Gorak Shep to Dingboche

-Got a good night's sleep, felt much better. Had veggies + hash browns for breakfast.
-Hiked up Kala Patthar (5600m, 18,368ft). Saw some snow cocks along the way up. Also saw Derek coming down. Made it to the top, with extreme wind. Great view of Chomolungma (Mt. Everest).
-Hiked down; halfway, Lakpa gave me my bag, and he carried an Indian woman up to the top of Kala Patthar on his back!
-Had some pasta for lunch w/Cesar. He was feeling much better.
-Lakpa came back, and we headed off. Passed Lobuche, fighting the wind. Walked by the tombstones of Rob Fisher and Babu Chiri Sherpa. Stopped in Dughla. Passed the "ghost town" of Dusa. Walked past the Buddhist stupa as we arrived in Dingboche (4410m). It was much easier to breathe. Went to the highest internet cafe in the world.
-Stayed at same lodge as Derek. After dinner, listened to a photographer talk about everything from Everest's name to George Mitchell.

Gorak Shep

-Had a terrible night of sleep (altitude). Hiked towards Everest Base Camp very slowly, along w/Lakpa, Val, + her guide. Hiked along the Khumbu Glacier, but the altitude made it tough. Had good views of the summit of Chomolungma/Everest, Nuptse, Lhola, Khumbutse, Lingtren, and Pumo Ri.
-Arrived in Everest Base Camp (5364 m, 17,593 ft). Saw a huge avalanche come down off of Pumo Ri.
-Upon entering the camp, 2 security staff asked if I had any "Free Tibet" flags with me.
-Saw the photo exhibit of the glacier recession in the Khumbu region.
-Walked back slowly to Gorak Shep. Felt the altitude, but forced myself to eat lunch. Wanted to hike up Kala Patthar, but could only go to sleep. Woke up as the sun was setting on Mt. Everest.
-Had boiled potato for dinner, with everyone else who wasn't feeling well (Cesar, Irena, and Sanders).

Dzonglha to Gorak Shep

-Hiked to area w/tombstones in the Khumbu Valley. Had great views of Cholotshe, Ama Dablam, and the sheer face of Kali Himal.
-Hiked to Lobuche (4910m). Had lunch at Ecolodge ($20 rooms). We dedided to continue hiking to Gorak Shep. Crossed over Lobuche Pass (5110m), and could see the Khumbu Ice Fall near Everest Base Camp. Arrived in Gorak Shep (5140m), and met up with Cesar + Valerie at Himalayan Lodge. Great view of Nuptse (7861m). Valerie's guide was playing a traditional Sherpa instrument (like guitar).
-I met Joby from National Geographic's "The Adventurist" We shared some stories of trekking. He was waiting to do his 3rd climb to the summit of Everest.
-Had spaghetti + tomato sauce for dinner. Good to have some familar food.

Dragnag to Dzonglha

-Got up just after 5 AM. Started hike up towards Cho La Pass. It had snowed about 0.5 inches overnight. Hiked up an icy ridge, and could see Cho La Pass across the way. Hiked across a boulder field covered w/snow. We hiked up very steep, loose, and snowy/icy rocks. Very difficult! It felt good to reach the summit of Cho La Pass (5330m)... with many Buddhist prayer flags on top.
-Hiked across a small glacier and started hiking down. Was hiking w/Valerie (Quebec) most of the way.
-Reached Dzonglha (4830m). Checked into expensive tea house, run by a Sherpa who summitted Sagarmatha (Everest) 4 times. (Green Valley View Lodge)
-Ened up sharing a room w/Cesar (Brazil).
-Dal Baht for dinner. Played hearts, war, go fish, and a%*hole w/Irena, Sanders, Jasmine, and 2 Sherpas.

