tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52650345026116563852024-03-13T22:53:38.998-07:00The Travelling Coeliac EnvironmentalistA blog dedicated to my travels, travelling with Coeliac disease and environmental issues particularly climate change and global warming.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-45627637814798238572022-12-30T00:56:00.000-08:002022-12-30T00:56:08.481-08:00Old Chevrolets and a Cuban Cigar<p> <span lang="en-US">3rd
April to 6<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">th</span></span><span lang="en-US"> April 2018 - Vinales</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.35cm;"><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Two
and a half hours west from Havana we arrived at Vinales, a fabulous
little town. Staying at another Homestay we were well spoiled by Ana
and Dairon. The rooms were really cheap but meals are extra and can
be relatively expensive. To compensate the meals were HUGE and</span></span><span lang="en-AU"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">way
more than we can eat, </span></span><span lang="en-AU"><span style="font-weight: normal;">though
we had a good go</span></span><span lang="en-US"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0.35cm;"><span lang="en-US"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4L4nQeAg2gLkj0rDlN2Ols2LW34pDLFJ9sRmwu0Q3WLUOa81JkXypGoo1_NFeKdq83_Kpsv4_LDZ84etXQjjDSR2dCR9IRP_7qzSVZCdc3VUduDXy0ffozKx2ghPEwQQ8KyZ2DHo-hYSJuuzIpOUUIW1jammlOTPKrQJwCObFGrd37u0_pcVhR64HQ/s4200/Untitled.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4200" data-original-width="3300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4L4nQeAg2gLkj0rDlN2Ols2LW34pDLFJ9sRmwu0Q3WLUOa81JkXypGoo1_NFeKdq83_Kpsv4_LDZ84etXQjjDSR2dCR9IRP_7qzSVZCdc3VUduDXy0ffozKx2ghPEwQQ8KyZ2DHo-hYSJuuzIpOUUIW1jammlOTPKrQJwCObFGrd37u0_pcVhR64HQ/w502-h640/Untitled.jpg" width="502" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">Our homestay and a big breakfast on the balcony</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span lang="en-US"><span lang="en-US"></span></span><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0.35cm;"><span lang="en-US">The
centre of town was an easy walking distance and</span><span lang="en-AU">
had a huge town square area with a community centre that was full of
dancing, music and art. This was buzzing with people, not least
because it was about the only place you could get internet reception
with cards that you brought for $2. This was a great place for people
watching and random dancing when the music was right.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0.35cm;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbKVxP_m2cu9t5xRROVlKmi8cgwfPrm8OYDXmZG84HUCqCIUQUP5ZjgJCDNs48REirVd-4hUcqo1FKquopibgdale3SyKQtZDZFWIV1vUPYrHRhfLISd1MuvHp7thYoaQVIBLn_9WlPOs2uPQaaFDqomz8O5YqEObIJuf1SOgebm0IOpWIolDWoy2Pw/s4200/Untitled.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="4200" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbKVxP_m2cu9t5xRROVlKmi8cgwfPrm8OYDXmZG84HUCqCIUQUP5ZjgJCDNs48REirVd-4hUcqo1FKquopibgdale3SyKQtZDZFWIV1vUPYrHRhfLISd1MuvHp7thYoaQVIBLn_9WlPOs2uPQaaFDqomz8O5YqEObIJuf1SOgebm0IOpWIolDWoy2Pw/w640-h502/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">The cute little town of Vinales</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixr2-hCYhe66talJSq7zX0KWU4McL1-VuqTGhtYWejvYFwQnWejxqgPbFaFqGi_m_Ze8nTWYnb3EaFLvWT1YNf0DEXSMepZelJd49wC0eHZtwlq5pRqexqM9P1d72mj-ilJMjr8iiskDzSjUG5HKZaK2cN40MyfBil4MXdpvvObjQIkMpBXi_YdHXJxg/s6992/20180404_193253.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2096" data-original-width="6992" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixr2-hCYhe66talJSq7zX0KWU4McL1-VuqTGhtYWejvYFwQnWejxqgPbFaFqGi_m_Ze8nTWYnb3EaFLvWT1YNf0DEXSMepZelJd49wC0eHZtwlq5pRqexqM9P1d72mj-ilJMjr8iiskDzSjUG5HKZaK2cN40MyfBil4MXdpvvObjQIkMpBXi_YdHXJxg/w640-h192/20180404_193253.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">The
next day we arranged a taxi to see the sights. You paid a set fare
and they stayed with you all day. First stop was a huge mural on the
rock face of a hill that was painted by a local artist and featured
the area's prehistoric origins with dinosaurs, people and snakes
taking centre stage. Their was also a trail leading up to the
foliage along the top which we followed until we ran out of trail. We
did get a nice view looking back from right above the mural.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgBPbgXkGmgDt-2RDP2ZoGxW7jyxetBG8C3vOAtA4du4fLQWnkQyzfQKrlizEGYuzefDjPDnEWKFux4X7yN0aYy79yqWqrW4p0e6EkV3iBXpjDRJXuH0mt_6fLGbPIWJgMTY-gCEo1kyRmR0n6R1t8YXMVbEn0yJ7O8dqXpM18c1h7Qmz4j8gB7rVxQ/s4200/Untitled.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="4200" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgBPbgXkGmgDt-2RDP2ZoGxW7jyxetBG8C3vOAtA4du4fLQWnkQyzfQKrlizEGYuzefDjPDnEWKFux4X7yN0aYy79yqWqrW4p0e6EkV3iBXpjDRJXuH0mt_6fLGbPIWJgMTY-gCEo1kyRmR0n6R1t8YXMVbEn0yJ7O8dqXpM18c1h7Qmz4j8gB7rVxQ/w640-h502/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">Working on the mural, the mural itself, the view from the top</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggx9vFCuRf_KHDoj4rkpWS4KSq82gAtwAKkCQQsRGwHeHWS4370lr__S97k7wwNAn526l3m4vEpDggJ8GQ5T8o-YfAw3GvsP0U6LGh_bYE091BVO5OLMrBWFpZN6wjkw0Tzgu5YZJz31VZ909DdYfyMpPL7X5ChdkNSCCRdcAhcFNpTIkhSRW10HX0gw/s5488/20180404_101711.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="5488" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggx9vFCuRf_KHDoj4rkpWS4KSq82gAtwAKkCQQsRGwHeHWS4370lr__S97k7wwNAn526l3m4vEpDggJ8GQ5T8o-YfAw3GvsP0U6LGh_bYE091BVO5OLMrBWFpZN6wjkw0Tzgu5YZJz31VZ909DdYfyMpPL7X5ChdkNSCCRdcAhcFNpTIkhSRW10HX0gw/w640-h252/20180404_101711.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">Next
stop was the Santo Tomas cave, the second biggest cave in Central
America. What was unique was that unlike the fairly sanitised large
caves we normally visit with fancy lights and trails, this one was as
is. No fancy lights, no fancy steps and trails or sounds, it was just
the cave. Donning hard hats with torches we descended into the bat
filled cave. This gave it a completely different feel and it felt
more like an eerie adventure. You could see the true colours and
contours of the different interiors and rock formations and at one
stage we were asked to turn all our lights off and were plunged into
total darkness. At another time he played music on a rock formation
that was amplified in the unique acoustics of the cave. This was a
great experience.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqZ5WFn3r9_7zyq3N9kHwxSfZbdDkMFx6U_9u5FVPnwTXwoCXHOeghFaNqIU-XiBeOe7ReoaNQPGRdo16-PSjmTWzb6N-QRIIqAxWGxCk6gQc1RjvKpiG7P49eGuPGqIhU5xVB3icDOn13YlGa8wiQdFgXfkavi5rG_HQsqDgQogEVR5HLZB_u0mzyw/s3000/Untitled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqZ5WFn3r9_7zyq3N9kHwxSfZbdDkMFx6U_9u5FVPnwTXwoCXHOeghFaNqIU-XiBeOe7ReoaNQPGRdo16-PSjmTWzb6N-QRIIqAxWGxCk6gQc1RjvKpiG7P49eGuPGqIhU5xVB3icDOn13YlGa8wiQdFgXfkavi5rG_HQsqDgQogEVR5HLZB_u0mzyw/w640-h640/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4noWXWc4Fa7fhRmEL7usUIfuEi0vWwhhKSXckG7V_HBMhNlmDOockTm3jQxVWp-yJ8uRlS24DfE75iSLBJOnjthcgoXIRuyYQCQoA9-29ng0ysGYdtHY8JUAws1LkrgSPOkzT5eTYDb6YiZPcIYzqXnzu8AFqY6oi4Up239t809E3U_3d8HBYSGIBHg/s3000/Untitled2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4noWXWc4Fa7fhRmEL7usUIfuEi0vWwhhKSXckG7V_HBMhNlmDOockTm3jQxVWp-yJ8uRlS24DfE75iSLBJOnjthcgoXIRuyYQCQoA9-29ng0ysGYdtHY8JUAws1LkrgSPOkzT5eTYDb6YiZPcIYzqXnzu8AFqY6oi4Up239t809E3U_3d8HBYSGIBHg/w640-h640/Untitled2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5hagrAVAaffVQYX3Q-28PamuErWjtYtzM2NC8wGSq7xeDXdhLA0YtFtkwdNFAKOS0zGiBSphcGlferB3wv8WlVXYwZ14pRTHljY3lnNZHa0-GBAMUrI5NUgnKxXyWeqDXsNMeHmssVzwj3KDxMSZig3Di3G0LFv3rAbbXjuP1yok2_hR9KtTxqxYJw/s2560/20180404_124436.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5hagrAVAaffVQYX3Q-28PamuErWjtYtzM2NC8wGSq7xeDXdhLA0YtFtkwdNFAKOS0zGiBSphcGlferB3wv8WlVXYwZ14pRTHljY3lnNZHa0-GBAMUrI5NUgnKxXyWeqDXsNMeHmssVzwj3KDxMSZig3Di3G0LFv3rAbbXjuP1yok2_hR9KtTxqxYJw/w640-h360/20180404_124436.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">The
next day we went for a guided 3 hour walk through the countryside
with guide Miguel. It included a tour of a tobacco farm where we were
able to sample a genuine Cuban cigar. Much smoother and more
enjoyable than expected and I ended up wishing I had smoked a full
one, rather than sharing. We washed that down with a glass of
Mojitos sweetened with honey instead of the usual sugar. We
continued on the walk and soon came across a coffee plantation, a
perfect fit after the Mojitos. Instead of coffee though we were
treated to a very strong (and yummy) honey and cuban sugar cane rum.
