Chinese New Year

2001-01-24T13:06:00.000-08:00

Chinese New YearsShow Larger 24-Jan-01It was Chinese New Year. Year of the snake. We decided to see what sort of celebration we could see, and ended up in a neighborhood festival. I don't remember exactly how we ended up there; so much of our travels around Beijing were blurry in mutual language incomprehension; but somehow we managed. Chinese New Years

Chengdu Market

2001-01-21T16:26:00.000-08:00

Chengdu Market21-Jan-01Show Larger Chengdu Market We went to the Chengdu market expecting a typical third world marketplace, complete with stenches and flies. What we found a very clean place full of weird food.Show LargerChengdu, Sichuan Sheng, China (成都, 四川省, 中国)Show on mapChengdu market

Cheng Du

2001-01-21T14:19:00.000-08:00

Cheng Du11-Jan-01 thru 21-Jan-01Show Larger Cheng Du Cheng Du is a city in south western China (Schezuan) that no one has ever heard of even though it is the size of Los Angeles. It is one of two places in China that you can depart from to get to Tibet (the other being Golmud). It is also the departure point for the 3 gorges, and home to the place that rents pandas

Merry Christmas!

2000-12-26T21:29:00.000-08:00

Great Talking with everyone this morning!!! I'm glad everyone loved the gifts! The kniveswill be good for dad and Joe and Michael for hunting next year-where ever they decide to go (don't forget-when they are in their black case you must first oil with motor oil..but in the stand wipe the oil off)What were the other guesses for the lock? ...Kevin’s with the dragon-is more for display...Oh...Got

Hello from Jiapur...

2000-12-14T08:10:00.000-08:00

We went to Amritsar and saw the lovely Sikh Golden Temple...Lovely people...No charge for seeing this gorgeous place, and most importantly no hassles. What amazed us was that everyone wanted to take a photo with us...Don't know why...Perhaps they get the WWF (world wrestling federation on TV) here too, like in Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia-where they all thought that Michael was the

Tashi Delek from Mcleod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh!

2000-12-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone! When I last left you we were about to take off on a flight around Everest, and it indeed was cool. We woke up many hours before dawn, caught a cab to the airport, only to find our flight delayed for 6 hours! To add insult, we also had to pay a departure tax - even though we were not going anywhere! And worse - they charge VAT on the departure tax! That’s Value Added Tax on a tax!

HH The XIV Dalai Lama

2000-12-09T04:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Aunt Joan,Michael and I are still in India, although it does not feel like India, as we are still in Mcleod Ganj, the home of the Dali Lama and many of the Tibetans in Exile from their homeland!!! We have had a lovely time here and have seen His Holiness The Dali Lama several times and he is really a kind, caring, and compassionate man-many of the world leaders should take lessons from him!

Oh India!!

2000-11-22T18:37:00.000-08:00

OHHHH, India!!!!!Tashi Delek from Mcleod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh!We are in India...Up yesterday at 5am...Taxi to airport at 5:30am...In line forever to scan our bags and buy departure tax, (CHAOTIC) then get inline to check bags and get seats...Lucky for us they were in 'business class' just behind first class-I think it is because that it was a full flight and we were in line first to get seats!

Hanuman Ghat and more

2000-11-21T14:36:00.000-08:00

Hanuman Ghat and more19-Nov-2000 thru 21-Nov-2000Hanuman Ghat is a bathing spot on the side of a small (and putrid) stream in Bhaktapur. Legend has it that this is one of the spots that Hanuman the Monkey God rested on his flight back to Sri Lanka from Tibet with Mt. Kailash gripped in his hand.Well endowed ShivaGaneshShiva's son, and the remover of obstacles. The Librarian to the gods.Hanuman

Bhaktapur

2000-11-20T16:05:00.000-08:00

18-Nov-2000 thru 20-Nov-2000Bhaktapur is an ancient Newar town in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley. Along with Kathmandu and Patan, it is the third ancient capitol of Nepal. The male inhabitants of this city wear a special type of cap called the Bhaad-gaaule topi. This city is famous for its yoghurt called King Curd.It's a world heritage siteStone says:"World Heritage"Flower on the

Newari Faces

2000-11-19T10:35:00.000-08:00

Newari FacesThe Newari people are the single largest ethnic group in Nepal. All of these photos were taken in Bhaktapur18-Nov-2000 Thru 19-Nov-2000View Larger MapDenizens of Potters SquareDenizens of Potters SquareThe 10 year old boys name is Sunil and two of the others are Prajapati and BolachenThe old man's name is Harakay BhadurThe woman is Ganey SvwalChildren showing off for the camera at

Lalitpur

2000-11-14T11:13:00.000-08:00

Patan (Lalitpur)Patan (also known as Lalitpur, Nepali for "Pretty city") was the capitol of one of the 3 kingdoms in the Kathmandu valley before the Ghurka king invaded and united Nepal14-Nov-2000View Larger MapMathias, SGK, Me and Isabella at breakfastIronic sign at UPSDon't EVER ship an international parcel (particularly Christmas gifts) with them if you can at all help it.The UPS guy (ir)

Swayambhunath

2000-11-11T16:49:00.000-08:00

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) Swayambhunath, better known as the Monkey Temple, is the most recognizable landmark in Katmandu. It is a very holy place for Buddhists and Hindus alike. 11-Nov-2000From afarEntranceSo, the Intek has a node here?The Lord Buddha's footprintSpinning prayer wheelsA tibetan invention designed as a shortcut to saying your prayers. The prayer is on a scroll inside the

Mt. Everest

2000-11-09T12:51:00.000-08:00

09-Nov-2000Mt. EverestWe had to see this great massif with our own eyes, so we took a sightseeing flight around it. If you are sick of photos of Mountains, hit the back button now.Cause for a Nepali tea partySign says: "This is to notify that the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal will levy value added tax in addition to "passenger service charge" as per the directive received from Value Added

Namaste from Kathmandu Nepal!!!!