Gokyo to Dragnag

-Woke up at 4 AM to get ready to hike Gokyo Ri (5360m, 17580ft, 51% Oxygen). Sherpa Lakpa w0ke up 30 min late. Had toast w/PB + Jam. Still a bit dark when started hiking. Had 1st view of Mt. Everest/Chomolungma/Sagarmatha (8850m, 29,035 ft). Towards the top, I watched the sun rise directly over Everest. Approaching the top, I had such an amazing view of the mountains, Dudh Pokhari Lake, and the Ngozumpa Glacier (remnants); I shed a tear. I thought about all my wonderful family and friends that I have, which propelled me up to the 17,580 foot summit.
-At the summit, I could see 4 of the 6 highest mountains in the world. #1 Everest, #4 Lhotse (8511m, 27597ft), #5 Makalu (8463m, 27758 ft), #6 Cho Oyu (8201m, 26899ft). Met Justin from LA and Ceasar from Brazil (Holbrook, MA). A bird perched right next to me, and let me take several photos.
-Saw Derek on the way back down, and also the Seattle couple.
-Relaxed at the Namaste Lodge, had some momos; when leaving, the proprietor asked me for my address, and she gave me a hotel flyer and some free biscuits (expired).
-Hiked back along the lakes to the trail to Cho La Pass. Hiked through the Ngozumpa Glacier. Mostly, grey stones, like the moon. There was a large sand dune in the middle of the glacier area. -Arrived in Dragnag (4700m) and checked into the Chola Pass Resort. Met many people, including the girls who I saw jump into the Gokyo Lake earlier in the day. Took a water basin "shower."
The weather was warmer than any other place on the trek so far.
-Nice macaroni w/veggies for dinner. As I brushed my teeth near the yaks, snow was falling.

Machermo to Gokyo

-2 year anniversary of my last day in Biotech! 34 countries in 2 years.
-Toast w/peanut butter + honey for breakfast.
-Hiked to Pangla. Was very tired at start, but got some energy after hiking for a few minutes. Pangla (4480m) was the site of 1995 avalanche (guest house got buried, many people died). Continued hike, and met up w/Derek + porters. Had great view of Cho Oyu. Walked along river to Gokyo Lakes. 2nd Lake was frozen over (Taboche Tsho). Arrived at lakeside town of Gokyo (4790m, 54% Oxygen). Dudh Pokhari Lake only had a little bit of ice, under Gokyo Ri (5360m) and Pharilapche.
-Had some veggie momos, and took a long nap. Woke up, read some of Into The Wild. Bought some muesli and kitkat. Met Hiro + Neu from Osaka, had some mint tea, and watched the sunset behind Gokyo Ri.
-Muchroom, Garlic, Onion + Veg Pizza for dinner. I think it had Yak cheese on it. Listened to some Bob Marley w/Lakpa.
-Brushed teeth while looking at Pharilapche peak; bundled up; went to bed.

Mong La to Machermo

-Woke up w/sun rising over Ama Dablam. 1st view of Taboche Peak (6367m). Had traditional Sherpa porridge (Tsompa) for breakfast.
-Hiked down to Phortse Tenga (2680m), along the Dudh Koshi (River). Stopped at a waterfall near Tenga (3950m). Hiked up to Dole (4200m), stopped while Lakpa had Rakshe. Continued hike up, and took amazing pee along ridge. Had 1st view of Cho Oyu (8201m). Stopped in Luza (4360m) for lunch (chowmen). It started to snow lightly as we headed into Yeti Lodge.
-Talked to Seattle couple about Peace Corps. Had some Tibetan bread and veg + potato for dinner. Talked to Derek from Maine about traveling.
-Brushed teeth under stars + moonlight. Great view of the surrounding mountains. Read more of "Into The Wild" and went to sleep.

Namche Bazar to Mong La

-Porridge + fruit for breakfast. Exchanged the Nietzsche book for Into The Wild.
-Hiked up to Sherwikhangba Center. Saw the Sherpa Culture Museum and Photo Gallery, with artifacts and information about Sherpa life and festivals. Then saw the Everest Documentation Centre, with maps, articles, and photos of all the Sherpas who have summited Everest. Watched a slideshow by Lhakpa Sonam Sherpa.
-Hiked up to the old airport landing strip (Shyangboche), w/great views of Namche. 1st view of Ama Dablam mountain.
-Hiked down to Khumjung (3780m), past the Hillary School to Khumbila Garden Lodge for excellent momos.
-Saw 3 yaks; my sherpa set 1 of them straight.
-Hiked up to Mong La(3975m) to Snowland View Lodge. Fixed Lakpa's sunglasses. Took a very hot shower in an outdoor box, which was very cold. (200 rupees)
-Walked to viewpoint to see Tengboche and the monastery.
-After relaxing, the clouds cleared, and I got a great view of Thamserku, Kangtega, and Ama Dablam.
-Had Dal Bhat w/curry for dinner.
-Talked to English lady about her 2 trips to Sagarmatha NP.