This was turning into a very wobbly trek. Fortunately the rest of the
trek was more normal, coming across some beautiful countryside, pigs
and wooden houses.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWMVMCXa6CPboUxse_g4tpmgvkCrSG2_U9Q9rzhMHmuNA_0YQVwG2zilWeVp8A7ink9pf1_jDOhgEGg5CQmTnM799Mk2pfBlWnVHu2LvO6-2PfMRIeRspdQ2rt2LR6IsT72otG9JjDEmX0tpmtRTLCELVlJZjvzC1BoS0ZFBmmNEEVtAlPGv-uTXRGA/s5100/Untitled.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="5100" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWMVMCXa6CPboUxse_g4tpmgvkCrSG2_U9Q9rzhMHmuNA_0YQVwG2zilWeVp8A7ink9pf1_jDOhgEGg5CQmTnM799Mk2pfBlWnVHu2LvO6-2PfMRIeRspdQ2rt2LR6IsT72otG9JjDEmX0tpmtRTLCELVlJZjvzC1BoS0ZFBmmNEEVtAlPGv-uTXRGA/w640-h414/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">Tobacco leaves, enjoying a cigar, making a cigar and leaves drying</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="margin-bottom: 0.35cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMOoPsglNNUotMPtch0Pj_Te-cUWTuUI1VPuX3EhYDgSWv-Rwqbl0NoyltXDp9MNPTImJhx3kwH00IUvglQlkGKMiPbArbuDfGe9JJSMXYrF2t3yRS7kKTHj2vgHB2P6nGf1vShcMBiOsZrlXSQCcxp_v-Di3U3XAcUVDI5vdzKB3kxNVFW63wkBPfw/s5100/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="5100" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMOoPsglNNUotMPtch0Pj_Te-cUWTuUI1VPuX3EhYDgSWv-Rwqbl0NoyltXDp9MNPTImJhx3kwH00IUvglQlkGKMiPbArbuDfGe9JJSMXYrF2t3yRS7kKTHj2vgHB2P6nGf1vShcMBiOsZrlXSQCcxp_v-Di3U3XAcUVDI5vdzKB3kxNVFW63wkBPfw/w640-h414/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCZTVBP0-ww-flqQUVTawSXG8xrac25kouUNOUpHU3jqgxVnU7A9l4WUROJ7qGY1LY6K1A4FvhGHEpLyL5E5Q7tQCv0E8BSZJhFv4jbsDnr4mVMU1kLek5Wv7QMjgP9XMh4xKFUoV9VU8o2Yi_Q9Gy_D7yqSrl4X42rzCbJGQMDyWhT1M3lra-YAiEw/s5100/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="5100" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCZTVBP0-ww-flqQUVTawSXG8xrac25kouUNOUpHU3jqgxVnU7A9l4WUROJ7qGY1LY6K1A4FvhGHEpLyL5E5Q7tQCv0E8BSZJhFv4jbsDnr4mVMU1kLek5Wv7QMjgP9XMh4xKFUoV9VU8o2Yi_Q9Gy_D7yqSrl4X42rzCbJGQMDyWhT1M3lra-YAiEw/w640-h414/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p lang="en-US" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">That
night in the town square we were offered Salsa dancing lessons for
$10 and enjoyed half an hour each of private tuition from 2 talented
instructors. The next day we hopped in a 1957 Chevrolet Taxi for the
return trip back to Havana, staying overnight in our original
homestay, before leaving to return home. We really enjoyed our stay
in Cuba and the wonderful and helpful people we met despite difficult
circumstances. Would love to come back one day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZ8Wb0yZ0mNuJyHNjomf2QTPdTrPYut2h6mf5aRrNxYaWbyYEMggsvH5P7Zf8uH1c3b6MqgpOtwtqrnN3p5g8MPinS8Y0x471LNibEeYlFL84HZUgtWMjoFwPYTnRuT2ZBL03x-2-E6nTUc1EqAdSwimARFf5O78s6IZHt_05X1v41-5FrEO3Tb5zJQ/s2560/20180406_160359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZ8Wb0yZ0mNuJyHNjomf2QTPdTrPYut2h6mf5aRrNxYaWbyYEMggsvH5P7Zf8uH1c3b6MqgpOtwtqrnN3p5g8MPinS8Y0x471LNibEeYlFL84HZUgtWMjoFwPYTnRuT2ZBL03x-2-E6nTUc1EqAdSwimARFf5O78s6IZHt_05X1v41-5FrEO3Tb5zJQ/w400-h225/20180406_160359.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p lang="en-US" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;"><br /></p><br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-41203220877821651972022-12-27T03:59:00.001-08:002022-12-27T22:45:57.926-08:00Ghosts of the Revolution<p> <span lang="en-US">31 March to 2</span><span lang="en-US"> April 2018 - </span><span lang="en-US"><b>Cuba</b></span><span lang="en-US"> </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pRmc-iS48QhA9p5L93yHD7w6gObtJdEVRQfT5BnDn6uOSaKn-h0NWei1D6ijuQEySD3r_4JsQOa4bcMgDN_PsoFevY7DAbcbG53jDTQRLGeUueT6KlGi9iuZo8RWVxdFVTy_TCYZ3aQbUTXP2BiWlM8Dy7HIOACTo7Ycm5W1w8iyFHfVHMq_5F2ihw/s4880/20180401_120816.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2208" data-original-width="4880" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pRmc-iS48QhA9p5L93yHD7w6gObtJdEVRQfT5BnDn6uOSaKn-h0NWei1D6ijuQEySD3r_4JsQOa4bcMgDN_PsoFevY7DAbcbG53jDTQRLGeUueT6KlGi9iuZo8RWVxdFVTy_TCYZ3aQbUTXP2BiWlM8Dy7HIOACTo7Ycm5W1w8iyFHfVHMq_5F2ihw/w640-h290/20180401_120816.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Our
cruise finally deposited us back in Havana, Cuba. We stayed in a
little homestay with Ana and Caly, who looked after us by providing
filling breakfasts and helping us to organise a trip to Venales. They
showed tremendous patience dealing with our limited Spanish and frantic hand signals.</p><p></p>
<p lang="en-US" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">Our
time in Havana was a real eye opener. Due to decades of embargos
there were huge shortages of nearly everything. Restaurants had
limited meals available depending on what food they could get on the
day and grocery stores were mostly empty. A lot of the cars were over
50 years old and lovingly nursed and cajoled to keep going by
whatever means necessary. It was not uncommon to see these old cars
in parts on the street being worked on. They gave a lovely atmosphere
to the city, which felt like stepping into the past. People were
friendly and understanding and we felt quite safe. You get the
impression the Cubans look after each other.</p><p lang="en-US" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ03TkXrfjO8MUdJ3bJ8it3R8eFf35HUxAyFLzLfMr2tTjpNYggh0ZziEFRHKbk9pua6e-WLatFPwmer_AWR6XfuVUV-rJUz0uxR1E5bAqtC8lHuf0lHpApMcZXWsV7TDAc3zFXpuenbd6QsGIvU3FUKAWwYWNCFBWDV0b1zTcrNQo7zq0UT50R5Ih8w/s6000/Untitled.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4800" data-original-width="6000" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ03TkXrfjO8MUdJ3bJ8it3R8eFf35HUxAyFLzLfMr2tTjpNYggh0ZziEFRHKbk9pua6e-WLatFPwmer_AWR6XfuVUV-rJUz0uxR1E5bAqtC8lHuf0lHpApMcZXWsV7TDAc3zFXpuenbd6QsGIvU3FUKAWwYWNCFBWDV0b1zTcrNQo7zq0UT50R5Ih8w/w640-h512/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">Fixing old cars, street art, Hemingway's pub and street soccer.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p lang="en-US" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">The
next day we went for a walk down the main avenue marveling at the
wonderful old building architecture and random artwork and painting
occurring down the middle. That night we went to watch the iconic
show at the Buena Vista Social Club. The $30 ticket included 2 drinks
and a snack (cheese, nuts and olives). The show was extensive and
energetic including a fabulous instrumental bit and several times
where they got everyone up dancing, including a conga line and
finishing with us all dancing on the stage. We walked home safely at
midnight, a 30 minute walk.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT27K113rPtsAI2x-PKPkcZv5Qzyho2H8dAg_sVZbkeBvYbC4KCXDm4X1RRsBgBdiiXxHthOy9HeJpzpIBVtO1cejZ5LkRXKVeWxEXFxXxYCiqVOA1wDyrhSKdsulIygRG1aSfPc3qX4RRCyJumB1MDlAC6qOoif_ryhxtfCL4DYtGuyUgHWRrhqa_HA/s3000/Untitled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT27K113rPtsAI2x-PKPkcZv5Qzyho2H8dAg_sVZbkeBvYbC4KCXDm4X1RRsBgBdiiXxHthOy9HeJpzpIBVtO1cejZ5LkRXKVeWxEXFxXxYCiqVOA1wDyrhSKdsulIygRG1aSfPc3qX4RRCyJumB1MDlAC6qOoif_ryhxtfCL4DYtGuyUgHWRrhqa_HA/w640-h640/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILrdDGMYnYZHCCIE6A0Xm8kT0xTVCBnxNzKajnldmVROAc6J326gUt8G2F_Sz-pHr0LrH3s-7HyEMLio70T7WKozJAXhzN6LqOwAxANzsnRRe7doby6ShLoSZvYvkaIHkVUAOCSg0M6ADcSqfWbwhKso4Gll6LzlQJyELIs3U2w88gHDm5Bgy1JrpZA/s4200/Untitled.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="4200" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILrdDGMYnYZHCCIE6A0Xm8kT0xTVCBnxNzKajnldmVROAc6J326gUt8G2F_Sz-pHr0LrH3s-7HyEMLio70T7WKozJAXhzN6LqOwAxANzsnRRe7doby6ShLoSZvYvkaIHkVUAOCSg0M6ADcSqfWbwhKso4Gll6LzlQJyELIs3U2w88gHDm5Bgy1JrpZA/w640-h502/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">Buena Vista Social Club, Grand Theatre of Havana</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p lang="en-US" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">We
used the last day to wander through the Museum of the Revolution. It
was a fascinating insight into this period and the circumstances
surrounding it. The exhibit included the boat they used to carry 82
revolutionaries from Mexico (built to hold 20), a tractor with armour
applied (Mad Max style) and a bullet ridden delivery truck. It was
interesting to read how with their free education they have one of
the highest literacy rates in the world and the most doctors per
capita. Clearly they tried to do the best they could with what they
had.</p><p lang="en-US" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxs1ZLspi0iKDCaL-3wNxCs-rUNzb7VpLL5taImpFem0zGVzNlsEJ3abe_TVhkVmcdx5Qkdy6-uznxGtQhkmy_g-vNi3cNBFjpKATUnfL1Fn0lNMtUyroUaKu8xvNFB0T_f0e_I2bc947Kzj_weZKFgyyHsuu2xcsJSfAcph_a94BM4Ynf6Z5XG22zw/s4200/Untitled.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4200" data-original-width="3300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxs1ZLspi0iKDCaL-3wNxCs-rUNzb7VpLL5taImpFem0zGVzNlsEJ3abe_TVhkVmcdx5Qkdy6-uznxGtQhkmy_g-vNi3cNBFjpKATUnfL1Fn0lNMtUyroUaKu8xvNFB0T_f0e_I2bc947Kzj_weZKFgyyHsuu2xcsJSfAcph_a94BM4Ynf6Z5XG22zw/w502-h640/Untitled.jpg" width="502" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">Museum of the Revolution</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgva13ijcrxN9BwSmX4cVgdlX4movbxcA4XDKrfedkocls9O9f8oCQT7CHUyxPP_kPyytNMzSikIBlCeuBIJE7hn055FSDR8z86ZBjuCXg6V_dPh2pHKULFHxkuL2ZwZKtxLZqyG-MK9f0ecFsFbo7vY7Fng2lYgyPhco0gA3RTZzDiTFEtrfPxZny_1Q/s4328/IMG_5372.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_H-nDc3y_dkZoQ2ErLdkel3aYgl8tiTTdm0hkVtivPoCMHVMVY-gcvouA9_4sR6KldyFhV7xAFgNEy1KExC42jK2-_gf_bYBR8F051WTr5bGOWq92eAWsPr2aNcW6xoN5TZHr2k8VVpo5qrLBydZOoGLPyGHXCAajr9OD8oi35pmjOmXBgBe3XVb8g/s5100/Untitled.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="5100" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_H-nDc3y_dkZoQ2ErLdkel3aYgl8tiTTdm0hkVtivPoCMHVMVY-gcvouA9_4sR6KldyFhV7xAFgNEy1KExC42jK2-_gf_bYBR8F051WTr5bGOWq92eAWsPr2aNcW6xoN5TZHr2k8VVpo5qrLBydZOoGLPyGHXCAajr9OD8oi35pmjOmXBgBe3XVb8g/w640-h414/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">The Capital building</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2470" data-original-width="4328" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgva13ijcrxN9BwSmX4cVgdlX4movbxcA4XDKrfedkocls9O9f8oCQT7CHUyxPP_kPyytNMzSikIBlCeuBIJE7hn055FSDR8z86ZBjuCXg6V_dPh2pHKULFHxkuL2ZwZKtxLZqyG-MK9f0ecFsFbo7vY7Fng2lYgyPhco0gA3RTZzDiTFEtrfPxZny_1Q/w640-h366/IMG_5372.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">Lots of street activity</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6r5mT7IsDf0eYnnEendxnhNEahfsQ71LZC_LkRhoDUg9GlORQlhPqAgrnWfgmVBwCk_V-3633dn1wjsDbrJf32De4L9q4zlpwCtrxf0-F_i0-HSI2OUilA-fp-jXaWET7geK95bIYhnoe_9J6chsaM0KQjQVLIZupmg8JZ-iSxfBj_osOlv5Kh5Z8Ew/s5117/IMG_5410.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2530" data-original-width="5117" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6r5mT7IsDf0eYnnEendxnhNEahfsQ71LZC_LkRhoDUg9GlORQlhPqAgrnWfgmVBwCk_V-3633dn1wjsDbrJf32De4L9q4zlpwCtrxf0-F_i0-HSI2OUilA-fp-jXaWET7geK95bIYhnoe_9J6chsaM0KQjQVLIZupmg8JZ-iSxfBj_osOlv5Kh5Z8Ew/w400-h198/IMG_5410.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">Lots of old cars</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p lang="en-US" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-31469587999638729142022-08-07T03:49:00.004-07:002022-12-27T04:00:43.626-08:00Beneath the waves and a shot of rum<p> 20th to 30th March 2018 – The Caribbean – Excursions</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZNZiNKUR-dUishOZM8KbDuYapJBqaqPfAd-SsWmBCkBSFCqdCZhgc8ulL0Bognpqy_3MKeXaHT_5ItANxjnT_qDpeLBi6Q5rqkmUWMQ_JW-Ff70hWw6f_fen-HOjbn-zQs_NcKwSvb5KGcvK_q9VmwTCvHt3caXtwZEZ_yc4QrDTMEK2hqJzGVRrMg/s5184/IMG_5339.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2606" data-original-width="5184" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZNZiNKUR-dUishOZM8KbDuYapJBqaqPfAd-SsWmBCkBSFCqdCZhgc8ulL0Bognpqy_3MKeXaHT_5ItANxjnT_qDpeLBi6Q5rqkmUWMQ_JW-Ff70hWw6f_fen-HOjbn-zQs_NcKwSvb5KGcvK_q9VmwTCvHt3caXtwZEZ_yc4QrDTMEK2hqJzGVRrMg/w640-h322/IMG_5339.