2000-11-08T07:34:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone! It's been ages since my last email - and when I left you then we were in Saigon having just returned from Can Tho.VietnamWell, From there we bought the infamous Vietnamese "Open Ticket" to Dalat, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, and Hanoi. On the bus to Dalat we met an insane American (I am ashamed to admit that he's from the USA!) who was just ejected from Cambodia for setting up a

Bird watching and Elephant Bathing

2000-11-04T16:08:00.000-08:00

04-Nov-2000At Chitwan National Park, we went Bird watching and helped bathe an Elephant!Giant snailElephant retrieving his own lunchGanesh lingamsHi!SGK and our mountPumping water for the elephantsGooseMongooseJungle fowlSGK and the elephant's bath!My turn to give the elephant a bathMad Aussie washes anotherThe elephant sprays herself with dustDragon fly

Elephant Birthing Centre

2000-11-04T15:49:00.000-08:00

04-Nov-2000Elephant Birthing Centre The Elephant Birthing Centre near Chitwan is Nepal's only Elephant breeding centre.The ToucherShe touched my hand with her trunk (SGK got it on video)The BabyOnly 4 months old!The BuglerThis guy was LOUD!On SafariThe elephant behind us is a convicted man killerBig DaddyThe most fantastic elephant that I've ever seen

Chitwan

2000-11-03T15:40:00.000-08:00

Royal Chitwan National Park Royal Chitwan National Park is in the Terai region of Nepal and used to be the private hunting grounds of the Nepalese royalty. Today it has the largest concentration of rhinos in Asia.We went through the park on elephant back - and there were about 11 other elephants in our herd. Therefore picture taking was difficult, as our mahout kept jockeying for position and a

Chitwan Canoe Trip And Jungle Walk

2000-11-03T14:15:00.000-08:00

03-Nov-2000At Chitwan National Park, we took a canoe trip and jungle walk Bathing holeSmiles!LaundryLoad of elephant grassDuckElephants gathering grassMarsh mugger crocRhino tracks!BeehiveWe named this one Jen......and this one DaveCranesLanguar monkeyGanesh HimalBicycle ferryTerai sunsetLook at the suspension system on this bike!

Tharu

2000-11-02T16:51:00.000-08:00

The Tharu peoples of the teraiThe Tharu are the original peoples to inhabit the terai region of Nepal (The terai is the lowland on the border with India). We spent an afternoon in one of their villages.02-Nov-2000View Larger MapOur bungalowThe "Encounter Overland" busTharu schoolchildrenHimalayas from the teraiTharu village childrenThe village children collected a bunch of cow patties and made

Ruffy

2000-11-02T16:08:00.000-08:00

Goodbye to an old friend... We did an internet phone call to Helen toady and received some bad news...Ruffy b 19-Feb-1987 d 02-Nov-2000You were a good member of our family and will be sorely missed.

Sarangkot

2000-10-31T14:09:00.000-08:00

SarangkotSarangkot is a hill just outside of Pokhara with glamorous daytime views of the Annapurnas. SGK and I took a hike up here one morning with some new Irish friends, Jonathon and Linda.On top of the hill there is a small sign proclaiming "This Area has a special historical background. This place was used as a fort for defense (kot) and a playground of sword fighting during times of ancient

Pokhara

2000-10-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

PokharaPokhara is situated west of Kathmandu and a lot of trekking originates here - particularly to the Annapurna Himal.12-Oct-2000 thru 24-Oct-2000View Larger MapHoly Cow(s)!FishtailEagleEveryday life in NepalAnother tractor contraptionAt the restaurant called "Tibetan Breakfast"ChhaangAlso known as Tongba; it's a Tibetan "beer" made from milletStop bothering me......Can't you see I'm trying to

Mardi Himal Trek - Day 8

2000-10-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

Mardi Himal Trek - Day 8 Mardi Himal is a mountain peak on the shoulder of fishtail - on Day 8 we returned to Pokhara (915m)23-Oct-2000Our support crewA locals attempt at photoing the whole of us...SGK intrepidly crossing the bridgeFrom on highLittle boy was scared of meDifferent little boyNepali twinsNew Love!Thru the paddiesBuffalo at workBuffalo wallowBuffalo bathingThe ubiquitous Tata

Mardi Himal Trek - Day 7

2000-10-22T16:00:00.000-07:00

Mardi Himal Trek - Day 7 Mardi Himal is a mountain peak on the shoulder of fishtail - on Day 7 we descended to Same Bugger Lachok (1160m) (Same means tree, Bugger is a type of tree and Lachok is an intersection)22-Oct-2000Dangerous bridgeBridgeheadGopi said it would be flat!!! (although this is flat for Nepal)School childrenThe one in the colourful hat speaks perfect English and "wants to be a