Phakding to Namche Bazar

-Apple pancakes (like chapati) for breakfast. Met Tibor from Millipore + Hungary there.
-Hiked along the Dudh Koshi River to Monjo Monastery, which was closed.
-Paid for entrance permit into Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. Stopped for some momos in Jorsale. Hiked across river and up, passing many zopkios. Arrived in Namche Bazar (3440m) just as the Saturday market was ending. Checked into Kala Patthar Lodge.
-Washed some clothes. Checked email. Had Lapka buy a bag cover for our bags. Water (bottled) has a fixed 100Rs price (only 15Rs in Kathmandu).
-Sterilized some water w/iodine tablets.
-Lakpa brought me to a Sherpa hangout, where they drink rakshe wine, but I had lemon tea. Had a view of Kongde Peak. We played some pool at a bar.
-Had dinner (veg fried noodles) back at the lodge. Read a bit of A Nietzsche Reader.
NB - it's amazing what the Sherpas carry up the mountains - stacks of 2x4's, baskets of rocks or meat or camping gear.
*Skipped acclimatization day - feeling good.

The Trek to Everest Base Camp Begins

-Flight to Lukla in an 18 seat propeller plane. Very short, narrow runway on the mountain My porter, Lakpa Gelu Sherpa, met me at the airport.
-Hiked to Phakding (2,610m). Along the way, saw zopkio (like half cow, half goat). Stayed at International Traveler's Guesthouse.
-Hiked up to Thulo Gumela Monastery, which is about 400 years old. Met Jason from Australia (+Switzerland). Back to tea house for rakshe (millet/rice wine) and a nap.
-Dal Baht Tarkari for dinner in kitchen, near the fire. Afterwards, learned some of the Sherpa language from porters + family there.

My Charity Hike to Mt. Everest Base Camp!

Sponsor my Mt. Everest Trek! I am hiking to Mt. Everest Base Camp for charity. Your donation will go directly to the Sherpa Outdoor Orphan School and Home in Kathmandu, Nepal. This charity provides housing, educational materials and sports equipment to children who have become orphans due to poverty and past political conflicts in Nepal.

Thanks so much!
If you would like a little more info on the orphan home and school, go here: http://www.nepaltravels.com/our_charity.htm

Kathmandu, Nepal - Orphanage Visit

I went to the Himalayan Buddhist Mediation Center for a meditation practice session. The monk spoke about people being too extreme, using examples such as cults and vegetarians!
-Went back to the Indian Embassy, but could not get my visa, yet.

-Met with Raju and Shamsher to get plane tix to Lukla. Shamsher brought me to the bus and then to Sherpa Outdoor Foundation's orphanage. I met all of the kids there. It is a really great place for the kids, as they are learning to read/write and even speak some English. Gave the kids a geography lesson by telling them about my travels with a map. Played some soccer, and then Shamsher brought me to the bus stop. Arrived at Ratna Park and walked by Rani Pokhari Temple + the clock tower to Tibet Holiday Inn.
-Falafel and french fries pita for dinner under OR2K restaurant. Photos burned to DVD, shopped for trek gear, and called home.

Kathmandu, Nepal

Kolkata to Kathmandu

Mizoram to Kolkata

Mizoram, India

Mizoram, India

Mizoram, India

Mizoram, India

Mizoram, India

Kolkata, India

Kolkata, India

Kolkata, India

Singapore to Kolkata

-Changi Airport, said bye to Sarah
-Arrived Kolkata; took taxi to center; found a full hostel; moved to an empty guesthouse. Had to pay taxi driver extra, because he said there was traffic!