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">At port in Honduras</span></td></tr></tbody></table><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><h1 style="text-align: center;">Jamaica</h1></blockquote><p>Our first port of call was Montego Bay in Jamaica. We decided on a leisurely half day guided tour. This included a visit to Sam Sharpe Square, a local hero who fought against slavery and 'The Cage', a simple brick building that was used to lock up runaway slaves, vagrants and drunks. Then it was off to John Hall's Plantation for a nature walk and where we had a lovely Jamaican lunch and topped off with samples of rum while a resident band played Jamaican music in the background. The day finished with a visit to a local beach before going back to the boat.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGI0VoNkLhBW0UOTNtqAggV70FD6HOp1oHqYdhoSl9tEfOWnmzZxOUjNsZhmkEM5khi-3lKIf0r6CIEUogdMCDf-HG8pXZDRoThvdkRm1dy_qPIFnuXjt3BtgcwusnEpS0ZzceLo3A6HUiBGHm9Kr58S9BhIHkUYjhbcZuhSrZVBbLKSy1xBAUCsPHXg/s5100/collage%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="5100" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGI0VoNkLhBW0UOTNtqAggV70FD6HOp1oHqYdhoSl9tEfOWnmzZxOUjNsZhmkEM5khi-3lKIf0r6CIEUogdMCDf-HG8pXZDRoThvdkRm1dy_qPIFnuXjt3BtgcwusnEpS0ZzceLo3A6HUiBGHm9Kr58S9BhIHkUYjhbcZuhSrZVBbLKSy1xBAUCsPHXg/w640-h414/collage%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">On our nature walk</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5oJVAqxxK_RHGvmzjrmJMC4bBcvcDrotZ2BC4eOCEdcCic6c_r5J8iozgqvije7jTNfKJTcsf94-m8afwSD0JxptHB3AzDjlTX_8uADYH8V7FR8X06nNk44s-nGbdRi0_0UDnSSTNIVnXByM99Eu6eznSiXQwPr5zx0ppJKuYEylfCtiWxkt-rpwFw/s5100/collage%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="5100" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5oJVAqxxK_RHGvmzjrmJMC4bBcvcDrotZ2BC4eOCEdcCic6c_r5J8iozgqvije7jTNfKJTcsf94-m8afwSD0JxptHB3AzDjlTX_8uADYH8V7FR8X06nNk44s-nGbdRi0_0UDnSSTNIVnXByM99Eu6eznSiXQwPr5zx0ppJKuYEylfCtiWxkt-rpwFw/w640-h414/collage%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">From top and left to right. The Cage, Sam Sharpe Square, and on our nature walk</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5oJVAqxxK_RHGvmzjrmJMC4bBcvcDrotZ2BC4eOCEdcCic6c_r5J8iozgqvije7jTNfKJTcsf94-m8afwSD0JxptHB3AzDjlTX_8uADYH8V7FR8X06nNk44s-nGbdRi0_0UDnSSTNIVnXByM99Eu6eznSiXQwPr5zx0ppJKuYEylfCtiWxkt-rpwFw/s5100/collage%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0DMNSdo9p7YjO7QKIOjmAlRdlzjTWjGtXS6Ici0Se0pyUYbnZ1OK-p0MPgHwpZlVbo2kLecJidEFZyy5xwrUUFd_t5flguZDzMf48vEwHYSp0JQQyZ_0pmzD8tCI2WYrNSPGd2Hnuapvoc-rmlhW3k3cSXYLQ7kb4kQdpGGKFpySRsplNPFTSdRHGg/s5184/IMG_5263.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0DMNSdo9p7YjO7QKIOjmAlRdlzjTWjGtXS6Ici0Se0pyUYbnZ1OK-p0MPgHwpZlVbo2kLecJidEFZyy5xwrUUFd_t5flguZDzMf48vEwHYSp0JQQyZ_0pmzD8tCI2WYrNSPGd2Hnuapvoc-rmlhW3k3cSXYLQ7kb4kQdpGGKFpySRsplNPFTSdRHGg/w320-h240/IMG_5263.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">The Submarine</span></td></tr></tbody></table><h1 style="text-align: center;">Cayman Islands</h1><p></p><p>Our second port was Georgetown in the Cayman Islands. 55% of its economy is from the financial services industry and it has A LOT of banks. This is one of those places where the rich and famous put their money. With a lot of excursions on offer the one that piqued our interest was a trip in a submarine. Well considering that we had never been in a submarine before it was an easy choice. Ahoy, up periscope! This was an awesome trip in a small submarine that went to a depth of around 30m and explored nearby coral reefs and we saw many fish, including stingrays in their natural environment.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhwb1TN-cReF8gXqWTINKdeyG9vB3xtSi_a9_LcIndWyC90gwGI5_2RZeYzoGVtWQs2GICpS6W6Znk4YHYaBZNmMDz7BVrK__7MyIZAMw3QlC_tNFdyXN3tHc8Cp5L_Ou5__q_iYHevsi0tJJQ7q7jK4zm11KGTy-EqWo2R3h_S0xueLbQAgagToZhg/s5100/collage%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="5100" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhwb1TN-cReF8gXqWTINKdeyG9vB3xtSi_a9_LcIndWyC90gwGI5_2RZeYzoGVtWQs2GICpS6W6Znk4YHYaBZNmMDz7BVrK__7MyIZAMw3QlC_tNFdyXN3tHc8Cp5L_Ou5__q_iYHevsi0tJJQ7q7jK4zm11KGTy-EqWo2R3h_S0xueLbQAgagToZhg/w640-h414/collage%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">Beneath the waves</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKa-XfxbpXycuWE8YcB3onvC2BtR4fsPaM9K2Vf74-gIrHzD31f_LxL_ZZHEh6xFzQeKSUJ_UJ9GfoUPbFFEbsOaHLtsn_Be8L8xpNil9fw2zS8OOj4B_9Fv5JITnahnZjuRfwitUQuvfZ2CMkAxrY8iIThcgmXsmpEwI_Nwp4K-NglTmCDmRLFXPl5Q/s5100/collage%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="5100" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKa-XfxbpXycuWE8YcB3onvC2BtR4fsPaM9K2Vf74-gIrHzD31f_LxL_ZZHEh6xFzQeKSUJ_UJ9GfoUPbFFEbsOaHLtsn_Be8L8xpNil9fw2zS8OOj4B_9Fv5JITnahnZjuRfwitUQuvfZ2CMkAxrY8iIThcgmXsmpEwI_Nwp4K-NglTmCDmRLFXPl5Q/w640-h414/collage%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">Around town</span></td></tr></tbody></table><h1 style="text-align: center;">Honduras</h1><p>Our third port was Isla de Roatan in Honduras, a tiny island of 65,000 just off the coast of Honduras. Our excursion was a nature hike. It took us through some wonderful scenery, across a rickety suspension bridge and exposed us to many agoutis and Capuchin monkeys and through an amazing butterfly enclosure. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPPnd_k_pyoxVUWGPmifq9afRwqXNCs_iKyRTuH_iQdXM8ED-0C5RZwRU_g6ogvc0cQ_gZng_Uzekv255ur-y886pyKgO8Z2LrxYL3WllBnsdrCPZAT2TXKxhspVuoeRW4y0BdVawuP1mjyoK1l8eV2-z5exQSZiRHGEKzWvQEqICBEufTNHXY9mVrw/s3000/collage%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPPnd_k_pyoxVUWGPmifq9afRwqXNCs_iKyRTuH_iQdXM8ED-0C5RZwRU_g6ogvc0cQ_gZng_Uzekv255ur-y886pyKgO8Z2LrxYL3WllBnsdrCPZAT2TXKxhspVuoeRW4y0BdVawuP1mjyoK1l8eV2-z5exQSZiRHGEKzWvQEqICBEufTNHXY9mVrw/w640-h640/collage%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2y2zPozLAdVG0Yq8cT3jpfnKocUswn3PubhWvfF_VeyJtjhGlAo9DNOEdVTYvnjaZz17Cub1976a52OLdbE-Jz0_b1RlgxrnmepzcmMNZM_HpuFuOVkvy-x09hNKK2guvrVB47XJCp-OV3K3kZ5adpqMG-b9PudOpXYtJGDzwB4LezvJvk7Op2yxhEg/s4200/collage%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4200" data-original-width="3300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2y2zPozLAdVG0Yq8cT3jpfnKocUswn3PubhWvfF_VeyJtjhGlAo9DNOEdVTYvnjaZz17Cub1976a52OLdbE-Jz0_b1RlgxrnmepzcmMNZM_HpuFuOVkvy-x09hNKK2guvrVB47XJCp-OV3K3kZ5adpqMG-b9PudOpXYtJGDzwB4LezvJvk7Op2yxhEg/w502-h640/collage%201.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-53760766895150479282022-07-30T04:51:00.001-07:002022-12-27T04:02:23.839-08:00On Cruise Control20th to 30th March 2018 – The Caribbean <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTHPs71qinfEwAh36C44hY2eSerRvQBAY_TiRybWTIm9_VBuBe9lKziKlKNEK5r1_YC4KvQvYWd_siJgEM673YMM_tRhO5Pd9w4kMMAD1sk4DZVOPixhXWeRS0_4QM4KXLdXy9u842IV3CERZ1_XQ6V4b686yxqcWsglgFN1Uogi_iZc5v_Jgcg5Gig/s5184/IMG_5345.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTHPs71qinfEwAh36C44hY2eSerRvQBAY_TiRybWTIm9_VBuBe9lKziKlKNEK5r1_YC4KvQvYWd_siJgEM673YMM_tRhO5Pd9w4kMMAD1sk4DZVOPixhXWeRS0_4QM4KXLdXy9u842IV3CERZ1_XQ6V4b686yxqcWsglgFN1Uogi_iZc5v_Jgcg5Gig/w200-h150/IMG_5345.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div>From Costa Rica we were heading to Cuba to hop on a cruise in the Caribbean on MSC. Things did not begin well when we missed the plane because they moved the gate and we did not hear the call. So we sat there at the wrong gate until it was clear nothing was happening. On inquiry we were told the gate was moved and we were too late to catch the plane. We were put on another flight, losing over 3 hours, our lift to the boat and a leisurely boarding. Luckily on arrival at Cuba we were able to find a coach to take us to the boat cheap, after a 2 hour wait for luggage. Aah traveling, you really need to be ready and flexible for anything to happen. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0OUSwzUvaiL6MYmSkpX_jp67LSjn6bM-H7LbX9KYRlq7ylc3DtQSOVR3KNaMKhHUjvOCx4o8vVJxR01AmTbWuWscpFHPvy50wgWAbUipg6T-DJrnwqtwg7jJ-baTGKKATVenrFOlxhQsYCHieQo2L17pH6j4ZfxJpP_cEuYi5F-9GwWuOqYO43wfFQ/s5100/collage1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="5100" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0OUSwzUvaiL6MYmSkpX_jp67LSjn6bM-H7LbX9KYRlq7ylc3DtQSOVR3KNaMKhHUjvOCx4o8vVJxR01AmTbWuWscpFHPvy50wgWAbUipg6T-DJrnwqtwg7jJ-baTGKKATVenrFOlxhQsYCHieQo2L17pH6j4ZfxJpP_cEuYi5F-9GwWuOqYO43wfFQ/w640-h414/collage1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Cruising is really the closest I imagine to being royalty. We always go for an internal, no windows cabin because they are cheap, dark and the most stable on the ship. Considering we only use the cabin for sleeping and are running around filling the day with activities, we do not see the point in paying for anything fancy. Every morning is spent going through the day's program and trying to schedule in as many activities that we enjoy as possible in the day ahead. Our favorite activities including dancing, learning a language, quizzes and the like. The day always starts at the gym before breakfast and will finish with a Broadway quality show or 2 in the evening before bed. We really get our money's worth.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCrO8cMeaZ4_BAp6zWPQYiiUo_0F9Q9-pYZqqpVLxxOhfEBKGHt2W-DAb1eQ-hY8iQ-VUQIiV0a3Uqlm_OvTjxR1oPQV1Ksp7urFfevPTfj41iGYfthAT_eQpASlo5GMt2KO6aFUNJjIDdEDXg1Ll8iGGMzW_K6vWs-wO_sONG3Dzo1SPlW_ogWEacQ/s5100/collage2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="5100" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCrO8cMeaZ4_BAp6zWPQYiiUo_0F9Q9-pYZqqpVLxxOhfEBKGHt2W-DAb1eQ-hY8iQ-VUQIiV0a3Uqlm_OvTjxR1oPQV1Ksp7urFfevPTfj41iGYfthAT_eQpASlo5GMt2KO6aFUNJjIDdEDXg1Ll8iGGMzW_K6vWs-wO_sONG3Dzo1SPlW_ogWEacQ/w640-h414/collage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">Broadway quality shows nightly</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>Food is generally continuously available during the day with a rotating buffet and morning and afternoon teas. At MSC dinner was always at the same restaurant on a set table with the same set of passengers. You had the option of doing buffet or going to one of the fancier restaurants for a fee, but why bother? Food on MSC was not of the same quality or options for a gluten free traveler as we were used to on our other cruises but we got on very well with the passengers at our table and so dinner was always pleasant and filled with interesting conversations. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyHDLBAIEZwcxl0Ue0buAF9Z4ph8Rk5NW2Zjkx2SFjLGApO0bz-DQTH-IwTqIqG9mKDFWvH7TN2PDJ2nyG9FDAwT6Mu2HN8WrPFCrMrnSBa59_6xM-boM1umz2uKL8iZAzQmthqRcwNVe3f4vo2vLdUZzdGq-qBhOdlPoJ9NOB1FbrjZNHxR0SuCpXQ/s5100/collage3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="5100" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyHDLBAIEZwcxl0Ue0buAF9Z4ph8Rk5NW2Zjkx2SFjLGApO0bz-DQTH-IwTqIqG9mKDFWvH7TN2PDJ2nyG9FDAwT6Mu2HN8WrPFCrMrnSBa59_6xM-boM1umz2uKL8iZAzQmthqRcwNVe3f4vo2vLdUZzdGq-qBhOdlPoJ9NOB1FbrjZNHxR0SuCpXQ/w640-h414/collage3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRNHjocZifLkUN0NIbBCImvkrgNwR4ezKa2Xrlndp4A4DwKGMCYOvYxHtw88SRIViG78PPPvdhClMMSStN6DbuO8bor6m3nQxHQJPHf6sNMQss0jWmMU1C2KP_oNYDCTBuR9Tusf159UzCx2W5YclUTUsNwTnbwiLEgJfTFy6fIf4C4KNBTVi4Zj9tA/s2560/20180326_225924.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRNHjocZifLkUN0NIbBCImvkrgNwR4ezKa2Xrlndp4A4DwKGMCYOvYxHtw88SRIViG78PPPvdhClMMSStN6DbuO8bor6m3nQxHQJPHf6sNMQss0jWmMU1C2KP_oNYDCTBuR9Tusf159UzCx2W5YclUTUsNwTnbwiLEgJfTFy6fIf4C4KNBTVi4Zj9tA/w200-h113/20180326_225924.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">Our dance troupe</span></td></tr></tbody></table>We enjoyed the many dancing opportunities with the cruise instructors Katiuska and Ariel. They included specific dance lessons to more line dancing activities. We turned up late to a dance lesson on our second day and were unaware it was practice for a coming show focusing on the talents of passengers and crew, a talent show so to speak. When we realised what was happening we (meaning Michael) were mortified and tried to back out but were convinced to stay. We learnt this dance over the course of the cruise and against Michael's better judgment, became part of the entertainment. It was Michael's first, last and only ever time in a stage show.</div><div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='400' height='322' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy34Y0ii9ApmjIksTWC2JUkLWUhF9Z4xK4pv1zZJn4o8rPm01qoUuZTSIY0ljb0gQJM0Mo3KwfmnCBef539_g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">Dancing for our supper</span></div>