Mardi Himal Trek - Day 6

2000-10-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

Mardi Himal Trek - Day 6 Mardi Himal is a mountain peak on the shoulder of fishtail - on Day 6 we descended to Siding (1750m)21-Oct-2000Us at High CampI prefer the one with glasses as I'm not squinting in itBalloon recipientFlower for HelenDisaster!SGK hurts her ankle and has to be carried down the mountain by Kirin (and later by Captain)Rice terraces of SidingHarvesting the riceChildren of

Mardi Himal Trek - Day 5

2000-10-20T14:06:00.000-07:00

Mardi Himal Trek - Day 5 Mardi Himal is a mountain peak on the shoulder of fishtail - on Day 5 we went close to the summit of Mardi Himal (5587m)20-Oct-2000View Larger MapPanoramaSunrise panorama of the Annapurna rangeFishtailAnnapurna South, Annapurna I, and HiunchuliKate and Duncan with Fishtail(Machapuchare)Annapurna ISGK and I with FishtailCampEven the Sherpa's were cold!Machapuchare before

Mardi Himal Trek - Day 4

2000-10-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

Mardi Himal Trek - Day 419-Oct-2000Mardi Himal is a mountain peak on the shoulder of fishtail - on Day 4 we went from Low Camp to High Camp (4100m)Annapurna IPemba - our tail guide and SGKFlattest place we'd yet seen in NepalRichard on an outcropping3 minutes later the fog totally obscures the Annapurnas

Mardi Himal Trek - Day 3

2000-10-18T15:13:00.000-07:00

Mardi Himal Trek - Day 318-Oct-2000Mardi Himal is a mountain peak on the shoulder of fishtail - on Day 3 we went from The Rhododendron Forest to Low camp (3400m)Red berriesCuteSGK and our guide GopiRelax......Don't do it!Pemba singing "..is a Donkey, Melissa is a Monkey...Uphill again????(aren't there any flat places in Nepal?)

Mardi Himal Trek - Day 2

2000-10-17T14:50:00.000-07:00

Mardi Himal Trek - Day 217-Oct-2000Mardi Himal is a mountain peak on the shoulder of fishtail - on Day 2 we went from Dhampus to The Rhododendron Forest (2550m)Panorama in DhampusHinchuli from DhampusHiunchuli as it is sometimes spelled, is 6441m tallThe Children of DhampusThe Children of DhampusThe Children of DhampusThe Children of DhampusThe Children of DhampusFungi on the trailBeautiful!

Mardi Himal Trek - Day 1

2000-10-16T14:02:00.000-07:00

Mardi Himal Trek - Day 116-Oct-2000Mardi Himal, locally known as Machupuchare, is a mountain peak commonly called "Fishtail" for it's shape. Our trek was to take us on to the shoulder of the mountain. The beginning of the trek is also part of of the Annapurna circuit. - on Day 1 we went from Pokhara to Dhampus (1620m). Dampus is home to the Gurung people.Loading the busHimalayan Encounters

Hello from Pokhara

2000-10-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

Hi...We FINALLY made it to Pokhara, after a really shitty and long bus ride!!! They told us to check in at 6am On some street where all the buses leave from...About 6;15 our pulls up...We lock our bags to the roof...Departure time 6:30am-no way!!! Depart at 7am...We cruise 200 yards down the street and stop again...Then 5 min later depart...Oh, no-we have to stop to pick up 2 more people

Road to Pokhara

2000-10-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

Road to PokharaPokhara is situated west of Kathmandu and a lot of trekking originates here - particularly to the Annapurna Himal. These are photos from our bus ride there.11-Oct-2000View Larger MapSign outside the men's restroomIs this a special zone for Bill Clinton? Or does it just smell bad here?Roadside houseAccident ahead blocks the road for hoursResting Nepali womanTerra-cotta houseCard

Thamel

2000-10-09T15:31:00.000-07:00

ThamelThamel is Kathmandu's tourist ghetto07-Oct-2000 thru 09-Oct-2000View Larger MapBeggarSadhuA sadhu is a hindu holy man/wanderer. Buddha was a sadhu...Bicycle rickshawBeggar woman and childThirst-Pi mineral waterA brand of water only Mikey from Hat Rin would like...Prayer flags At a restaurant called "New Orleans Blues"HasenpfefferBunny Rabbit at New Orleans BluesRide with dad to workKite

Katmandu's Durbar Square

2000-10-08T16:12:00.000-07:00

08-Oct-2000Durbar Square is the area of Katmandu near the old royal palace. It is chock full of temples.SGK and a SadhuA Sadhu is a wandering hindu mystic or holy man. They are frequently hermits, or wander the land in search of enlightenment. The most famous Sadhu was Siddhārtha Gautama, an Indian prince who found enlightenment under a bodhi tree in the Terai and became The Buddha.Hanumān's

Nepal

2000-10-06T22:55:00.000-07:00

Nepal06-Oct-2000 thru 21-Nov-2000View Larger MapNepal is a small hindu kingdom located high in the Himalayas sandwiched between Tibet and India.Our thoughts on Nepal:MAGICAL!!!! Great scenery, good food and a facinating culture topped up with low costs.Hello to all of our freinds, old and new we met in Nepal:Gopi and Pemba, Ken, Nick, Laurie and Peggy, Fanny and Jiny, Isabella and Mathias, Sara

The Subcontinent

2000-10-06T16:10:00.000-07:00

Our original plans for the subcontinent called for a complete tour via the famous Indian train system. After more than a month on the Indian "Trial" we gave up on Sri Lanka, Lakshadweep, Calcutta, Pakistan, and Bangladesh and headed to China.