Kuala Lumpur to Singapore

-Bus to Singapore, stopped in Johor Bahru for lunch. Arrived in Singapore, near the Sultan's Palace + mosque. Walked along Arab St. and found Hotel 81. They only had deluxe rooms available (DVD player!)

-Exchanged money at the electronics building, Sim Lim Sq.

-Took Metro to waterfront. Saw the Merlion, Raffles landing site, the old Parliament Buildings, City Hall, and the Old Supreme Court. Walked to the massive Theater/Concert Hall. Sarah bought opening night tix to We Will Rock You. Walked passed the Raffles Hotel and the Stamford Swisshotel. Took the metro back to hotel.

-Took metro to Chinatown. Dinner at DeliVegi - we had the Fis' head Curry.
-Watched the Pursuit of Happiness together.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

-Batu Caves - 272 steps to the top.
-Chinatown

Kuala Lumpur

-Breakfast with an interesting English couple.
-Taxi to Petronas Towers (2nd tallest in world)
-Malaysia Tourism Center in former mansion of tin millionaire. Batik painting demo.
-Saw a couple having their wedding photos taken inside of one of those underground walkways/subways.
-National Mosque
-Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station for lunch.
-Jamek Mosque
-Walked around Dataran Merdeka (Independence Sq.)
-Walked across the skybridge of the Petronas Towers.

Penang to Kuala Lumpur

-Took bus to ferry. Ran into Gemma and Lewis from Wales there. Missed bus to Kuala Kangsar, so went to Kuala Lumpur instead.
-Dinner near Bukit Bintang shopping area at Pure Mind - Chinese food served in a pineapple!

Penang, Malaysia

-Botanical Gardens - bought pineapple and chestnuts. Monkeys tried to steal our food by showing teeth. They've been fed by too many tourists and locals.
-Hiked up jungle trail, then onto pavement, all the way to the top of Penang Hill.
-Afternoon tea + scones at David Brown's Restaurant.
-Ran into the Welsh couple while waiting for cable car down.
-Top of Komtar building. Ended up eating at Maharaj.

Georgetown, Penang Island

-Gave up on going to Sumatra, and rented a motorbike. Got stuck in 1-ways and traffic. Made it to Kek Lok Si Temple, largest in SE Asia. We found a veggie restaurant there for lunch. The big Buddha statue was under construction, so we climbed up to the top of the pagoda instead.
-Took the bike along the North coast of the island, all the way to Penang National Park along a winding road. Men were playing kickball; we walked out on the pier; a man and kids were net fishing.
-Rode back to Georgetown in a rain storm. Dinner at Ecco Cafe - fresh pasta and jazz music.
-Walked around Lebuh Chulia, Love Lane, and back to Hutton Lodge.

Georgetown, Malaysia

-Lunch at a Chinese tea house with fish swimming in the bathroom!
-Snake Temple - pit vipers on wooden posts around a Buddha shrine. Snake farm was attached; many different snakes, tortoises, and monkeys.
-Dinner at Maharaj, again.
-Went to the fancy E+O Hotel for drinks, live lounge music, and a walk along the waterfront.
-Walked along pubs on Jalan Penang, and the Dutch girls we met in Beijing months earlier spotted us! Had drinks + played pool with them, some Irish guys, and a Welsh couple.

Koh Lanta to Penang Island

-Early bus, which went onto 2 ferries to Trang. Got bus to Hat Yai. PB+J sandwiches at convenience store-restaurant. Took bus to Georgetown- got lots of info from 2 British travelers.
-Walked past + back to the Hutton Lodge.
-Late night dinner at Maharaj Indian.

Koh Lanta

-Brought bike back - $80 in damage
-Lunch at Where Else? and then Thai massage on beach. Got pulled backwards onto the massage therapist like a pretzel
-Dinner at BeeBee's Village Kitchen inside of a tree hut...fun and delicious.

Koh Lanta

-Rented motorbike. Rode into village. Lunch in a pavillion.
-Rode motorbike down coast towards Mu Koh Lanta National Park. Road became dirt, big hill, construction crew dumping 6 inches of sand on the road. Lost control of the bike going up the steep hill. The bike, Sarah, and I fell over. Minor cuts on our legs. We were covered in dirt and sand - back to resort for showers.
-Biked south at sunset, ate at Blue Moon during a rain storm. Father and son served us a great meal.