Besides the many days of cruise only travel we also stopped at many countries around the Caribbean where we had the opportunity of leaving the ship and having day trips at these other locations. I will elaborate on our excursions on the next post but here I would like to focus on one day when we went into port in Mexico and decided NOT to leave the ship. Most people leave so the advantage of staying is that you get the run of the ship and are able to do many activities that are normally too busy. At the nightly dinner we would normally pass around photos and share stories of our day, so we decided to document our day on the ship. Enjoy the movie below of our day.</div><div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='400' height='322' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwCloZrYQ_w8lSMrfT26YiuELdmeTfu1VR7eE05CdooOLCSYXzXIYxdHscWVae1cwoMSSvH_7fwB4Ru1MpJvg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
The last full day on the boat was filled with dancing, eating and watching shows. Aaahh, nothing quite like cruising to relax and forget the wider world, where shall we sail to next...does it matter?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40pxdNJFhs_xNKk8hg7brT2ERWN-Jre6jt10pVJU0hSkjtPKcomsuAk1OyG0whKXirLk_Ogpz9zyTL0oK2f237rF-qK3XXV7ZKbydFy7A5frvFJiTO_CceZemivAtqZlHci0Af9zltZ7i5Q0zQ0GQ39um60ip_BRu5gvp8Z36AsPG_SXOobn34LD84Q/s5100/collage4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="5100" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40pxdNJFhs_xNKk8hg7brT2ERWN-Jre6jt10pVJU0hSkjtPKcomsuAk1OyG0whKXirLk_Ogpz9zyTL0oK2f237rF-qK3XXV7ZKbydFy7A5frvFJiTO_CceZemivAtqZlHci0Af9zltZ7i5Q0zQ0GQ39um60ip_BRu5gvp8Z36AsPG_SXOobn34LD84Q/w640-h414/collage4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-64055680272709389872022-05-29T02:14:00.001-07:002022-05-29T02:14:34.534-07:00Saying goodbye to our new favorite<p><b>14th to 19th March 2018 - Costa Rica</b></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdIsElRyKFmTXzGm4V28erym0kTZVI_xvmdw9ovyPQQn4uzWJ0_CgCIcy-QIvoNxka_J4CeD2TSZcWDS0IAaWvtEQHMwfAYGarWg4zwmkEPjwDPWoP38M6-Y3yZUrJaVmLAeT6zGrfSTObse4YkvIsOWTOmQYRgmY87kTvAR5DGXIHOK7n1jn4cf88w/s5184/IMG_5147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdIsElRyKFmTXzGm4V28erym0kTZVI_xvmdw9ovyPQQn4uzWJ0_CgCIcy-QIvoNxka_J4CeD2TSZcWDS0IAaWvtEQHMwfAYGarWg4zwmkEPjwDPWoP38M6-Y3yZUrJaVmLAeT6zGrfSTObse4YkvIsOWTOmQYRgmY87kTvAR5DGXIHOK7n1jn4cf88w/w200-h150/IMG_5147.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">Cahuita National Park</span></td></tr></tbody></table>After our sojourn in Panama we returned to Puerto Viejo in Costa
Rica. Having been to the coffee plantation and the animal rescue
centre it was time to hike some of the nature the area provided. Our
first trip was by public bus out to the Cahuita National Park. You
pay by donation to get access to an 8km long trek along the beach on
one side and dense forest on the other. The wildlife was plentiful
and we came across several sleeping sloths, a bunch of white faced
Capuchin monkeys, and a sleepy Coatimundi resting on a branch with
legs hanging on either side and looking up occasionally. Later on
while eating lunch we came across a very cheeky Coatimundi that would
not give up trying to sneak up and beg for our food. Obviously fed by
too many tourists. We had brought a gluten free carrot cake and
Elizabeth had to move away from him to finish her half.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZOOX_TEY973gjkCzYj_GZnNWev4ZBveGXHU8KYJA1YKvPned-mn-5ZebNXqYQmxrXw6M-qZVQVDyCjWeOeOBfX60R-ZwNQ41CiY8Ngq7kvVNs28EI0r1r-2KN226pYyw7_mdXJ0HkHXX0obQe0VpwGhO4mDtg_yZ_mS2ewDcaIeDb4128BQda5X0LQ/s5100/collage%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="5100" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZOOX_TEY973gjkCzYj_GZnNWev4ZBveGXHU8KYJA1YKvPned-mn-5ZebNXqYQmxrXw6M-qZVQVDyCjWeOeOBfX60R-ZwNQ41CiY8Ngq7kvVNs28EI0r1r-2KN226pYyw7_mdXJ0HkHXX0obQe0VpwGhO4mDtg_yZ_mS2ewDcaIeDb4128BQda5X0LQ/w640-h414/collage%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">A lovely hike</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZL1Go3YTu7OWYWMGILuGnJ9TkWCJaFWdU9Lx8cGK-ajQMA9wjHjgv3noDJLOVsMIao8fzQQq417qNj1DsjR7cQqeJgJQbrgDgOfKdzEBxo9KxX622ylSy6XLbUqkhiwCb6y7acpUGRNo7YN0ueo0gTYJsDgdv6WX2GIe86ZcMkgP_vxpsp9DJ4sArg/s5100/collage%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="5100" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZL1Go3YTu7OWYWMGILuGnJ9TkWCJaFWdU9Lx8cGK-ajQMA9wjHjgv3noDJLOVsMIao8fzQQq417qNj1DsjR7cQqeJgJQbrgDgOfKdzEBxo9KxX622ylSy6XLbUqkhiwCb6y7acpUGRNo7YN0ueo0gTYJsDgdv6WX2GIe86ZcMkgP_vxpsp9DJ4sArg/w640-h414/collage%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">Full of amazing creatures</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="western" lang="en-US" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadGbD36aZgjOd8-OMArTQ9HO67AwiXBDl8vf8TcjYiQlEWCLcZnxIYld0zzc_iKKySuUI7GKBaiPd_QqiSLxTx8-6H7CQ4zjj_WIFYgN5xC2sOFr5g5-o-wSDtHr4qTwAoMgYxvDoTSSPX2jPFhEXT2I_eqq02mDst0PPXA1Vu7ajBXx4lnCLMX5W0g/s5100/collage%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="5100" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadGbD36aZgjOd8-OMArTQ9HO67AwiXBDl8vf8TcjYiQlEWCLcZnxIYld0zzc_iKKySuUI7GKBaiPd_QqiSLxTx8-6H7CQ4zjj_WIFYgN5xC2sOFr5g5-o-wSDtHr4qTwAoMgYxvDoTSSPX2jPFhEXT2I_eqq02mDst0PPXA1Vu7ajBXx4lnCLMX5W0g/w640-h414/collage%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">A cheeki Coatimundi</span> </td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="western" lang="en-US" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">The next day was supposed to be spent at the Bribri waterfalls, but
the bus driver forgot to let us off at the correct stop and ended up
at the town of Bribri. We tried to walk back to find the waterfalls
but were unsuccessful. It was hot and eventually we gave up and
caught a bus back. We never found them.</p>
<p class="western" lang="en-US" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The next day we walked from our hotel back into town to catch the bus
back to San Jose for a few days before catching a plane to Cuba. On
the walk we saw an uncharacteristically active sloth, presumably down
from the tree on its once a week toilet trip. His efforts attracted
quite a crowd as seeing a moving Sloth is very rare.
</p><p class="western" lang="en-US" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYprsx70BlsWFcqjt1R-Z9xlJp2QAP0SJn5MrGcduwIXYomrjXwhjSL_9hRKzOPCaQUO3miTJfXM6GclxVCtSGTdSJpf7uXg1RYRvszCTe_MGt-HmYlHM3_sns7vAEQRIOAZXw5FR2x7vnQanNMT8Yue9-UWZM86QOo0QYk3__OYcl3xEvJudd_GviA/s4200/collage%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="4200" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYprsx70BlsWFcqjt1R-Z9xlJp2QAP0SJn5MrGcduwIXYomrjXwhjSL_9hRKzOPCaQUO3miTJfXM6GclxVCtSGTdSJpf7uXg1RYRvszCTe_MGt-HmYlHM3_sns7vAEQRIOAZXw5FR2x7vnQanNMT8Yue9-UWZM86QOo0QYk3__OYcl3xEvJudd_GviA/w640-h502/collage%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">Some more photos from Cahuita National Park and back in Puerto Viejo</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="western" lang="en-US" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">We had a free day in San Jose and started it with a 3 hour walking
tour, getting to know the town a little deeper. We then spent the
rest of the day exploring on our own, soaking in the culture,
enjoying the architecture and finished the day in the early evening
at the Festival of Arts & Music in Parque Nacional. Such lucky
timing and a lovely day filled with sights, smells, sounds and music
to finish our time in the fabulous Costa Rica.</p><p class="western" lang="en-US" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">Pictures around town in San Jose</span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-c5XL_r44lkFW6h8n7O8lNxHB10uxEkvwG7YYnBd7yRCEj2R1mZX511pqPP57CfYBFt5vxbRqhzIKY5FvCmuITXauVkeqSk86CLtKQSJIzpWK2CsZZWn_i1Y0LSAc1t_RCAE81dEJ2NpwHQYWMSpu4tXrauSPQ6ACQKYxjeQayG_WLTT66rLymKxZ4g/s5408/20180318_151801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2192" data-original-width="5408" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-c5XL_r44lkFW6h8n7O8lNxHB10uxEkvwG7YYnBd7yRCEj2R1mZX511pqPP57CfYBFt5vxbRqhzIKY5FvCmuITXauVkeqSk86CLtKQSJIzpWK2CsZZWn_i1Y0LSAc1t_RCAE81dEJ2NpwHQYWMSpu4tXrauSPQ6ACQKYxjeQayG_WLTT66rLymKxZ4g/w640-h260/20180318_151801.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnenooslZoKrzyuw2SWuRvHzGZso_e_POOKC0s75gnhUGDqrQcxGuVAQ_VgdtU0M8GsxNVUhkMftrWr26HGcvDZmCQXl4enTG1QdnWrd2WzA-fWTCdm1-9n0QeKQ37HPC9WN579yBpamxZ81JN_VLx8onNtry2Nw6EhymbkEF9k9Gm2aGgfkYwEy5zA/s5100/collage%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="5100" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnenooslZoKrzyuw2SWuRvHzGZso_e_POOKC0s75gnhUGDqrQcxGuVAQ_VgdtU0M8GsxNVUhkMftrWr26HGcvDZmCQXl4enTG1QdnWrd2WzA-fWTCdm1-9n0QeKQ37HPC9WN579yBpamxZ81JN_VLx8onNtry2Nw6EhymbkEF9k9Gm2aGgfkYwEy5zA/w640-h414/collage%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="color: #fcff01;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKPBLvtQX7sXI1pg0i4yA33e22hK28MNRXnxQmvBOyW9wztFciZVOPmFvkO3DeD1yVeNgeoGB6Ajac8N6ypNI-hvXstyiJljgJT9a-xph8GtwhVGbCNvxQh3HHYWEjqNeU5YyoHkWuttQGGfQ3d0mPxbTWl0yKY3phzVLk_ESr8Qnk5eRruhIFnJ3bw/s5100/collage%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="5100" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKPBLvtQX7sXI1pg0i4yA33e22hK28MNRXnxQmvBOyW9wztFciZVOPmFvkO3DeD1yVeNgeoGB6Ajac8N6ypNI-hvXstyiJljgJT9a-xph8GtwhVGbCNvxQh3HHYWEjqNeU5YyoHkWuttQGGfQ3d0mPxbTWl0yKY3phzVLk_ESr8Qnk5eRruhIFnJ3bw/w640-h414/collage%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">The Festival</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-53211442890970520762022-05-07T03:25:00.002-07:002022-05-07T03:25:32.764-07:00A Panama interlude among the Starfish<p><b>11th to 13th March 2018 - Panama</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8c3bI_-Jmlc3Ws6to4GHTHwlkgH5HTfMKi_1Jt9EnLrvzunJaOirm_H2_GSfjE1LuV7McuUi3Lo8M9bVwe41BIhfdYhfLHuj4zWqOdfBvtI4rQ6HWx7PVIqw-5kkuaEe1yP572dQkxAhi8K3t6RHbizZrXmQ3BrTSKAw1lvxE39PCr_WKhHqwAmW2xg/s7488/20180311_112033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2080" data-original-width="7488" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8c3bI_-Jmlc3Ws6to4GHTHwlkgH5HTfMKi_1Jt9EnLrvzunJaOirm_H2_GSfjE1LuV7McuUi3Lo8M9bVwe41BIhfdYhfLHuj4zWqOdfBvtI4rQ6HWx7PVIqw-5kkuaEe1yP572dQkxAhi8K3t6RHbizZrXmQ3BrTSKAw1lvxE39PCr_WKhHqwAmW2xg/w640-h178/20180311_112033.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>As we were now close to Panama we decided to repeat the idea we had
at the top of Costa Rica when we dropped into Nicaragua. Being a
short bus trip away we decided on a 3 day tour into the Bocas Del
Toro region in Panama. This area consists of a chain of islands in
the Caribbean sea. We arrived on the main island, Isla Colon in the
early afternoon, staying at the Gran Hotel Bahia. After a busy day we
just had a short wander around the town and ate at a new Italian
Restaurant next door, guided on the food choices by its very friendly
Italian American owner. He convinced us to eat much too much and we
then ran into an Australian who was traveling permanently, so we
whiled the night away with friendly banter of back home.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaon6JD3d2WRdS-f80TWY-Uquod1wJemcRbGx0fT59grbXP4lLVhrDX-wlZB3hCtXkTKK1xxPI-DPRFt9I63zAACEOHlrBiGz60WycJQOoZ1XthsMcfw3OaLvCCEGqG3wfnOZd9RH9h5CD4uk9yuixVWKv8y5OgbLe--RiEO4MGjIUt3V4XyqJcLZug/s4200/collage%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="4200" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaon6JD3d2WRdS-f80TWY-Uquod1wJemcRbGx0fT59grbXP4lLVhrDX-wlZB3hCtXkTKK1xxPI-DPRFt9I63zAACEOHlrBiGz60WycJQOoZ1XthsMcfw3OaLvCCEGqG3wfnOZd9RH9h5CD4uk9yuixVWKv8y5OgbLe--RiEO4MGjIUt3V4XyqJcLZug/w640-h502/collage%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The next morning we took a boat tour to spend a day out at the
uninhabited Zapatilla Island and its pristine beaches. This is such a
small island we were told it would only take half an hour to walk
completely around. We decided to test that and set off for a hike.
