Stokes in Peru

Hello again family and friends, Our explorations into Southeast Asia continued last week when we eagerly alighted on spring break to northern Vietnam and the contrasting destinations of Hanoi and Halong Bay.  Hanoi provided the energetic and pulsating city while Halong Bay gave us an incredibly unique natural experience.  The sun did not make an appearance all week in either destination, but Marianella and I did not mind-in fact, the refreshing spring temperatures and light rain showers were a welcome respite from the steamy temperatures and humidity which have settled upon Dhaka and promise to last until we exit in mid-June. Hanoi   On the second day of wandering around the Old Quarter of Hanoi, where we spent almost our entire time while in the city, Marianella and I were again lost.  On our first day in Hanoi we had went on a walking tour through the Old Quarter with a lovely tour guide who volunteered for an organization called Hanoi Free Tour Guide...

  Following our time in Siem Reap and hiking through the various temples, we shifted dramatically from the sweltering jungle interior to the warm yet refreshing southern coast of Cambodia.  Another shift occurred when we transitioned from the ancient history that surrounds Siem Reap to the impact of Pol Pot and Cambodia's war with Vietnam that occurred from the mid '70s into the '80s and is evidenced throughout the towns of Kampot, Kep, and the capital city of Phnom Penh.  When originally putting together the trip, it was the plans after Siem Reap where I was hopeful that Cambodia would maintain our interest; not only did it maintain our interest, but many of our favorite moments of our vacation occurred during this leg of the trip.  Onto the details. . . Kampot   Meet my latest town for top choice when we retire.  Located next to the Kampot River which lazily flows into the Indian Ocean several miles downstream, the town lives from its riverfront and...