit for my flight to Krabi, but of course, it’s never “just” a trip to Bangkok. In the three hours that I spent outside my super charming guesthouse (more on this soon!), I managed to blew whatever money I’ve saved in Vietnam.

Bangkok has gone back to normal. Save for the gutted buildings, there were no signs that this was a city that has been paralyzed by the red shirts a month ago. The malls are open again, the BTS taking people from one end of the city to another.
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Category: Bangkok, Thailand
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Vietnam Diaries: Hanoi and Halong

Sunday, 27 June 2010

I’m at the Hanoi airport, sitting on the floor while waiting for Air Asia’s check-in counters to open. It’s my last hour and some stray minutes in Vietnam.

Hanoi has been… interesting. The city has an old world charm. The streets are small in the Old Quarter, lined with shop houses with French and Chinese influences. Sidewalks are nearly non-existent as some shops extend their wares, while most use it as a parking spot for their motorcycles.
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Category: Vietnam
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Vietnam Diaries: I’m in love with Hue

Wednesday, 23 June 2010

I can’t stop saying it — Hue is awesome. Sure it’s freaking hot and the electricity goes out in some areas in the morning, but there are airconditioned mini malls with wi-fi. Like Ho Chi Minh City, there are also plenty of parks around that overlook the Perfume river.

Sayuri at the Imperial City
Sayuri celebrated her birthday at the Imperial City

A visit to Hue is not complete without going to the Imperial City. Enclosed in a citadel across the Huong River, the walls are imposing and thick. When you pass through the arch that serves as a gate, it’s like you stepped back to a different time.
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Category: Vietnam
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Vietnam Diaries: Vietnam, hey I mean you no offense…

Monday, 21 June 2010

Hoi an just didn’t agree with me. I don’t know why, but I don’t think the town and I are meant to be.

I woke up early to catch my bus to Hue. I waited for the bus in my guesthouse, and it arrived five minutes before 8am. From the distance it looked impressive, but as it pulled up, I notice with dismay that some windows were open. It’s not an airconditioned bus.
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Category: Vietnam
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Vietnam Diaries: Mixed feelings about Hoi An

Ever had a trip where everything felt right? The weather cooperated, you get a lot of free stuff and you basically have a great time. Ever had one where try as you might not to feel negative, there’s this nagging tug to pull you into negativity that the trip is less than what you expected?

Hainan Chinese Temple
Hainan Chinese Temple in Hoi An’s old quarter

That’s what happened to me in Hoi An.
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Category: Vietnam
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