Two hours later, after fighting through dense bush that went right up
to and into the sea, we stumbled out of the trees to just barely make
it on to the boat as it was preparing to leave. The boat took us to
an area to snorkel but there was not a lot in the ocean to see,
though we did spot some dolphins, sloths in the trees dotted around
the islands and some pretty starfish. That night we found an amazing
Indian restaurant on the wharf called Om Cafe with the tables right
over the water.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDlxXuJPY-_GMWHsF0ZdCZV1R2T93V5efzKexG3Pbkfp5EXuyHKN1aGe2XZMlLtx3bEog0j1z-faoFiaPf2O6LfqLMCWLwA2PEtV-dPjqL8L2wYwncx1bkTmDeY7aJOjy6K0LrLzs7-wxuMuqquOM6UINiiaIoHFuYU3ONYSkX7b6bG7o7un80_K4XQ/s4200/collage%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="4200" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDlxXuJPY-_GMWHsF0ZdCZV1R2T93V5efzKexG3Pbkfp5EXuyHKN1aGe2XZMlLtx3bEog0j1z-faoFiaPf2O6LfqLMCWLwA2PEtV-dPjqL8L2wYwncx1bkTmDeY7aJOjy6K0LrLzs7-wxuMuqquOM6UINiiaIoHFuYU3ONYSkX7b6bG7o7un80_K4XQ/w640-h502/collage%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjbVUhj2UgKjpXzZPf8Zqo6t1lCfS4Zm_OSClgrzPylO2CQx4OE7Rb01qE2yp312yADk0ivm16xcztOC5qChaONSKPO6zpJA8_IxatARLKLU_pdwI0CXYwGASEOMXa0kinX9VCrzAnGgj2XYWGu3HgkUnjOYtBrp652mjYXPeF-jAR3MPQSKnRIzaFA/s4200/collage%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="4200" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjbVUhj2UgKjpXzZPf8Zqo6t1lCfS4Zm_OSClgrzPylO2CQx4OE7Rb01qE2yp312yADk0ivm16xcztOC5qChaONSKPO6zpJA8_IxatARLKLU_pdwI0CXYwGASEOMXa0kinX9VCrzAnGgj2XYWGu3HgkUnjOYtBrp652mjYXPeF-jAR3MPQSKnRIzaFA/w640-h502/collage%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgez4bGEoRMYO85ZLN0_xl5QAuRgcM1Snu4LCRlQ8UTQhCgqe2eZwJBD1GZz6s9V-uwwx4cRKOmt7C_t92o4LUphMkq9mDfJIoXKuODXiYY4RaNIH3uXUj1xqqgo24vYzJ0guA7c29iwxB-zdYVpWGh9wctyW9FeTzGo88YOlyaCC1Df_3SqIsZ2yvCdw/s2560/20180312_182935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgez4bGEoRMYO85ZLN0_xl5QAuRgcM1Snu4LCRlQ8UTQhCgqe2eZwJBD1GZz6s9V-uwwx4cRKOmt7C_t92o4LUphMkq9mDfJIoXKuODXiYY4RaNIH3uXUj1xqqgo24vYzJ0guA7c29iwxB-zdYVpWGh9wctyW9FeTzGo88YOlyaCC1Df_3SqIsZ2yvCdw/w400-h225/20180312_182935.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">Om Cafe</span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Our final day out on the water was spent at Playa Estrallas (Starfish
Beach). Over a 3 hour period we found many beautiful starfish, went
for a walk along the beach, discovered a mangrove forest and saw what
looked like a meeting of seagulls along a line of pylons. We made
some new friends, Miguel & Jolita from New York (originally from
Panama and Honduras) and Paola from Argentina. The next day we left
our Caribbean adventure interlude and traveled back to Costa Rica.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_yQS1HiZwgbrUtBts5-TLPf9B8RjVM7FpetNg7nthelGshuOcHakXp1I1YIt6kVghvrUkGf3JEZySQb-xoN6TYre4aMwJGZpgJOdH-Py43mTsm1GV1GPw6pVxsc0VX0585fLoBvWdPlca8uHEJ5hLN0DOeLCJOG7dEx1d3ezYTmaIK8jzLlGLo1OQA/s4200/collage%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="4200" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_yQS1HiZwgbrUtBts5-TLPf9B8RjVM7FpetNg7nthelGshuOcHakXp1I1YIt6kVghvrUkGf3JEZySQb-xoN6TYre4aMwJGZpgJOdH-Py43mTsm1GV1GPw6pVxsc0VX0585fLoBvWdPlca8uHEJ5hLN0DOeLCJOG7dEx1d3ezYTmaIK8jzLlGLo1OQA/w640-h502/collage%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA72ZvCktxEFgPKjbtT0oTy8-cnYxCg2KNOwnLpDxBbiDk0QK3rGKBlMuU9o5LPLaKiLEX2pJvoD4qmPFrTCONdiE5neLIsuKy0r7MSmVLg8cCTsKVfVJK44Qu3CGHURDE-CWTPWhMjIqkE41ndkHhw_eTCIL7WXZ_vV9f7A-CC0c_aiII4CjpCKeQ1Q/s5100/collage%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="5100" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA72ZvCktxEFgPKjbtT0oTy8-cnYxCg2KNOwnLpDxBbiDk0QK3rGKBlMuU9o5LPLaKiLEX2pJvoD4qmPFrTCONdiE5neLIsuKy0r7MSmVLg8cCTsKVfVJK44Qu3CGHURDE-CWTPWhMjIqkE41ndkHhw_eTCIL7WXZ_vV9f7A-CC0c_aiII4CjpCKeQ1Q/w640-h414/collage%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">Jolita, Paola and Elizabeth</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-52714649793538125182022-04-25T01:33:00.000-07:002022-04-25T01:33:52.534-07:00Chocolate is the Secret Ingredient<p>8th to 10th March 2018 - Puerto Viejo</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45yjyuli4DfYgj1jF7y4O13caGLieczKjKjyqjyeHo1It7l2SAe6ZDJtH-gnPepK3gAVaIPXhXQf31qdKNnHwxPvJ9-RdEjL1qCTik9z5stKQj9t8VfHREtpj3IYv3D8CPN94CToyo0l9YjvQe4u_P00THPyF4hEYKm8ArWOeTeZDHr9-rgMxQJKRZQ/s2560/20180309_142516.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45yjyuli4DfYgj1jF7y4O13caGLieczKjKjyqjyeHo1It7l2SAe6ZDJtH-gnPepK3gAVaIPXhXQf31qdKNnHwxPvJ9-RdEjL1qCTik9z5stKQj9t8VfHREtpj3IYv3D8CPN94CToyo0l9YjvQe4u_P00THPyF4hEYKm8ArWOeTeZDHr9-rgMxQJKRZQ/w640-h360/20180309_142516.jpg" title="Cacao" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">Cacao trees among the lush forest in the Caribeans Chocolate Company</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>So we started in the centre of Costa Rica and from there we went Northeast. We then crossed the country finishing in the Northwest and popping into Nicaragua. Then we headed down to the bottom Southwest corner. So it was only logical to completely cross the country to the Southeast. That consisted of a long day trip in several vehicles to the town of <b>Puerto Viejo</b>. This lovely little town has a real Caribbean vibe and a Rastafarian culture with stunning beaches, lush jungles and abundant wildlife. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80cBjBKrZBexgyQWs6tJ_UHVj9cTHmrnqBiFfc-RLNkAR-ZsdrMYx05giqJO4wbl3FfHt7ZMgfIQVbrvdpRVMgzGCiRoSopGUVUrv4DOn6wiBJJGBTvk53p9JICPZlF9hxMLGfZpVLqCg1U6ogq12WpuOFKeIIUxva1gwTwTA26ZaOdegG1bFMhQ_dw/s2560/20180309_142654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80cBjBKrZBexgyQWs6tJ_UHVj9cTHmrnqBiFfc-RLNkAR-ZsdrMYx05giqJO4wbl3FfHt7ZMgfIQVbrvdpRVMgzGCiRoSopGUVUrv4DOn6wiBJJGBTvk53p9JICPZlF9hxMLGfZpVLqCg1U6ogq12WpuOFKeIIUxva1gwTwTA26ZaOdegG1bFMhQ_dw/w320-h180/20180309_142654.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Even though the first day was raining, we decided to go and do the chocolate tour at the Caribeans Coffee and Chocolate Company. When you are on holiday and only in each place a few days you cannot let the weather slow you down. During a break in the rain we walked the 2.5km to the chocolate plantation. The Costa Rica chocolate industry had been destroyed by a fungus due to settlers wanting to grow bananas. So as to avoid that fate the cacao trees are grown in synergy with the rainforest itself amongst the other flora to give it protection and a unique flavor. <p></p><p>We learned and experienced a lot on the tour that over time became increasingly wet. We picked, cracked open and tasted the cacao directly from the fruit itself. Back at the main factory we followed the bean through the whole process of drying, roasting and tempering. We also had a chocolate tasting where we helped ourselves to flakes of chocolate and added it to a large variety of spices and herbs such as garlic, pepper, coffee, ginger, cayenne, salt and many more and finished with a chocolate and spices drink. The rain only added to the atmosphere while we enjoyed the explosions of unique flavors and combinations.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaA9erso2cDMjMRqYlpQrz3Pb8lIPOGkF_8oKwcfiZr4R9mZTTtYVNfpbkWD1lPC9-O3Ohd3_YZUnLrLJfH0rAP4N7-dVj7eHcjI772I9lI1hmm7NiDArpNVVuLxvZioNTJuhoQKmvnCsKvIsVXYa_yEMe8MAkQF9YnAowWYE2m16XtcEnMoc33vNxQ/s5100/Collage%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="5100" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaA9erso2cDMjMRqYlpQrz3Pb8lIPOGkF_8oKwcfiZr4R9mZTTtYVNfpbkWD1lPC9-O3Ohd3_YZUnLrLJfH0rAP4N7-dVj7eHcjI772I9lI1hmm7NiDArpNVVuLxvZioNTJuhoQKmvnCsKvIsVXYa_yEMe8MAkQF9YnAowWYE2m16XtcEnMoc33vNxQ/w640-h414/Collage%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">Cacao Fruit, Owner, Chocolate Tasting, Making Chocolate</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_DnZjxY0qfsUBu2CsQZib1GuQNHIAYvkzUBcT5jq3PSg-mlKBhXHxXR2f1bYHtrcXfj2Q58CpETRtmJ_p9opZ-jCZ8NaIkeGwn0uB-JJH98NpBT1rsi8Aaw0vDC13R9Xkp8Q2IP-hADDZJNZnXvTI8aqtVf9_DCqROie8ZAxmdRZnFe3D9FxMnqoNw/s5184/IMG_5056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_DnZjxY0qfsUBu2CsQZib1GuQNHIAYvkzUBcT5jq3PSg-mlKBhXHxXR2f1bYHtrcXfj2Q58CpETRtmJ_p9opZ-jCZ8NaIkeGwn0uB-JJH98NpBT1rsi8Aaw0vDC13R9Xkp8Q2IP-hADDZJNZnXvTI8aqtVf9_DCqROie8ZAxmdRZnFe3D9FxMnqoNw/s320/IMG_5056.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>The next day was slightly drier so we took the 5km walk to the Jaguar Rescue Centre. No jaguars in attendance, but it did have a ton of sloths, lots of active baby ones. We learned tons about them including that they can be noisy and fast when fighting and are pretty much grumpy hermits that can be dangerous if you do not leave them alone. That they only go to the toilet once a week, at the base of their own home tree, digestion takes ages, and that a whole ecosystem of other inhabitants live on their fur. Reminded me of a book I used to read to my son called Murgatroyds Garden, about a kid who refused to wash his hair, culminating in his hair becoming a jungle full of creatures.<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ti-bNyGtiJjcfPyMH4MubgCDMNpfSmgJl9ooy5UfGoG9UAaQoeexgi3dPAuNMIswZXdQx_dlsy9NGc88DZLs60iSgk08ZaKtDWBJGNe7iklffp42pWDbf0rg7htmWRabsrzPrLGTYWgl6NKR6DmOCGOnZH4PLr7lRzrqwf7vgI-AicLLvbcSwLRogA/s5184/IMG_5066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ti-bNyGtiJjcfPyMH4MubgCDMNpfSmgJl9ooy5UfGoG9UAaQoeexgi3dPAuNMIswZXdQx_dlsy9NGc88DZLs60iSgk08ZaKtDWBJGNe7iklffp42pWDbf0rg7htmWRabsrzPrLGTYWgl6NKR6DmOCGOnZH4PLr7lRzrqwf7vgI-AicLLvbcSwLRogA/w200-h150/IMG_5066.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fcff01;">Sloths</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>We also saw many mischievous monkeys, some interacting with a very hungry wandering deer and a sprightly small squirrel & a pig. Many other marvelous but damaged animals were seen, looked after by very dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEDlqFNdVGz55eRmpZwUhYoafIVi6wMH42DHWifJ488vO6rSth4QMacyXmfkRKY3xqa4R_ZwKzlqKmcpVh8LZ3N56GmJsCIFMSvttyIj_E8M4ceIFPq2TToG4gH0GXcELj0zUWDJxMSBDWJ2e1rQtGGzKZPUrg79gcoRrSj1XTu9iABV5T0Q72CrlmA/s3000/Collage%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEDlqFNdVGz55eRmpZwUhYoafIVi6wMH42DHWifJ488vO6rSth4QMacyXmfkRKY3xqa4R_ZwKzlqKmcpVh8LZ3N56GmJsCIFMSvttyIj_E8M4ceIFPq2TToG4gH0GXcELj0zUWDJxMSBDWJ2e1rQtGGzKZPUrg79gcoRrSj1XTu9iABV5T0Q72CrlmA/w640-h640/Collage%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwz5SoOd-C4k2WNwd4kFYvDdMGNZqFzON9iEY-ca7PmKTTPfbujLWYJHpzUwJ4Rhj1kmgSZrlTifKpxRVnnYQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xNpKzvtSpWp4iGOyNQgwTHngER-CFy_W7uhdScEuCHxrPGcCaM9w8AxwcuXH25Hd0eMRjrBN609wuxaPnQCwFUty2S3ynPvzJ1nh18hMkqC8jP0AwMD36GvEhLkl__SZOT8NPbHsVui66mC8KedwlwJuPrw0ly7V-A-Grr0ALQ6R5fu1su4TKQM-mQ/s2560/20180310_180021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2xNpKzvtSpWp4iGOyNQgwTHngER-CFy_W7uhdScEuCHxrPGcCaM9w8AxwcuXH25Hd0eMRjrBN609wuxaPnQCwFUty2S3ynPvzJ1nh18hMkqC8jP0AwMD36GvEhLkl__SZOT8NPbHsVui66mC8KedwlwJuPrw0ly7V-A-Grr0ALQ6R5fu1su4TKQM-mQ/s320/20180310_180021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Dinner, like the night before, was eaten at Madre Tierra, which stands for Mother Earth. With many unique vegetarian gluten free options it was the perfect fit for another slice of Costa Rica fabulousness.