The first thing you notice about Hanoi, the capitol of Vietnam, is how much cooler it is from Ho Chi Minh. Though it’s about 1500km (under a 1000miles) to the north the temperature dropped about 20degF (12degC). Unlike Ho Chi Minh the Hanoi sky was rather cloudy the whole time. Being the Capitol and more political I encountered many restricted areas as I wandered out of the Old Quarter to explore some of the sites.
Category Archives: Destination
Ho Chi Minh City Stop
I arrive in Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City from Singapore. With Only a few days in this city, I had researched the internet for the perfect hostel to relax and leisurely wander this city. My decision for a hostel was The Common Room Project in District 5. Now all I had to do was get there from the airport.
A Few Days in Singapore- ringing in the Chinese new year
As we approach Singapore in a Qantas flight I’m watching an eerily space-like image from the plane’s tail cam view. Remembering 10 years ago I visited Singapore briefly and I told myself I need to return someday. Back then, after a Tibet/Nepal Everest trip me and a fellow traveler had a long stopover in Singapore. We met up with my old friend and colleague who lives there to give us a tour. We had a delicious salt and pepper crab dinner and a night out. Such a fascinatingly modern and clean city I’m looking forward to exploring Singapore further.
Auckland Part 1 and 2- Ringing in the New Year
New Year's Eve 2020 I arrive in Auckland from Sydney Australia. Checking into the Verandahs Backpackers hostel, I had plenty of time to settle and get ready for a party at Fhloston Paradise just across the street from Verandahs. Fhloston Paradise was the name of the vacation-cruise planet from The Fifth Element SciFi movie.
Queenstown- New Zealand

I arrive at the Queenstown airport via Air New Zealand from Auckland just after 2pm. Exiting the plane was via the rear ramp onto the tarmac. I see this jagged mountain ridge line with just a bit of snow still remaining at the top peak. I already feel this place is going to be awesome!