Koh Jum and Koh Lanta Islands

-Headed up Koh Pu Mountain through a big tree farm (cashew trees?), hiked into jungle. Saw a monkey, couldn't find my way to summit, so headed back to resort for lunch.
-Longtail boat out to the ferry.
-Arrived in Koh Lanta. We had booked a terrible straw hut. After argument with the manager, we moved to a good bungalow at the Lantas Lodge Resort.
-Swam in ocean, and gave first aid to Sarah's injured toe.
-Pizza dinner at Mr. Wee's Pizza on beach.
-St. Patrick's Day - drinks at Where Else? in a boat-like table, then drinks at the Gecko during a big French bday party.

Koh Jum, Thailand

-Relaxed, went snorkeling to see coral and fish for a few minutes.
-Hung out at the beach bar for sunset, walked upstairs to the restaurant for dinner. Lots of Jenga.

Koh Jum Island

-Early bus to Krabi for ferry to Koh Jum/Koh Pu.
-Picked up by a longtail boat, and brought to Oon Lee Bungalows on the beautiful, remote island.

Phuket, Thailand

-Tuktuk ride to airport from a nice driver
-Flew to Bangkok. Flight to Phuket was delayed, and there was no food available in the gate area.
-Arrived in Phuket, checked into a historic hotel, with the 1st ever elevator in the area.
-Dinner at a funky, Chinese influenced cafe.

Chiang Mai

-Pancakes at Da Bakery
-Rode moto up to the top of Doi Sothep along winding mountain road.
-Walked around the temple with golden + jade Buddha statues.
-Drove towards Doi Inthanon mountain, but was too far away
-Lunch at Buak Haad city park.
-Sent a huge package of all kinds of stuff home to lighten my backpack.
-Rode to Wat Phra Singh to see temple.
-Rode to Wat Chedi Luang and had another "monk chat"
-After dinner at May Kaidee's, had massage from the same little Thai lady. This time she gave us some Thai fans. She told us a story about her Swiss boyfriend.

Chiang Mai

Rented motobike. Drove around the city moat. Went to a Tibetan Restaurant on Moon Muong Soi 6 near our guesthouse. Sarah drove the bike back.

Chiang Mai

-DA Bakery for breakfast, right across from our Guesthouse.
Day tour
- Orchid Farm
-Karen Hill Tribe Village (Padaung Tribe). Long neck women w/bronze hoops around their neck from age 6. Some had stretched out ears and black teeth.
-Lunch along the Mae Tang River (watching Elephant Riders).
-Whitewater rafting on the Mae Tang - low water season, got wedged into rocks many times!
-Dinner at May Kaidee's - met up with Gusta and Witney. Drove to Riverside Pub at the Ping River for some live Thai music and expensive drinks.

Chiang Mai

-Overnight bus kept stopping through the night, so little sleep.
-Walked around and found a guest house recommended by a guy from Israel while in Taipei.
-Long nap!
-Massage at little Thai lady's place - she served us fruit, tea and potato chips afterwards.
-Met up with Gustaf and Witney at the Night Bazaar

Bangkok

-Saw Democracy monument and the Royal Palace. Shopped for gifts at the Chatuchak Market. Shopped a bit on Khao San Road.
-Overnight sleeper bus to Chiang Mai.

Bangkok and Kanchanaburi

-Bus tour to WWII Cemetery (Chung Kai)
-Bridge over River Kwai
-Lunch on floating house on River Kwai
-Sai Yok Noi waterfall, hiked to Buddha cave, Death Railway ride.
-Dinner at Ethos- apple crumble and chocolate cake!
-Got a bucket full of a cocktail next to D+D hotel.

Bangkok

Thai cooking class at Mai Kaidee's vegetarian restaurant. Met Steve and Gustaf from MN.
-Swam in the roof top pool in the hotel.
-Had my dentist appointment to fix my tooth, with a temporary plastic veneer.
-More street vendor food on Khao San Road.