Visa Run

2000-10-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

Visa Run04-Oct-00 thru 06-Oct-00View Larger MapWe had to make a quick run up to Laos and back to Bangkok because our Thai visa's had run out - this is the journey back to BangkokSamolarLaotian Tuk-Tuk (Auto Rickshaw)BeerLao breweryRoads in Laos are much emptier than they are in ThailandIt's gonna rain!Funeral processionLive grasshoppers for saleThey make a yummy snackWhere you stop driving on the

Vientiane

2000-10-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

Vientiane01-Oct-00 thru 04-Oct-00View Larger MapVientiane (sometimes spelled "Viang Chan")is the laid back capitol of The Peoples Democratic Republic of LaosNursing dogMonks whitewashing a stupaOld French structureBalloon recipientLaotian stop signIsn't it weird how the red octagon seems to be universal?Me and SGK in front of royal templeOur friend Mike in the same spotBronze tongued

Lao Pako

2000-10-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

02-Oct-2000 thru 03-Oct-2000Lao Pako is an ecotourism "resort" on a tributary to the Mekong. We stayed at the Ban Pako Lodge.Power DieselJust what exactly is Power Diesel?Unique form of Laotian transportOn the MekongLunchMichael enjoying Laap, Papaya salad, sticky rice, and pumpkin currySpider outside our bungalowBee at our bungalow

Laos

2000-10-01T14:55:00.000-07:00

Laos01-Oct-00Show Larger LaosThe Lao People's Democratic Republic is reminiscent of what pre-industrial Thailand must have been like. The pace is slow, the people friendly, and infrastructure non-existent. Laotian food is similar to Thai food, and Lao, like Thai, is even a Tai language, so the sounds and smells of this country are familiar to those recently in

Travels with SG: Impressions of Vietnam

2000-09-28T14:17:00.000-07:00

OK, Ok...I know that it has been a while since my last group email...Good thing that Michael has been keeping you all up to date...sorry, but one is a bit long...I think that my last group email was when we were in Singapore, having just escaped Indonesia with the little sanity that we had left...After Singapore, we headed to Malaysia (orangutans, proboscis monkeys and leaches), Brunei, (a very

BKK Brian

2000-09-27T16:20:00.000-07:00

27-Sep-2000A night out with Nitiwat "Brian" TejavanijaNitiwat "Brian" Tejavanija was a member of SaraGrace's business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi and she hadn't seen him in 8 years - He took us out to a steak dinner that was absolutely yummy.Brian on our night outBrian and SG sitting on Bolton Bill Knowlton's couchAn interesting thing about the above photos is that they are taken in the living room

Koh Samui

2000-09-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

19-Sep-2000 thru 22-Sep-2000Koh Samui (or Ko Samui) is an island off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus in Thailand, close to the mainland Surat Thani town. It is Thailand's third largest island, with an area of 228.7 km² and a population of 47,874 (2006). Koh Samui is the original vacation island of Thailand - it's where most of the big hotels are, and where we went to escape from all of the Rave

BKK bound!!!

2000-09-21T22:06:00.000-07:00

Howdy Cathy...Sorry, you had such an 'eventful' time getting home!!! Joe used to email us about how "negative" some of our old travel emails used to be (especially in S. America) but to us, these were just funny anecdotes by the time we wrote them, even if we were quite frustrated when they happened!!!...-Now you have a bunch of your own!!! Lets recap...Koh Nang Yuan losing your laundry...'

Ang Tho Marine Park

2000-09-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

21-Sep-2000Ang Tho Marine Park is a national park near Koh Samui - and the mythical setting for Alex Garland's backpacker classic "The Beach". It is a series of Karst formations at sea - similar to Ha Long bay in Vietnam, but not nearly as spectacularSGK looking out oveer the railing of Talay NaiPanorama of the national parkTalay NaiTalay Nai is a saltwater lagoon surrounded by limestone

Full Moon Party

2000-09-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

13-Sep-2000 thru 18-Sep-2000Fool Moon PartyHat Rin's infamous Full Moon Party takes place every full moon and is a big rave. You might have see bits of it in the movie "The Beach". Unfortunately, the Mavicadoes not take photos well in the dark, so no pictures of the party itselfNong - the owner of Bamboonet in Hat RinSunset on the night of the full moonNote the tents as all rooms are full!Swing

Ko Nang Yuan

2000-09-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

08-Sep-2000 thru 12-Sep-2000Ko Nang Yuan is a series of 3 islets joined by a sandspit north of Ko TaoJoe and Cathy arrive in Thailand-The romantic balcony of unit #K9...The RestaurantKo Nang yuan has 2 restaurants - this one was on the center isle and the only one open when we visitedSunset from Ko Nang YuanMike,SGK,her brother Joe, Sis in Law Cathy in Ko Nang Yuan, Thailand The DockThis was the