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMHGOuYE7YprREC7mcvnkEG4ZI7qaLPziMijrD3gUB5LgYl4oqIwBQNqSOgd15bs26Yah_60FIzhcHznM5wUn86Ee0I7TIFGuj9OM7WSP6VHn-Z-RNPLfvkyQ2Zl5Sb1lkXnu9gfquiT4Vv-fPjklDLSj3-qTHuYt7sfufBVUDizFXYmNv6_Ck2Obeg/s4200/collage%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="4200" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMHGOuYE7YprREC7mcvnkEG4ZI7qaLPziMijrD3gUB5LgYl4oqIwBQNqSOgd15bs26Yah_60FIzhcHznM5wUn86Ee0I7TIFGuj9OM7WSP6VHn-Z-RNPLfvkyQ2Zl5Sb1lkXnu9gfquiT4Vv-fPjklDLSj3-qTHuYt7sfufBVUDizFXYmNv6_Ck2Obeg/w640-h502/collage%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZg2y_XHoPRKM1YPx8hQbrsOmooQTUX0hcovOMGfSo4Vzl8JRKZQHchYqlFettNY6xBOrEL9pzX3ut69jxArk1VFDJ_aPb2jQCXhJQcBiLDtouN624mMMzqpCeQDmw21WPndhItbs_QsL2FfQVAoDKa8RJz_vZXz9Sh8WfzzLVTXxRMRhz0dLlKLkKSA/s5184/IMG_5075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZg2y_XHoPRKM1YPx8hQbrsOmooQTUX0hcovOMGfSo4Vzl8JRKZQHchYqlFettNY6xBOrEL9pzX3ut69jxArk1VFDJ_aPb2jQCXhJQcBiLDtouN624mMMzqpCeQDmw21WPndhItbs_QsL2FfQVAoDKa8RJz_vZXz9Sh8WfzzLVTXxRMRhz0dLlKLkKSA/w300-h400/IMG_5075.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-50820184010685335132022-04-15T03:05:00.000-07:002022-04-15T03:05:12.671-07:00Floating Over Paradise<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfMpElzj1Q8Z-wVYWax6UVCAmnV9VgPJdGM6RpKXXw918W_YOa7ABV4mmDCd_OAvO-dan3Uy2JQ10yQCtc2SCyiJLIuA7expWsSSDTQwE8qvGLciSiMZ9spPEdcTpoxRLC8b3A6G3O7C43ejkNb3g8J8n0G69X6VXtWTKkRZmoCk_FfIhSJNHdMNX0A/s2560/20180305_092334.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfMpElzj1Q8Z-wVYWax6UVCAmnV9VgPJdGM6RpKXXw918W_YOa7ABV4mmDCd_OAvO-dan3Uy2JQ10yQCtc2SCyiJLIuA7expWsSSDTQwE8qvGLciSiMZ9spPEdcTpoxRLC8b3A6G3O7C43ejkNb3g8J8n0G69X6VXtWTKkRZmoCk_FfIhSJNHdMNX0A/s320/20180305_092334.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> 4th to 7th March 2018<p></p><p>It was time to have a rest from volcanoes and head to the beach, the beach at Manuel Antonio National Park that is. Listed by Forbes as one of the most beautiful in the world and located at the lower west corner, it was the natural progression of our travels around Costa Rica. </p><p>Hotel Coco Beach was just across the road and a short walk from a long line of beaches and was at the top of a hill surrounded by palm trees. After a day of doing chores and picking up supplies from the nearby town of Quepos we went down to Espadilla Beach. Just before Manuel Antonio Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, they were offering parasailing tours. We had never parasailed before and being such an idyllic location the decision was made that if we were ever going to do it then this was a good place to do it in. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2UwtuOpAqfBDa58O7bJfiKsxN013Im7UX2PEbue7TxEZ71_DJdnZK7xYhq5iLSLvdEkVnWp-9XkHzi8n1uLdE_W4zYOm32aOQ4QJWBVgJPxVEN9gGXwZqzQgGUNHfU-hYdShqW_NVtoX9sEaUCuUvNLOQuV-yvQpC4AS8ia4bWfZY6ksvHHDr7AYqg/s2560/20180305_171855_003_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2UwtuOpAqfBDa58O7bJfiKsxN013Im7UX2PEbue7TxEZ71_DJdnZK7xYhq5iLSLvdEkVnWp-9XkHzi8n1uLdE_W4zYOm32aOQ4QJWBVgJPxVEN9gGXwZqzQgGUNHfU-hYdShqW_NVtoX9sEaUCuUvNLOQuV-yvQpC4AS8ia4bWfZY6ksvHHDr7AYqg/w113-h200/20180305_171855_003_01.jpg" width="113" /></a></div><br />Late in the afternoon with the sunset soon approaching we prepared for this new experience. As the tide was coming in we had less run area to get into the air so we needed to get moving fast. As the boat accelerated we parted with the ground but Elizabeth did not quite land her bum in the seat properly. The guy in the boat was waving frantically while Elizabeth kept trying to lift herself into the seat properly as she was half hanging out of the harness. As the guy indicated that he was about to abandon the attempt I reached over and heaved Elizabeth into the seat. Disaster averted we continued on to an amazing ride over the ocean and rocky outcrops as the sun started to set. Coming down was a lot easier as the boat just slows down and you gently parachute into the water. Can I say now that I have parachuted? <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RI44Eb0WrrF3OM2TivlquI8h397lcoEC-PusDB8ZvUQCcGS0Y38FUvM0zB1ZT1pn_zAqxwlv8g3Nh_vP6EFKXMBWaL-WTswwfesh3HjP_L3JT0xm3kJxU8VR2jTivMz5y-TFC_-vJYzZ5UDzVcVpxsDCCLe3vIyKlizhEXK3rY_uCyTSP1wBa_7hlQ/s3600/Collage%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RI44Eb0WrrF3OM2TivlquI8h397lcoEC-PusDB8ZvUQCcGS0Y38FUvM0zB1ZT1pn_zAqxwlv8g3Nh_vP6EFKXMBWaL-WTswwfesh3HjP_L3JT0xm3kJxU8VR2jTivMz5y-TFC_-vJYzZ5UDzVcVpxsDCCLe3vIyKlizhEXK3rY_uCyTSP1wBa_7hlQ/w640-h426/Collage%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyasWkvEmAtmjHq90UhlGJAC__BN4GbVcVFWHze3Heu0whLM_1FddAPmK_x1Z1T5D85UMmdfaEkzTv8_66HkQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkS0rDMAeY_3MoUmS_QbGFPBATjmpk9fS9kNb0ujEhQVkIxm9xL8Dit3ODZ9glPOAb_Q1UbtIDrUc7W1AJZX8B9UFoERAFQe1txp2AWnYvvP1PZ4V2A-RZDMha6pmIqIBmm-JRFjPLHWd9L-Y7vQjmfrCSRJrwE3txyr3OMBjVgCkzQT3ko_SEJZyx5w/s2215/20180305_173742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2215" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkS0rDMAeY_3MoUmS_QbGFPBATjmpk9fS9kNb0ujEhQVkIxm9xL8Dit3ODZ9glPOAb_Q1UbtIDrUc7W1AJZX8B9UFoERAFQe1txp2AWnYvvP1PZ4V2A-RZDMha6pmIqIBmm-JRFjPLHWd9L-Y7vQjmfrCSRJrwE3txyr3OMBjVgCkzQT3ko_SEJZyx5w/w400-h260/20180305_173742.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDvIe0B-MGpx9MGoLNs1Zis-XMvrTfakQYrMqBq-riVjcKXSfSRvg7EsvTOIu9SyMK4DVH19t1mO2Imjn6jkk0BC4cUWqj6dLLEsKNEjUzq3jl6_WuhzjGcOOyu65KLZwa4FppGt5K7zROLLDxASjCOQDhqZhCJG-XVFGbjvAxoeTtJ1pghjSEiTrJA/s5184/IMG_5025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDvIe0B-MGpx9MGoLNs1Zis-XMvrTfakQYrMqBq-riVjcKXSfSRvg7EsvTOIu9SyMK4DVH19t1mO2Imjn6jkk0BC4cUWqj6dLLEsKNEjUzq3jl6_WuhzjGcOOyu65KLZwa4FppGt5K7zROLLDxASjCOQDhqZhCJG-XVFGbjvAxoeTtJ1pghjSEiTrJA/w200-h150/IMG_5025.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />The next day we went to explore the Manuel Antonio National Park. It was a wonderful day in one of the best national parks in the world. It has everything. Abundant wildlife including Capuchin, Howler and Squirrel monkeys and the elusive sloth. In fact along one path you had to watch where you stepped otherwise you might trip over a raccoon. It has wonderful beaches, well marked and numerous trails through dense forest and many high lookouts for amazing sweeping views. We spent all day there, past closing time, attempting to follow every trail, take pictures at every lookout and visit every beach.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-P0yx7V-CtE15jUBHcMlatAckPg3_sY6BGRuosS0YoMINoTjn6VlVWdvWfy1Pm5tXArxbK9ncleXJv6QjVt6fpLpNRVF_bNzkuIG6v6N2gnb7HQlGSsvtC1yV4s4oF4nN8BXNnJ8Nq1_BYh-OoXP9XPVyyBPPmqKn6ASHLxsQRExXalXdp6Sp2UJ9A/s3600/Collage%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-P0yx7V-CtE15jUBHcMlatAckPg3_sY6BGRuosS0YoMINoTjn6VlVWdvWfy1Pm5tXArxbK9ncleXJv6QjVt6fpLpNRVF_bNzkuIG6v6N2gnb7HQlGSsvtC1yV4s4oF4nN8BXNnJ8Nq1_BYh-OoXP9XPVyyBPPmqKn6ASHLxsQRExXalXdp6Sp2UJ9A/w640-h426/Collage%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSh6ZOS87t_0SU8H9GkQdRFTK0XHO234Dl_r7x5HOK8JJ52d--oU4JmJeO5SkhS1KuHkFByXvBxXOMhMeTOaXZ7N8Yr-kOQZOEbfuvx7PpP3f09SIefzyWb3hTIs8xTuCeBvp6_omyE7LxRWbFFZ7bNLVR2suUu_vLY8n0NfpmFOpRTbpcp-WuWgqNgw/s3600/Collage%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSh6ZOS87t_0SU8H9GkQdRFTK0XHO234Dl_r7x5HOK8JJ52d--oU4JmJeO5SkhS1KuHkFByXvBxXOMhMeTOaXZ7N8Yr-kOQZOEbfuvx7PpP3f09SIefzyWb3hTIs8xTuCeBvp6_omyE7LxRWbFFZ7bNLVR2suUu_vLY8n0NfpmFOpRTbpcp-WuWgqNgw/w640-h426/Collage%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br />That night we had a very satisfying dinner at Las Gemalas Restaurant at a sidewalk table watching fire throwing busking jugglers in the middle of the street. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbnZvtu-5qC7jLDMzn4ARNxeqy416DC7pPGmig8o3Ij7wynjQEMjht3iAU1c5AiD36M7GXc3TDcZalZqlqwn5vNBgq5zFW8oAusW4seZdVqkrR98_AwWzUEhRgOK5P1X0m-1tzfs5r0r_yE2en-xXACm0-0s831UmAVgch0becDxNTIodYMX2Fvlwrg/s2560/20180306_195105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbnZvtu-5qC7jLDMzn4ARNxeqy416DC7pPGmig8o3Ij7wynjQEMjht3iAU1c5AiD36M7GXc3TDcZalZqlqwn5vNBgq5zFW8oAusW4seZdVqkrR98_AwWzUEhRgOK5P1X0m-1tzfs5r0r_yE2en-xXACm0-0s831UmAVgch0becDxNTIodYMX2Fvlwrg/w400-h226/20180306_195105.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>The next day was our last day and we spent it lounging on the beach and swimming. It was one of those beaches that stayed shallow for a long time and you had to go quite far to catch a wave, but a very good paddling beach. Hiring a couple of umbrella covered lounge chairs cost $10 and allowed us to enjoy the sunshine safely and comfortably. That night we ate at Las Gemalas again but decided to cross the road and eat at one of their tables that they place on the beach itself. Quite a unique experience dining while under the stars and with sand between your toes and the sounds of waves crashing. Magic.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1rBBqfIRb2Tyyu7BlpAZyq2tyMcZjxIeLlh5siplU0Iox7yUoemilsDDv6cGGga41c4GuIW04ZhPJ_WrPazosvQ5w2NaC7FAX5OncWo8jcwJj3NmnOC5QHMVW52-DE_d-KtCMFS04EeqPiBWUZKc6nvnDhLIQXIc4pfzdSDlDJoxUBeDbOhKI3z2zQ/s3600/Collage%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1rBBqfIRb2Tyyu7BlpAZyq2tyMcZjxIeLlh5siplU0Iox7yUoemilsDDv6cGGga41c4GuIW04ZhPJ_WrPazosvQ5w2NaC7FAX5OncWo8jcwJj3NmnOC5QHMVW52-DE_d-KtCMFS04EeqPiBWUZKc6nvnDhLIQXIc4pfzdSDlDJoxUBeDbOhKI3z2zQ/w640-h426/Collage%204.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xIgdts-cl0pZYGY17mtrb9De_OUjaNnKhv9RkH-1_pTiIrctBOxExdOd0Qb_HtAeOWAzc9yy91Oig_GvZbtyR1cBT-AKUdDQLaNXuy7n56tnXzO7bSjjSKehqI7Ii7kaZI5eIuOaZMGgDZ3yZTF7IkKwV-kBRo1kc6fMPEQDc5qUZTI2uB6VVLurKw/s2560/20180307_182050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xIgdts-cl0pZYGY17mtrb9De_OUjaNnKhv9RkH-1_pTiIrctBOxExdOd0Qb_HtAeOWAzc9yy91Oig_GvZbtyR1cBT-AKUdDQLaNXuy7n56tnXzO7bSjjSKehqI7Ii7kaZI5eIuOaZMGgDZ3yZTF7IkKwV-kBRo1kc6fMPEQDc5qUZTI2uB6VVLurKw/w640-h360/20180307_182050.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><br />Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-18361372518733170732022-03-06T02:28:00.001-08:002022-04-15T03:06:29.925-07:00Howling Monkeys and an Anniversary of Waterfalls<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCAwQkogMUNrPyEqPR9lMlb8F69NgOdOJ7lRi1Z8hK9C-jZlAGWAwU2HJuCjAJYO6lyQ3-wx7DeU3GXH2D7y62SWYl6SIKEErmUVAInCz8sT0N098BV2qRRZ28_vtAVZ5Vb9801JzGOXdPEgFlGBQbQj4VfcHYersaYt7nGbGwwsdfwVjbFNnUDrau0Q=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2882" data-original-width="5184" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCAwQkogMUNrPyEqPR9lMlb8F69NgOdOJ7lRi1Z8hK9C-jZlAGWAwU2HJuCjAJYO6lyQ3-wx7DeU3GXH2D7y62SWYl6SIKEErmUVAInCz8sT0N098BV2qRRZ28_vtAVZ5Vb9801JzGOXdPEgFlGBQbQj4VfcHYersaYt7nGbGwwsdfwVjbFNnUDrau0Q=w640-h357" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><br /> March 2018</b><p></p><p>Getting out of Nicaragua was a lot easier than getting in. Going through customs was nearly optional, quite a few people seemed to be bypassing it. Caught a bus on the border to Liberia and from there the only way to the Buena Vista Resort at the base of the Rincon de la Vieja (old woman’s corner) volcano was by taxi. Tucked away in dense bush this place was an eco paradise. With a vast number of criss crossing hanging bridges there was a surprise awaiting around every corner.