In this post: A trek through the enormous, we almost died of exhaustion mountains hills of Sapa, which included Black Hmong markets, the village of Cat Cat where we toured a traditional home, and the most beautiful walk through a gorge with bamboo forests. Later, exploring the town of Sapa and haggling with the locals.
In this post: Bai Tu Long Bay aboard the Dragon Legend, filled with kayaking, an amazing paddleboat tour through a floating fishing village, a BBQ on a private beach, way too much food, and so many wonderful new friends.
In this post: Underneath Zenith Yoga & Cafe II, the Temple of Literature, Long Bien Bridge, and a quick run to the market for some dinner supplies. (PS – We’re off for Bai Tu Ling Bay in the morning and will be without wifi until Wednesday evening, so no posts until then.)
In this post: Hanoi’s Old Quarter, tea at Hanoi Social Club, Hoan Kiem, the man who drew us (more on that soon), dinner at the Lantern Lounge, and a stroll through the night market.
Hey everyone! Just a quick note to let you know we’re safe and sound in Hanoi. Our travel from WI was uneventful which is always a good thing, and we’re excited to get out and explore later today. It’s currently 4:45am and we’re both wide awake, so we might head out for a quick morning stroll to Hoàn Kiếm Lake, perhaps find a cafe for an early morning pick me up, and certainly partake in the #1 thing to do here: people watch . That, or we might just stay in our comfy warm bed relaxing, which after 30 hours of travel on three different planes is ever so tempting. The jury is still out..
Also, we wanted to share both our personal and business Instagram accounts as we’ll be posting additional photos of our travels there:
http://www.instagram.com/rachelalwin
http://www.instagram.com/rachelalwinceramics
http://www.instagram.com/septastic
http://www.instagram.com/sethalwinphotoworks
We hope you follow along. Chat soon.
Last fall, my parents said to hell with winter and purchased a place in Apache Junction, AZ. While they were apprehensive about buying place on the way bottom of the States, it’s proven to be the best decision they’ve made in a long time. The weather, the new friends, the daily hikes in the mountains – they are having a blast and every text, photo, and phone call they send my way makes me happier by the minute.
Rach and I wanted to make it down to visit them this year, but with ever busy schedules, we could only squeeze in a short three day trip. Still, we made the best of it, and dad and Stoob showed us the best time. One week out, we’re trying to find ANY excuse to go back. Thanks guys for a wonderful few days and your superb hospitality.
A brief introduction hike in the desert (edit: HOT 85° desert. We boarded our plane about 5 hours earlier in sub 20°. One hour hike = one hour nap back at the house), dinner and a show at Organ Pizza.
An early morning hike at First Waters, exploring a ghost town, and a trip out Highway 88 to Tortilla Flats.
A scenic drive out to Tonto National Monument to see the Cliff Dwellers, Roosevelt Dam, a stroll through the Desert Botanical Garden, and an evening experiencing Sonoran Light, and exhibit by Bruce Munro.
SEPTASTIC!