Reflections on Vietnam

2000-09-06T21:22:00.000-07:00

Hi Dad!OK, So now that I'm out of Vietnam I can finally address your questions on the place - When I sent you that cryptic message we were in Hanoi - and the North is still fairly Orwellian in feel. Being Americans and traveling to Vietnam, we didn't know what to expect - after all it really wasn't that long ago when the bombs were still dropping. As you know, we started our trip in the South -

Ha Long Bay

2000-09-05T16:10:00.000-07:00

04-Sep-2000 thru 05-Sep-2000Ha Long Bay (a bit redundant as Ha means Bay and Long means Dragon) is probably the pretiest spot in all of Vietnam - I've always wanted to go here ever since I'd seen it in National GeographicDisabled artist with SGK's purchaseFirst glimpse of Ha LongDragon prow on Dragon Bay (Bay)Play on words as Ha Long means Dragon Bay, so Ha Long Bay means Dragon-Bay BayFloating

Hanoi

2000-09-04T11:20:00.000-07:00

03-Sep-2000 thru 04-Sep-2000Hanoi is the capitol of Vietnam - and not even 10% as nice as SaigonThe Girls at the Literary Temple Janet the Birthday girl, SaraGrace my love, and Sarah the Visa stamper)The Literary TempleTree sculptureAltar to ConfuciusSign outside of Ho Chi Mihn's tombSign reads: "Not walk on the pavement"SGK at Ho Chi Mihn's tombSoldierTwo Soldiers and the GirlsThe girl not

Hue

2000-09-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

01-Sep-2000 thru 02-Sep-2000Hue was the imperial capitol of the Amanese Emperor (The Ngyuen's) We were stranded here during Vietnam's independence dayOn the road to HueThe toilets at the Hue AirportAre you supposed to kiss the guy at the other pit????(note the two sets of "feet" that you stand on to squat)

Hoi An

2000-08-31T16:33:00.000-07:00

30-Aug-2000 thru 31-Aug-2000Hoi An is a French provincial city - in the middle of Vietnam. And home to the tailoring industry.The Perfume riverNoodle cartThe Japanese bridgeChinese lanternsThe lantern festival is held once a month when no electricity is allowed in Hoi AnA coracle This small basket shaped boat is quite popular with the locals in VietnamThe power of the Lonely PlanetSign says:

My Son

2000-08-31T16:30:00.000-07:00

31-Aug-2000My Son was the religious capitol of the Champa Empire - before the Cham turned Muslim and ceded My Son to the VietnameseAt The end of the 4th century, King Bnadonayarman built the first wooden temple in My Son for the worship of Shiva. The only way to get to this ruin was by river, so we took a boat.A sign here gave the history of the place (bad english theirs):At the end of the 4th

Travels With SG:Ho Chi Minh-Saigon, Vietnam!!!

2000-08-29T15:39:00.000-07:00

Hello all!We had a lovely 55 minute flight from Phnom Penh, Cambodia to Bangkok, and another 1 1/2 hour flight to Ho Chi Minh!!! So far the city, is a city, but with far less hassles than the touts in Indonesia!Tomorrow we are going on a tour of Cao Dai Temple (of the Caodaism followers-a type of Buddhism???) and them on the the Cu Chi Tunnels to see a documentary film and get to check out the

Cham Towers

2000-08-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

26-Aug-2000The Kingdom of Champa was a Hindu Kingdom contemporary with Angkor, located in central Vietnam. These ruins are on the roadside of the only north-south highway.A gravestone like sign here read (in poor English):The historical prestige of the artistic architectural and sculptural work of the Poklongarai towersThe Poklongarai towers were built at about the end of the 13th and the

Dalat and the Chicken Village

2000-08-25T15:26:00.000-07:00

25-Aug-2000Dalat is a town in the southern highlands of VietnamW took a tour there around some of the Montagnard communities - one (The Lat) fought with the ARVN and US, NZ, Oz, Korean, Thai and Pakistani's against the the NVA, Chinese, Vietcong, Pathet Lao, Khmer Rouge and Russians, whilst the other (The Chicken Village) fought for the other (winning) side. Note the irony as you look at the

Xin Chao from Ho Chih Mihn City (Saigon)!!!

2000-08-23T05:39:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately only limited pictures are yet available for this section as the government of Vietnam has blocked access to our website from within their country!!! Hi Everyone! When we last left you SGK and I were about to depart Penang Malaysia with a 2 day old hangover for Thailand and a change of diet (FINALLY AN END TO 4 MONTHS OF NASI GORENG!!!!) Well, leaving Malaysia via train is not quite

The Mekong

2000-08-22T15:45:00.000-07:00

21-Aug-2000 thru 22-Aug-2000The Mekong river is the longest in SE Asia, and it's delta is a vital part of Vietnam's economyPineapple budThe delicious dragon fruitInside a dragon fruitImmature dragon fruitMekong RiverCommerce on the riverCatholic churchVietnam is the most christian country in Asia after the PhilippinesMaking rice cakesDuck with weird eyesSGK on a one log bridgeTerra-cotta

