Just trying out this blog site. I want to get it figured out before my trip. I leave in about 2 and a half weeks. I fly from Vancouver to Hong Kong, overnight in Hong Kong, and then fly to Hanoi. There I will meet an old friend, Denis, who I haven't seen in over 20 years and now lives in Hanoi. That will be interesting, he is quite a character. Very outgoing, very original. Something always seems to come 'out of left field' and he always gets away with it. He teaches English and tourism, guides, organizes things like hostels, etc.
I'll spend two and a half weeks in Vietnam. The first week or so will be visiting Hanoi and the surrounding area - probably go see Halong Bay with the dramatic rock formations sticking out of the water. Then comes the 9 day motorcycle trip to visit the northern hill trips. This coincides with the distribution of donated eyeglasses to the villagers - part of a charity Denis helps organize. This part of the trip should be very interesting. Not least because it will be the first time on a motorcycle since my accident 2 months ago. I think it will be quite different from motorcycling here, though. The bike will be smaller, the roads rougher, and the going slower.
From Vietnam I fly to Siem Reap in Cambodia to spend 4 days visiting the Angkor ruins. Then to Hong Kong for another 4 days. In Hong Kong I will meet up with Janet and Vincent, a couple I used to work with, and their baby. It will be great to see them and have someone to show me around a bit.
Ok, that's all for now.
