Destinations
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14 May 2014 – Hanoi, Vietnam
Although we loved our last hotel in Hanoi, we decided to up our game a little and move to an area bustling with cafes, boutique shops, and the one and only St Joseph Cathedral. We worked hard to find a view like this in our price range, and I would say a bit of leg
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13 May 2014 – Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi’s famous dish: Cha Ca La Vong. Although we didn’t go to the original eatery, so in this instance it is Cha Ca Ha Noi, and is eaten rolled up in rice paper. Easy peasy. And Delicious!
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12 May 2014 – Hanoi, Vietnam
Did you know that crossing the street in Hanoi is a petrifying experience? Like for reals. At least for the uninitiated, aka Jenia. We’ve been to many countries – and Sergey insists that its the same in Delhi or Saigon. But, take it from Jenia – Hanoi is different. Just watch!
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11 May 2014 – Hanoi, Vietnam
Drinking a Bia Hoi (20 cent draft beer, which is absolutely delicious) in Hanoi — this should be a #1 activity on your list. Even if you don’t do beer. We’ve gone a couple of times, and its always a colorful experience. As long as you aren’t in a big crowd, plenty of locals will
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10 May 2014 – Hanoi, Vietnam
Our first day in Hanoi – and it is love. At least with our hotel: Hanoi Culture Hostel. This is hands down the best price to value ratio that we have experienced first hand on this trip. The best bit is the balcony, of course, overlooking the Old Quarter.
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9 May 2014 – En route to Vietnam
Our worst driving day yet on this motorcycle diy tour through Laos and Vietnam. I think both of us were questioning whether we were going to make it. We crossed the Laos – Vietnam border at Lao Bao without a hitch, but were in for a rude surprise when it came to Vietnamese roads –
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8 May 2014 – Vieng Xay, Laos
Our final stop in Laos is the birthplace of current regime, Pathet Lao. The communism adherents sought refuge in the Vieng Xay during the 9 years of bombing from the US. Its a fascinating place, full of history and beautiful scenery. The same cannot be said for our guesthouse, but at least the view was
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7 May 2014 – Sam Neua, Laos
A pit stop in Sam Neau as we wrap up our motorcycle ride from Phonsovan to Vieng Xai, Laos. In the morning, when we were leaving Phonsovan, the manager of our guest house asked us where we were headed – I told him Vieng Xai. The look on his face was not encouraging. His comment
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6 May 2014 – Phonsavan, Laos
Ever wondered what’s it like to drive a motorcycle in Laos? Check out this video for the answer — Jenia kind of refused to get on the bike at one point. Actually, this is a small village road, its not so bad from town to town 🙂
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5 May 2014 – Phonsavan, Laos
Celebrating our 8 year anniversary in Phonsavan, Laos. The 4 o’clock celebratory snack includes wine, beer lao, and some fake Pepperidge Farm chocolate chip cookies. In all seriousness, out of all the years that we’ve been together, this last one was the most magical yet. Last year on 5 May we were sleeping in the
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4 May 2014 – Enroute to Phonsavan, Laos
More motorcycle riding through Laos! The route from Luang Prabang to Phonsovan was the easiest we had in Laos, which is not to say that it was a piece of cake. At the end of the day we were rewarded with some of the most stunning scenery that we’ve seen in Laos, and of course
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3 May 2014 – Luang Prabang, Laos
A video of Sergey talking about this and that. Jenia was out at a steam sauna / massage spa.