Saigon

2000-08-22T15:00:00.000-07:00

SaigonSaigon, now known as Hồ Chí Minh City, is the vibrant financial capitol of the newly capitalistic state of Vietnam19-Aug-2000 Thru 22-Aug-2000View Larger MapCyclo driversGarbage manMaking rice paperRice paper dryingCrocsSunbearsDestined for the gall bladder market in ChinaSGK and a new friendThis guy met us on a rainy day in a park. He just walked up to us and asked if we would join him

The Sisters of Providence Orphanage

2000-08-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

The Sisters of Providence Orphanage The Sisters of Providence Orphanage in Cần Thơ is where both SGK's brother Kevin and her childhood friend John lived before they were adopted out of Vietnam and into Montpelier Vermont20-Aug-2000 thru 22-Aug-2000View Larger MapSaigon orphanageThis building used to be the orphanage in Saigon (Hồ Chí Minh City), where the children were moved to just prior to

Children of the Mekong Delta

2000-08-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

Vietnamese children21-Aug-00View Larger MapPhotos of children taken in various towns in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam

The Cuchi Tunnels

2000-08-19T14:29:00.000-07:00

19-Aug-2000In and near the village of Cu Chi in Southern Vietnam is the largest complex of Vietminh/Vietcong tunnels in Vietnam. Initially dug to help the Vietminh rid Cocinchina of the French, they were home to thousands of guerrillas during the French-Indochina war, WWII, and the Vietnam war. Tunnel entranceMy leg wouldn't fit!Yet entire companies of Viet Cong would fit through here.Tank

The Co Dai Temple

2000-08-19T14:17:00.000-07:00

19-Aug-2000Codaism is a religion unique to Vietnam - sort of a "Greatest Hits" selection blended from Budhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Judiasm with some Confucianism, Taoism, Shintoism and Ancestor worship thrown in for good measure.At one time this church had a good deal of power in what was then Cochina - they even had their own army.Sign outside the templeSign reads:NoteWe would

Vietnam

2000-08-18T16:28:00.000-07:00

Vietnam18-Aug-00 thru 06-Sep-2000Show Larger VietnamOur primary objective in Vietnam was to see if we could find the orphanage where SaraGrace's brother Kevin and our friend John McArdle were adopted out of. We also wanted to visit the scenic Ha Long bay at the opposite end of the country, and figured that the American war would pop up left and right so we would see

Phnom Phen

2000-08-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

Royal Compound in Phnom PhenPhnom Phen is the capitol of Cambodia - during the Pol Pot Insanity it was abandoned - the entire population (some million people) enslaved to work in the rice fields. It rates as one of the worlds classical third world shit-holes. The only good thing about it was that we stayed at a friend of Dr. Wak's - Wolfgang. He is the MD for a major European company and

S21

2000-08-16T14:44:00.000-07:00

The Tuol Sleng Genocide MuseumS21 was former Phnum Pénh high school and the Khmer Rouge's version of a concentration camp. The number of survivors can be measured with single digits. To measure the number killed requires 7 digits.I didn't take many photos here as they would have been too gruesome for consumption.16-Aug-2000View Larger MapCell #023Prison block BVIPPol Pot's minister of

The Tonlé Sap river

2000-08-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

Tonlé Sap15-Aug-00View Larger MapTonlé Sap is the largest lake in Cambodia - and the source of 90% of the fish protein consumed here. It actually changes direction twice a year as the Mekong floods. We took a boat down the Tonlé Sap to Phnom PhenVietnamese villageThere is a sizable ethnic Vietnamese minority in Cambodia, and most of them live along the Tonlé Sap river where they work as

Last Day in Angkor

2000-08-14T23:58:00.000-07:00

14-Aug-2000Our last day in Angkor WatAlessio ChildNo! This is not my kid! It's simply a Khmer child wearing an Alessio T-ShirtKhmer ChildFinal Sunset

Preah Khan

2000-08-14T16:48:00.000-07:00

Preah KhanPreah Khan is yet another temple complex at Angkor. It is maintained by: "The World Monuments Fund Preah Khan Conservation Project In Collaboration With ASADA"14-Aug-2000Lion(Near Bantay Srei)Selling melonsPreah KhanA galahAnother galahSGK receiving sacrament from sacred lingam2 different stone types used in Khmer construction"Moonstone" doorstep Apparently called that because of the

Prasat Neak Pean

2000-08-14T16:25:00.000-07:00

Prasat Neak Pean Prasat Neak Pean is a sacred bathing complex at Angkor. It is maintained by "The World Monuments Fund Team For Preserving Angkor"14-Aug-2000View Larger MapDonation left at elephant templePool of soothsayersWash your ass here - religiously (Serious!)Big earthworm

Bantay Srei

2000-08-14T15:08:00.001-07:00

14-Aug-2000Bantay Srei or The Temple of Woman is about 40km from the main Angkor complex and predates it by about 400 years. What makes it so special is the quality and style of the carvings - Balinese influenced (or perhaps it's Bali that's Khmer influenced...) for sure.Vishnu atop 3 headed ElephantBantay SreiVishnu on an oxShivaTree growing out of a templeCarvingsInner Bantay SreiSculptureA

3rd day at Angkor Wat

2000-08-13T14:43:00.000-07:00

13-Aug-2000South entrance to Angkor WatVishnuUsBuddhist Monks awaiting sunset in Angkor Wat's inner courtyardTop of Angkor Wat's libraryMoonrise over the library