Bangkok, Thailand

-Lunch at May Kaidee's veggie restaurant. Amazing Thai food.
-Found a dentist to fix my tooth (which had been missing for over a month)
-Sarah and I met up with a cool Italian dude named Allessandro for dinner.

Siem Reap to Bangkok

Bus to Poipet border town. Long wait on both Cambodian and Thai sides of the border.
-Arrived at Khao San Road in Bangkok. Got the last room available at D+D Hotel (rooftop pool).
-Falafel pita for dinner from a street vendor.
-Went to the Cave Bar, with an indoor rock climbing wall, and a live Thai band.

Siem Reap

-Rented mountain bikes. Went to Phsar Chas market and Singing Tree Cafe.
-Biked up to Angkor Wat, hiked up Phnom Bakeng. Biked to Ta Keo temple for sunset, but cloudy. Biked back to town in the dark.
-Dinner in old market area again. Had a ride in the "stellar" tuk-tuk back to hotel.

Siem Reap

-Long tuk-tuk ride to Kbal Spean
-Hiked to River of a Thousand Lingas
-Tuk-tuk brought us to Banteay Srei. Khmer music played by land mine victims. One man was playing a leaf as a musical instrument. It was awesome!
-On the tuk tuk ride back, there was a big accident just in front of us. Our driver just missed the truck in front of us, and we ran over a motorbike that was hit by the truck. The man driving the motorbike jumped off just at the last second, as the truck crashed into his motorbike. I was shocked that the man survived without injury.
-Dinner at Diamond Hotel, Khmer massage, drinks at Angkor What? and Temple Bar in the old market area.

Siem Reap

-Sunrise at Angkor Wat, along the East Causeway
-Explored the bas reliefs inside Angkor Wat
-Tuk Tuk to Angkor Tom - saw the amazing carvings of giant heads.
-Prasat Palilay temple in the jungle
-Took tuk tuk to the Pre-Rup pyramid temple
-Sras Srang lake - had Amok soup served inside of a coconut
-Bantey Kdei temple. Ran into Tim and Adam who we met earlier in the trip.
-Ta Prom temple - famous for the trees growing out of the stones.
-Sun setting over the Angkor Wat moat
-Met up with Tim in the old market area of Siem Reap.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

-Singing Tree Cafe - Monk Chat with 3 Buddhist monks.
-Mexican food at the Old Market area
-Traditional Khmer massage

Phnom Penh

-Woken up by construction at hotel. Switched to Indochine 2 - much nicer.
-Saw Royal Palace and Monument of Independence
-Visited Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (famous from "Killing Fields" story)
-Climbed Wat Phnom
-Boeung Kak Lake for sunset - covered by green plants, lakeside covered by hotels and houses.

Mekong River and Phnom Penh

-Slow boat to Cambodia, visited fishing village and Cham minority village.
-Dropped off by bus at a Mosque in Phnom Penh.
-Ended up at a crappy French hotel.

Phu Quoc Island and Chau Doc

Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

Phu Quoc Island

-Ferry to Island
-Swimming in ocean, relaxing on beach, massage for $3, swimming in the pool, sunset over the ocean.

Cantho and Rach Gia, Vietnam

Tour of floating market in Mekong Delta.

Mekong Delta - Cantho

-Bus ride to delta
-Boat ride - got stuck in a small river full of mudskippers. Had to hike to lunch place. Took very tiny boats out to the main river. Got to wear conical hat!

Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

-Cao Dai Cathedral - religion made up of many religions - statues of Jeses and Buddha together!
-Cu Chi tunnels - where the liberation rebels would hide and fight from
-Dinner at La Cantina - a Vietnamese "Mexican" restaurant.

Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

-Ben Tra Market
-Presidential Palace aka Re-unification Palace
-Former US Embassy - where the dramatic helicopter air lift was
-War Remnants Museum - full of really disturbing photos from the war and the massacres

Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

-All day bus ride to Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City
-Dinner and walk around the Backpacker Ghetto

Nha Trang

-After an all-night bus ride, walked around to find a hotel near the beach.
-Took a nap in afternoon
-Walked along the beach, and had pizza for dinner (after not eating for about 24 hours)

Hoi An, Danang, China Beach

-Danang Museum of Cham Sculpture
-Marble Mountains - temples and caves!
-China Beach
-Overnight bus to Nha Trang - had traveler's sickness on the bus! :(

Hoi An, Vietnam

-Traveler's sickness again
-Biked to the beach - got ripped off by 2 guys for watching our bikes
-Watched Michael Moore's "Sicko"...just great.
-Dinner in the old town in front of the river again.
-Bought the "Into The Wild" DVD for $1, and watched it back at the hotel.

-My Son Holy Land Tour - Towers and Temples built by the Champa people about 1,500 years ago.
-Biked around the market and the Old Town
-Lunch at Mango Rooms, in front of the river.
-Dinner at Friendship Restaurant, right in front of the river.
-Drinks at Treat Cafe.
-Picked up our custom-made clothing.

Hoi An, Vietnam

-Biked into the Old Town of Hoi An.
-Got measured for a custom-made Asian-style shirt at a tailor
-Saw the famous Japanese covered bridge
-Biked to Cui Dai Beach for dinner at Karma Waters

Hue, Vietnam

-Hue Citadel - many building were destroyed during the war.
-Toured 2 of the Emperor's tombs
-Thien Mu Pagoda - I saw the car from the famous photo of Thích Quảng Ðuc burning himself alive.
-Dragon boat back to Hue
-Valentine's dinner at Little Italy

Hanoi, Vietnam

-Walked to St. Joseph's Cathedral - beautifully aged.
-Lunch at Le Pub - Vietnamese tofu stir fry.
-Overnight bus to Hue.

Hanoi, Vietnam

-Walked to HSBC bank to retrieve my ATM/debit card, but they didn't have it yet
-Rented bicycle to ride around the city
-Saw the body of Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum and then went to the Ho Chi Minh Museum
-Saw the Literature Temple, where they have a statue of Confucius.
-Returned to the bank to get my ATM card back.
-Dinner at Tamarind - traditional Vietnamese Pho soup.

Cat Ba Island and Hanoi, Vietnam

-Boat ride to "Junk" boat
-Boat ride through Ha Long Bay
-Bus ride to Hanoi
-Dinner with Sarah, Amy, and Brent at Tamarind

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

-Kayaking in Ha Long Bay through caves and watching stone monkeys
-Boat trip to Cat Ba Island
-Hiking on Cat Ba Island to see Rusty's Vietnamese equivalent
-Lunch on a deserted island beach
-Afternoon movies
-Dinner at the hotel, drinks with Amy, Brent, and Khoa at Green Mango.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

-Bus ride to Halong
-Boarded the traditional-styled "Junk" boat
-Tour of an amazing cave with stalactites and stalagmites
-At night, watched the stars and other boats from the roof deck
-Slept on the Junk

Hanoi, Vietnam

-The HSBC ATM Machine ate my ATM card. Not fun!
Lunch at Tamarind Cafe and Dinner at Tandoor

Hanoi, Vietnam

-Traveler's sickness on Lunar New Year's Day.

Hanoi, Vietnam

-Dinner at Tamarind Cafe, excellent fruit juice and vegetable skewers.
-Le Pub for a beer
-New Year's Eve (Tet) Concert at the lake
-Fireworks over the lake

Taipei, Taiwan

Explored the Snake Alley Night Market area, plus the temple that is open at night.

Taipei, Taiwan

- My Tooth Fell Out and an Ugly Super Bowl for the Patriots!

Kaohsuing and Taipei, Taiwan

Took the high speed train to Taipei. It only takes 2 hours to get all the way across the country!

Tainan City and Kaohsuing, Taiwan

-Explored the Confucian Temple in the morning, with people doing martial arts and some sword fighting practice.
-Took the train to Kaohsuing.
-Explored the night market and got a massage for $6.

Sun Moon Lake and Tainan City, Taiwan

-Morning row boat trip out to the tiny island in the lake.
-Bus ride, then high-speed train to Tainan City.
-Saw some of the many temples in the ancient capital.
-Also saw the Dutch fort.