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL7yLd5xtVuuPz0RYnDmnqU5KucCirx2k7ypoo6dWdOJ5cSH1E93H8Te_gH5zgO__8jgfkOQ66Xei3sWywI-xeiOJIgmqKbindOc65CE_QsymdXdrj_M5Qy0mp65vE7BFfkYYF9AfpdaVleTDk0-jc0UPnRQ1Ror25oEFu__Yh2di-OfgBW24U6OLbxQ=s3381" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2329" data-original-width="3381" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL7yLd5xtVuuPz0RYnDmnqU5KucCirx2k7ypoo6dWdOJ5cSH1E93H8Te_gH5zgO__8jgfkOQ66Xei3sWywI-xeiOJIgmqKbindOc65CE_QsymdXdrj_M5Qy0mp65vE7BFfkYYF9AfpdaVleTDk0-jc0UPnRQ1Ror25oEFu__Yh2di-OfgBW24U6OLbxQ=w320-h220" width="320" /></a></div>One day we were wandering across the bridges when we heard a loud overpowering howling. Cripes we thought, there is something big and nasty in here. As we got closer, it got louder and I expected to come across a large gorilla. To our surprise the noise was coming out of a fairly small monkey with a really big voice. A howling baby comes to mind. We stood for a while watching these howling monkeys swinging from branch to branch. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxKhyRms-CSTb1YqsH4N7Zh8-gE1ef6ih2uRBlxdxgStHaXB471LdWHzc3k1cpfDBVlsggYJadazZ7az9T_Fw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLRV0rKC8gAqqYojuacxo1TB8xAsch0DhY_xMETLfC1JybH0nfmK5LS9hkGWRAXnYuJljbRqF4AF8SbEElOiSW1x5FCP5zdYHysG5mKtAiQxBDbT6CRssD9cHYrpYR1wRyy1rEQxT_R3tefoXX552Mfer9T-X1wLp235oXZx3JLePYJSO3JWfNjQPgjw=s3370" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3370" data-original-width="3030" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLRV0rKC8gAqqYojuacxo1TB8xAsch0DhY_xMETLfC1JybH0nfmK5LS9hkGWRAXnYuJljbRqF4AF8SbEElOiSW1x5FCP5zdYHysG5mKtAiQxBDbT6CRssD9cHYrpYR1wRyy1rEQxT_R3tefoXX552Mfer9T-X1wLp235oXZx3JLePYJSO3JWfNjQPgjw=s320" width="288" /></a></div><br />Another day we went to step on a bridge and saw up ahead a python stretched across the bridge. Oh oh we thought, looks like we are not getting any further. We stood taking pictures while the snake slithered to one side of the bridge and then kept going, seemingly suspended in mid air, until it reached a branch and then pulled the rest of its body over. We hastily went across the bridge. On turning back we saw the python returning to its original spot, apparently only moving to get out of the way for us.<p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhK7Te76Pe2f5DUYmGKnn7jRnl7yZaZmvLH0y-d1h0BrmkeCzUd7c1qp8lTD5g-skmaDgjVQPgCz5KnbiSZEGlRVAIyIxpIf8I1PpGA_kePSuBEiywpBdc4mZwPZVbU2uCIJgksOC9Gcr-7SiciMlGKjB4p7B_d82fPeGLan-u4oExcf5a3VFSxhZ0iMw=s4086" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2494" data-original-width="4086" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhK7Te76Pe2f5DUYmGKnn7jRnl7yZaZmvLH0y-d1h0BrmkeCzUd7c1qp8lTD5g-skmaDgjVQPgCz5KnbiSZEGlRVAIyIxpIf8I1PpGA_kePSuBEiywpBdc4mZwPZVbU2uCIJgksOC9Gcr-7SiciMlGKjB4p7B_d82fPeGLan-u4oExcf5a3VFSxhZ0iMw=w400-h244" width="400" /></a><br /> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnYp8DjhuMt122rH4RRRtbcs2Aur4aodsBfV01HR0u4b0KZUyQRN3xy-lUy2XgjN_SJg4R2_ng8QwC3dlLNWCErny38EHETzfquUNBdSBQUYq7KsjVQZEd6OBHHsxhcvVHnkyauP-mu7qRC2nTyuAhHwb0EvwIvJvSQCb9f8NBNxU-fln2P1w7-FlblQ=s8208" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2096" data-original-width="8208" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnYp8DjhuMt122rH4RRRtbcs2Aur4aodsBfV01HR0u4b0KZUyQRN3xy-lUy2XgjN_SJg4R2_ng8QwC3dlLNWCErny38EHETzfquUNBdSBQUYq7KsjVQZEd6OBHHsxhcvVHnkyauP-mu7qRC2nTyuAhHwb0EvwIvJvSQCb9f8NBNxU-fln2P1w7-FlblQ=w640-h164" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinQGiY930ZcQSvzcX9EBHuBaktZhcifo4VxDIFIgpt5R4DYW71dOrBkduyIZmeDgFLbzPZfJAV7KeZ7ENx4rdMTOnL4XbrvkaB77hkbobjZ6sGaa1EQDKPRKkVslonf_HPnJbrnIoDbMuDxF28xUWnFC4B6mktYdSLQvp7UUIG8GqYfCfndaBiGrivzQ=s2560" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinQGiY930ZcQSvzcX9EBHuBaktZhcifo4VxDIFIgpt5R4DYW71dOrBkduyIZmeDgFLbzPZfJAV7KeZ7ENx4rdMTOnL4XbrvkaB77hkbobjZ6sGaa1EQDKPRKkVslonf_HPnJbrnIoDbMuDxF28xUWnFC4B6mktYdSLQvp7UUIG8GqYfCfndaBiGrivzQ=s320" width="180" /></a></div><br />Another highlight of the resort was the natural hot springs and volcanic mud baths. The process goes like this: You take a tractor ride from the resort up to the springs. First step is to spend 10 minutes in the sauna to ‘open the pores’. This is a big room crammed with about 20 people on long benches. Once your pores are sufficiently opened you go around the corner where they have clay pots filled with hot volcanic mud that you slather all over yourself and each other. You let that dry until you are as stiff as a statue and look like one before taking an outside shower or letting yourself be hosed down by a staff member. Finally you leisurely take your pick from a number of pools fed by hot springs of varying temperatures. This was so luxurious and relaxing we did it every day, 3 times 👌🙂<p></p><p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFeAPIqPPA3-OUCdFYqNy35m_47jJVIu8_gmrXvg7ccpgjzHRKzwYplc6OuQ4BKNs310HT-d9HvzgXwHTtUqAVAZ_ELz5Yb5S5Y--OiA4NYZLw75xAkbtm9oss7r_ut50TVCdsTTBY4XaguleTOemWXffQMhsdIf_5qd9GCUEpwabGQyvEpDIX3p0W_Q=s5184" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2776" data-original-width="5184" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFeAPIqPPA3-OUCdFYqNy35m_47jJVIu8_gmrXvg7ccpgjzHRKzwYplc6OuQ4BKNs310HT-d9HvzgXwHTtUqAVAZ_ELz5Yb5S5Y--OiA4NYZLw75xAkbtm9oss7r_ut50TVCdsTTBY4XaguleTOemWXffQMhsdIf_5qd9GCUEpwabGQyvEpDIX3p0W_Q=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p><br />The hotel also had a lookout reserved as the ‘sunset spot’. If you were around at the right time then that was the place to go with sweeping views all the way to the ocean and glorious sunsets.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtNOdUBkOMCR1c6Tm1FEIZD50xeV2j3XUh4Ema5xTWMkFaYP6f0mDn3FKaBeWeAaZ7e2gLckXwtxS-AAsBZ-4SsYXRZYJpv-J8dD3mDthlPrZ_PWRZs5bvgZNthrBS25WYfxodHr6LEnDCWA5GiEzLzuJL4S0wUc2Zsx3CgUQXkSrd0elFP-2o8NgzLw=s3300" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="3300" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtNOdUBkOMCR1c6Tm1FEIZD50xeV2j3XUh4Ema5xTWMkFaYP6f0mDn3FKaBeWeAaZ7e2gLckXwtxS-AAsBZ-4SsYXRZYJpv-J8dD3mDthlPrZ_PWRZs5bvgZNthrBS25WYfxodHr6LEnDCWA5GiEzLzuJL4S0wUc2Zsx3CgUQXkSrd0elFP-2o8NgzLw=w640-h494" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>Day 2 at the resort was the day of our 21st Anniversary. Of course the best way to make it special is to visit a volcano, right? We got up early for the hour long drive to the volcano national park on the Las Pailas side. Having a choice of multiple trails we selected the one to the Cangreja waterfall, which was supposed to flow into a swimmable brilliant blue pool. After an interesting 2 hour trek that seamlessly flowed from forest to desert and then to forest again and took us past streams of ants, iguanas and birds, we came to a waterfall that had a 'no swimming' sign on it. Beautiful anyway and flowed into a pool not of brilliant blue but the more cloudy glacier type blue. Some people swam in it anyway but we decided to just drink in the serenity. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitKVtngxA4jvOBb9bSnga_8p16FTFOjbIU__GoLmI6bBqkcLHxXzM0k-Dl5HlwyC6Cx1Jh3gURnWc43ayWPQs-eP7G8X93pyy5CQnDqwpSa_Sdcem-7RbolQ1cxmGI0XucUlyGbtcJvbluWc0CtpMcFvrqecOSgAg8uYsC1SGnU3Yvzh7eAhaw9rsGaA=s3300" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="3300" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitKVtngxA4jvOBb9bSnga_8p16FTFOjbIU__GoLmI6bBqkcLHxXzM0k-Dl5HlwyC6Cx1Jh3gURnWc43ayWPQs-eP7G8X93pyy5CQnDqwpSa_Sdcem-7RbolQ1cxmGI0XucUlyGbtcJvbluWc0CtpMcFvrqecOSgAg8uYsC1SGnU3Yvzh7eAhaw9rsGaA=w640-h494" width="640" /></a></div><br /> After that trek we took the hour and a half trail around the geologically active region of bubbling mud pots and smoking fumaroles. With very tired legs (well me anyway) we got back and went on the last ride to the hot springs again. Just 5 of us there by that time & almost dark on our tractor ride back. <br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5T6Fo78bwFPQPVYlLu1AiS78iRWnedtsiLzmlFVRGLjWn9TIlGAk09Nh_R4SPFh01WT6H1qQYSZdqmvoVOk3gF6eGd4GNEPuvQyGRjJdzVkTJTlzawXUDIVhrjjJEoFc_iFEl79uV0WCCJzQkqt-9zb19xUgci4OBqDgwmOBe2BfdlVkVTlFDz5-xGA=s3300" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="3300" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5T6Fo78bwFPQPVYlLu1AiS78iRWnedtsiLzmlFVRGLjWn9TIlGAk09Nh_R4SPFh01WT6H1qQYSZdqmvoVOk3gF6eGd4GNEPuvQyGRjJdzVkTJTlzawXUDIVhrjjJEoFc_iFEl79uV0WCCJzQkqt-9zb19xUgci4OBqDgwmOBe2BfdlVkVTlFDz5-xGA=w640-h494" width="640" /></a></div><p>By day 3 at the resort we were way too relaxed, wandering the hanging bridges again, visiting the hot springs and letting the final sunset wash over us. As had become our pattern here we went and had our final buffet dinner, saying goodbye to our waiter Eloy, and went back to our room to prepare for the next leg of our journey the following day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS8erdoZRJ5Hb9EL43DWHNlZwajmiF8YaIElcfUi9TeTAgSXsTeys48eCRQ7g6NU6TVjdXKnSl6rckQMTwtc1f1Kb_zQwrvJznML998Z7ZNjHrDIRoP1D07raRroVanOLcHoFEKkYNzjs_bDIMRCFkI-h11RMzHYmgHBD_m-l7qyLHE-a4Q6_dLQ-Qaw=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS8erdoZRJ5Hb9EL43DWHNlZwajmiF8YaIElcfUi9TeTAgSXsTeys48eCRQ7g6NU6TVjdXKnSl6rckQMTwtc1f1Kb_zQwrvJznML998Z7ZNjHrDIRoP1D07raRroVanOLcHoFEKkYNzjs_bDIMRCFkI-h11RMzHYmgHBD_m-l7qyLHE-a4Q6_dLQ-Qaw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-27100245092967272402019-07-26T02:41:00.000-07:002019-07-26T02:41:57.044-07:00The little Island that Packs a Wallop<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apRLFq8pjvE/XTlMfmnivyI/AAAAAAAAV2M/SxhMkRS0j5gsJldtPsYIhG__6SEQItUHgCLcBGAs/s1600/A20180223_133503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apRLFq8pjvE/XTlMfmnivyI/AAAAAAAAV2M/SxhMkRS0j5gsJldtPsYIhG__6SEQItUHgCLcBGAs/s320/A20180223_133503.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
After the cloud forest we decided to go up to the North West corner of Costa Rica where another active volcano lay. But since we were so close to Nicaragua we thought we should first pop in to have a look. Imagine our pleasant surprise to find that not far from the border was the largest lake in Central America and in the middle of this lake was an island and on this island were TWO VOLCANOES!<br />
<br />