Angkor Thom

2000-08-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

13-Aug-2000Angkor Thom is a large complex of temples that used to be the capitol of the Khmer EmpireIn 'N Out Burger Khmer???The "Killing Fields" Monument in Siem ReapA sign hear said:"The stones in this Stupa were collected from the field [the one with the In 'N Out Burger sign]. They were from city people evacuated to the countryside by the Khmer Rouge during the Pol Pot Regime, and then

The Bayon

2000-08-12T15:28:00.000-07:00

12-Aug-2000The Bayon was the most heavily used temple in the whole Angkor complexThe BayonDancer carvingsMonkThis guy would not take a tip for the photographInside the BayonMore dancersBodhistavaBas reliefsMore bas reliefs

Terraces of The Elephants and The Leper King

2000-08-12T14:09:00.000-07:00

Terraces of The Elephants and The Leper King The "Terraces of The Elephants and The Leper King" are two more structures adjacent to the Bayon12-Aug-2000View Larger Map3 headed elephantGarudaStructure atop the Elephant TerraceNaga in the Leper King's hallwayGalah headCelestial palaceVictory gate warriorsThey are churning the sea of milk from the Hindu "Samudra Manthan"Vishnu's face at the Victory

2nd day at Angkor Wat

2000-08-12T13:41:00.000-07:00

12-Aug-2000We spent this day just cruising the ruins with a hired guide this time aroundUs at the entrance to Angkor WatThe Rainbow BridgeLand mines are still present in much of CambodiaSign says:(something in Khmer)Danger!Apsara_Sophia Mission"Pineapples"The towers of Angkor Wat are commonly referred to as "Pineapples" here are 3 out of the 5Shiva's headBuddhist shrine in the central

Srah Srang

2000-08-12T10:09:00.000-07:00

Srah Srang12-Aug-00Srah Srang was the location of the royal bathing pools at the Angkor Complex. We went here for sunriseView Larger MapSunriseLions headBoy who liked our videoMany children in Cambodia have never seen a video camera nor themselves on video, so this was a novelty.Back of a naga's headReflection in the pool

Angkor Wat at night

2000-08-11T23:59:00.000-07:00

11-Aug-2000On our first day in Siem Reap, we decided to head out to Angkor Wat for sunsetElephant ride to hilltopThe legendary Angkor Wat from Phnom Bakeng just before sunsetPhnom BakengThe moon at Phnom Bakeng

Siem Reap

2000-08-11T16:29:00.000-07:00

Siem ReapSiem Reap (Siemréb) is the closest town to Cambodia's Angkor Wat - the name means "Siamese Victory" because of a major battle that the Thais won here11-Aug-2000View Larger MapSmiley's daughterSmiley's is the name of the guest house that we stayed in. Most of the rooms were in a cinderblock row with tin roofs - Weather conditions in South East Asia in August are 99% humidity; 110°f.

Cambodia

2000-08-11T16:20:00.000-07:00

Cambodia10-Aug-00View LargerCambodiaThe country of Cambodia is one that has a recent reputation for being blood-soaked. Pol-Pot and his Khmer-Rouge did a number on the country that will leave it reeling for decades to come. Most westerners younger than a certain age will only know of the horrors from movies like "The Killing Fields". The Cambodia of antiquity is a

Bangkok

2000-08-11T14:21:00.000-07:00

06-Aug-2000 Thru 11-Aug-2000Bangkok (or Bangbangduck to you Pratchett fans out there) is the largest city in ThailandInternet ฿1 a minuteOne on every Street corner and down every soi...(฿40 ± $1.00US)Broom ladySGK and "Bolton" Bill KnowltonMe and "Bolton" Bill KnowltonBill is the one who got me to join my fraternity (TKE) at Chico. I had not see Bill since college graduation in 1988DON'T FUCK

Hat Rin

2000-08-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

2-Aug-2000 Thru 05-Aug-2000Hat Rin or Haad Rin or Had Rijn (again various spellings) is a beach on the southern end of Koh Phan Ngan, and home of the world famous "Full Moon Parties" (and of SaraGrace's friends Bill and Jane Heine)Long tail boatBill and Jane HeineThe Heine's houseJane relaxing in her usual poseOn the porch

Hat Yao

2000-08-02T15:27:00.000-07:00

29-Jul-2000 Thru 02-Aug-2000Hat Yao (spelled variously Hat, Hadd, Yao, Yow) is a beach on the north west coast of Koh Phan Ngan (again various spellings)Swing on the beachSGK sleepingCharlaKeileSGK the babysitterFishing boatNorelle, Clare, Michael and IMRA, Col, SGK and MichaelCol and ICol wanted this one of him and SGKSandy's smileHat Yao sunsetUs boys on the swingFresh water lagoonThe Maori

Thailand

2000-07-26T16:42:00.000-07:00

Thailand11-Aug-00Show Larger ThailandWe made 3 "visits" to Thailand on this trip; traversing the entire length of the country by train from Padang Besar to Nong Khai. We spent most of our time split between the islands of Surat Thani and Bangkok. Hello to friends old and new:"Bolton" Bill Knowlton, "Brian" Nitiwat Tejavanija, Peggy Rubens, George & Christine Twinem,

Greetings from Penang Malaysia!

2000-07-24T22:40:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! When I last left you we were about to fly to Borneo to see the Orangutans. Well, we woke up at an ungodly hour of the morning to catch a bus to JB in Malaysia, and thence to the airport for a flight to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. We just made it - and the flight was about 1/3 the price from Johor Bahru that it would have been from Singapore.We landed in KK completely zonked - and had a

Penang

2000-07-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

PenangPenang is the sight of the oldest English settlement on the Melaka straights -and very much a Chinese city. It is also where the English General Cornwallis went after losing horribly in the American revolution23-Jul-2000 Thru 25-Jul-2000View Larger MapGuinness was the only beer availableHindu TempleMalay fishing villageGlass ButterflyIt is alive folks!Butterfly on the head of Sarah from

Kuala Lumpur

2000-07-21T15:43:00.000-07:00

Kuala Lumpur21-Jul-00View Larger MapKuala Lumpur (often referred to simply as "KL") is the largest city in Malaysia - and a bit reminiscent of the land of Oz...Fountain in front of our electronics mallRadio TowerThe Petronas towers peek out above the skylineThe tallest buildings in the worldThere is no tourism at the Petronas Towers. You cannot go in unless you have business there.KL Train

Melaka

2000-07-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

Melaka17-Jul-00Show Larger MelakaMalacca, Malacca, Negeri Melaka, MalaysiaShow on mapChinese TempleMalacca, Malacca, Negeri Melaka, MalaysiaShow on mapFigures in the TempleMalacca, Malacca,

Bandar Seri Begawan

2000-07-13T16:29:00.000-07:00

10-Jul-2000 thru 13-Jul-2000Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital and largest (only) city in Brunei. The Sultanate of Brunei is one of the richest countries in the world and is located on the North Coast of Borneo- It is also extremely MuslimWe arrived here in time for the birthday celebration of the Sultan.Waiting for the bus in Lahad Datu (still in Sabah)The bus (late as expected)Welcome to

Brunei

2000-07-10T16:38:00.000-07:00

The Sultanate of Brunei is one of the richest countries in the world and is located on the North Coast of Borneo- It is also extremely MuslimWe arrived here in time for the birthday celebration of the Sultan. The people that we met were all very excited that we had come for the Sultan's party.Brunei flag patch for our backpacksBrunei passport stampSince there is no alcohol allowed in Brunei,

The Leech Sign

2000-07-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

The Leeches of Borneo09-Jul-00There was a sign at the rally area under the main lodge. It was all about leeches. I took photos of it because the information was interesting. Here are some images and accompanying text.To know them is to love themOne of the more infamous inhabitants of the tropical jungle are in fact fascinating creatures, highly specialized and supremely adapted to life in the

The Danum Valley Coffin Hike

2000-07-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

The Danum Valley Coffin Hike08-Jul-00 thru 09-Jul-00View Larger MapThis hike is not named so because the walk up the hill is so difficult that it will put you in a coffin, rather because before the Borneo Rainforest Lodge was set up in the Danum Valley - the local tribespeople that lived near here would place their dead in caves. This hike took in some of these burial sites.Magnolia

Danum Valley Canopy Walk

2000-07-07T13:03:00.000-07:00

Danum Valley Canopy Hike07-Jul-00View Larger MapThe Danum Valley Lodge (located in deepest, darkest, Borneo) is an independently owned conservation area in Sabah - it is the singularly most spectacular place to view wildlife on Borneo - but costs an arm and a leg. It is believed that the forest here has never been logged ever. Not even in prehistoric times. It is one of the last primeval

The Kinabantang River

2000-07-07T02:17:00.000-07:00

The Kinabantang River06-Jul-00 thru 07-Jul-00View Larger MapThe Kinabantang River (sometimes spelled Kinabatang) is the second longest river in Borneo - and was home to a colony of Chinese that cane to harvest the swiftlet's nest for soup. Today it is one of the best places in Borneo for viewing wildlife - Proboscis Monkeys, Hornbills, Elephants, etcThe riverSturm's storkGreater coucalMaroon

The Gomontong Caves

2000-07-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

The Gomontong Caves05-Jul-00View Larger MapThe Gomontong (sometimes spelled Gomantong) Caves on Malaysian Borneo are home to the swiftlets that manufacture their nests from saliva - and are an integral part to the Chinese delicacy known as birds nest soupRattan ladderUsed to climb to the top of the cavesCave entranceMonitor lizardThe birds' nestsLooking back from withinSwiftletCockroaches infest

The Proboscis Monkeys

2000-07-05T11:46:00.000-07:00

The Proboscis MonkeysProboscis Monkeys are endemic to Borneo - we took a cruise up the Kinabatangan river and stayed at a jungle lodge in order to see them.05-Jul-2000View Larger MapWildlife Expeditions' Sukau River LodgeThis is where we stayedYellow ring cat snakeWild flowerWild Flower!Long tailed macaqueTributary to the KinabatanganAnother long tailed macaqueMale proboscis monkey whoopingBoner

The Orangutan's

2000-07-03T15:06:00.000-07:00

The Orangutan's03-Jul-00Show Larger The Orangutan'sLots of photos of Asia's great apeShow LargerSepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sabah, MalaysiaShow on mapFirst sightingShow LargerSepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sabah, MalaysiaShow on

The Travel Addicts

Introduction

Beijing