So no need to ask us twice and we skipped the touristy beach and made our way straight to the island of volcanoes! We took a variety of transport to Ometepe, including taxis, shuttle buses and a ferry. Once arrived at the hotel we enquired about the possibility of climbing one of the volcanoes and were put on a tour for the next day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VinjfLsMfUc/XTleDYnXkmI/AAAAAAAAV20/suoL3ikO-0UJZwGlR0DNsQF9qn7ry5VTgCEwYBhgL/s1600/A20180224_150753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VinjfLsMfUc/XTleDYnXkmI/AAAAAAAAV20/suoL3ikO-0UJZwGlR0DNsQF9qn7ry5VTgCEwYBhgL/s320/A20180224_150753.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7IJadWqLSQ/XTlcP1hvA8I/AAAAAAAAV2g/Cx9-vo0nqTY0Pe9pAgQW2X4XBSr-XHp8wCEwYBhgL/s1600/A20180224_085314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7IJadWqLSQ/XTlcP1hvA8I/AAAAAAAAV2g/Cx9-vo0nqTY0Pe9pAgQW2X4XBSr-XHp8wCEwYBhgL/s320/A20180224_085314.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Volcan Concepcion is an active pristine volcano at 1,610m. It was heavy going, straight up with fairly dense bush for four hours got us to 1,000m and the main lookout spot. We stopped for lunch and discussed going further. Even though the young-uns had left us behind we decided to keep going until we met them coming back down and see how far we could get. The second section was steeper and sparser and there was a third section that you need to do on your hands and knees. We got to 1,250m before the clouds started coming in and we decided it was getting too dodgy and we would not have enough time to get to the top. So we went back down to the lookout and had a lunch of chips and nuts. The young-uns soon rejoined us and we headed back down. A relaxing dinner at the hotel was what the doctor ordered and we took it easy playing with the hotel’s supposedly stray kitten and taking a pleasant walk through the town.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ntAgpD0dyYg/XTld8WhLCSI/AAAAAAAAV2w/v4uhqXLuRlE7ndj6wP9O4Au27Q6hVdpWwCEwYBhgL/s1600/A20180224_095350_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ntAgpD0dyYg/XTld8WhLCSI/AAAAAAAAV2w/v4uhqXLuRlE7ndj6wP9O4Au27Q6hVdpWwCEwYBhgL/s640/A20180224_095350_001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">The Lookout</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PidFctFWYsA/XTmcLNeUD9I/AAAAAAAAV3U/stDfOs11Bs09RLqbMKOa-7RDv1a6947uQCLcBGAs/s1600/Collage%2BThree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PidFctFWYsA/XTmcLNeUD9I/AAAAAAAAV3U/stDfOs11Bs09RLqbMKOa-7RDv1a6947uQCLcBGAs/s320/Collage%2BThree.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next day required some recovery time so we settled on a private tour of the island with Oscar the taxi driver, starting with the Chaco Verde nature park. This place was a nature paradise and we saw many water birds, wandering horses, howling monkeys, vibrant colourful flowers and the fantastic enclosure with the brilliant blue Morpheus butterflies. Next to the natural mineral springs of Ojos de Agua to soothe those tired legs, lunch and then finish the day at the famous sunset spot of Puenta Jesus Mana beach.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIK2g2MZJD8/XTmcrwb4ZqI/AAAAAAAAV3c/sWQu7S8tofYANdN08KlEWN3YMyoGDIZLACLcBGAs/s1600/Collage%2BOne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIK2g2MZJD8/XTmcrwb4ZqI/AAAAAAAAV3c/sWQu7S8tofYANdN08KlEWN3YMyoGDIZLACLcBGAs/s400/Collage%2BOne.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oerjOgekJuI/XTmc305jr_I/AAAAAAAAV3g/997OTt-JiXcOc2qL4vVeRv-RfoiQebplACLcBGAs/s1600/Collage%2BTwo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oerjOgekJuI/XTmc305jr_I/AAAAAAAAV3g/997OTt-JiXcOc2qL4vVeRv-RfoiQebplACLcBGAs/s320/Collage%2BTwo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qDHJieixBsM/XTmdEdjDBPI/AAAAAAAAV3o/XS4o3459PI8H0XLUZD0XXb8yHDsLd9WbQCLcBGAs/s1600/A20180225_133634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qDHJieixBsM/XTmdEdjDBPI/AAAAAAAAV3o/XS4o3459PI8H0XLUZD0XXb8yHDsLd9WbQCLcBGAs/s400/A20180225_133634.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQqD5NkUhrY/XTmdJqS-4PI/AAAAAAAAV3w/WbPwPMNAerwb2n369dMI8lH00EPaP4T4wCLcBGAs/s1600/A20180225_153027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQqD5NkUhrY/XTmdJqS-4PI/AAAAAAAAV3w/WbPwPMNAerwb2n369dMI8lH00EPaP4T4wCLcBGAs/s320/A20180225_153027.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0stZ8nkI1E/XTledCiEeDI/AAAAAAAAV28/jOADxtU5EKUtBzhibkVpLgD5obHlbuvJgCEwYBhgL/s1600/A20180225_133849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="1600" height="148" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0stZ8nkI1E/XTledCiEeDI/AAAAAAAAV28/jOADxtU5EKUtBzhibkVpLgD5obHlbuvJgCEwYBhgL/s640/A20180225_133849.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5tLE8Sratyk/XTmwmjdavYI/AAAAAAAAV4A/tz05e7vsT-8kGIiU7sPjw_TGMQe-7tSXwCLcBGAs/s1600/A20180225_172528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5tLE8Sratyk/XTmwmjdavYI/AAAAAAAAV4A/tz05e7vsT-8kGIiU7sPjw_TGMQe-7tSXwCLcBGAs/s320/A20180225_172528.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">About where Elizabeth bonked her head</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This was a stretch of beach that protruded out from the mainland coming to a point. This also concentrated the people into a tiny area that had a surprisingly large number of bars along the sandy outcrop. We got there a bit early for the sunset so Elizabeth decided to use her time picking up the ample amounts of rubbish dropped by the mostly bar patrons. Me? I decided just to watch the sun come down, not being as altruistic as Elizabeth. Soon I heard a commotion behind and turned around to see a group of men frantic around Elizabeth. Rushing back I discovered that Elizabeth had bonked her head on a tree branch while bending to pick up rubbish. No good deed goes unpunished. We struggled with trying to remember the word for ice (hielo) and were directed to a bartender who generously provided a few handfuls. After that ordeal I was able to convince Elizabeth to keep still for 10 minutes and enjoy the sunset with me. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jCzalCzaBt0/XTmxAmIcjpI/AAAAAAAAV4I/rvSAGQZY12o1VIIPdOOIBZoFw3ap_Ml8QCLcBGAs/s1600/A20180225_175315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jCzalCzaBt0/XTmxAmIcjpI/AAAAAAAAV4I/rvSAGQZY12o1VIIPdOOIBZoFw3ap_Ml8QCLcBGAs/s320/A20180225_175315.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4PhMygm4Pos/XTmxRQYFYZI/AAAAAAAAV4Q/VElsfFc3f9kiKAhqodHJuMwWAo8nSg1GQCLcBGAs/s1600/AIMG_4827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4PhMygm4Pos/XTmxRQYFYZI/AAAAAAAAV4Q/VElsfFc3f9kiKAhqodHJuMwWAo8nSg1GQCLcBGAs/s400/AIMG_4827.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GVmgoSOiKjs/XTmxa359p4I/AAAAAAAAV4U/RROImXzDEQw0hTtf3bmdnPwGBnyLfmVKQCLcBGAs/s1600/AIMG_4830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="1600" height="443" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GVmgoSOiKjs/XTmxa359p4I/AAAAAAAAV4U/RROImXzDEQw0hTtf3bmdnPwGBnyLfmVKQCLcBGAs/s640/AIMG_4830.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-77Joo9gFeJk/XTmze0GyzvI/AAAAAAAAV4g/xygT3QJRK3sGl-CZvUG-zdwBjl3fk8J9wCLcBGAs/s1600/A20180226_173704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-77Joo9gFeJk/XTmze0GyzvI/AAAAAAAAV4g/xygT3QJRK3sGl-CZvUG-zdwBjl3fk8J9wCLcBGAs/s400/A20180226_173704.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">The Hostel Restaurant</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next day was a complete rest day lounging around the hotel pool and talking to other tourists about their experiences, and discovering a surprisingly cheap and colourful hostel restaurant to eat dinner in, complete with begging ginger cat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qve97V73p4I/XTrDEiq-ulI/AAAAAAAAV5g/k3UQEyVOSaAWwKUuD4F1EtgZrNpOuK_VACLcBGAs/s1600/A20180227_121153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="472" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qve97V73p4I/XTrDEiq-ulI/AAAAAAAAV5g/k3UQEyVOSaAWwKUuD4F1EtgZrNpOuK_VACLcBGAs/s640/A20180227_121153.jpg" width="187" /></a></div>
Finally the day of my birthday arrived, and there is only one true way to celebrate my birthday while travelling, hike up another volcano! The trek up the Maderas volcano was not as challenging as Concepcion but was still a decent two hour trip up degenerating to walking on boulders on a dry river bed to the La Cascada San Ramon waterfall. Well worth the effort as this was an impressively long waterfall and we stripped down to our bathers and got into the pool to feel the splashing waterfall on our backs. Many other people arrived doing the same and there was a fabulous atmosphere and feeling of camaraderie. A perfect birthday and a perfect end to our side trip to Nicaragua.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVpeoYQ2DiY/XTrDYpXyZsI/AAAAAAAAV5o/Bx-Tow7ITy0Vj1axnHTZVInVFh5t80FIACLcBGAs/s1600/A20180227_125922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1349" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVpeoYQ2DiY/XTrDYpXyZsI/AAAAAAAAV5o/Bx-Tow7ITy0Vj1axnHTZVInVFh5t80FIACLcBGAs/s640/A20180227_125922.jpg" width="536" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYbIqyYIftM/XTrB5Zyxm-I/AAAAAAAAV5Q/d91IbkDa8ZghgPDAGnNtBOYIyucfWC6jwCLcBGAs/s1600/AIMG_4817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="1600" height="380" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYbIqyYIftM/XTrB5Zyxm-I/AAAAAAAAV5Q/d91IbkDa8ZghgPDAGnNtBOYIyucfWC6jwCLcBGAs/s640/AIMG_4817.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-20500154952286292022019-05-23T02:50:00.002-07:002019-05-23T02:50:26.650-07:00Living life in the clouds<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-AU</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Hyperlink"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style> <![endif]--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DGPFJqyV9OE/XNwaKzlt9VI/AAAAAAAAU6I/TkgLAThDFtcB6ItHJuOr9e9bv1QgcBS1wCLcBGAs/s1600/20180223_063558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="1600" height="190" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DGPFJqyV9OE/XNwaKzlt9VI/AAAAAAAAU6I/TkgLAThDFtcB6ItHJuOr9e9bv1QgcBS1wCLcBGAs/s400/20180223_063558.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US">The trip to the Monteverde Cloud forest allowed me additional time to recover from the Arenal Volcano. The trip by bus, then boat and then bus again was full of rejuvenating green, hilly, farmland and pristine blue water with impressive views back to the volcano behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stayed at the small alpine feel town of Santa Elena (1,400m) at the Rainy Days B&B Hostel run by Ernesto, his sister and his mum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We checked a few brochures and decided to book for the Selvatura Nature and Adventure Park the next day where you are able to zipline over the cloud forest, something we have not done before.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPT37GAp1js/XNwagqgC5eI/AAAAAAAAU6Q/V9EhICQt5IkNTBEdxgk82JHc2oFpt5-TQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180222_181713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPT37GAp1js/XNwagqgC5eI/AAAAAAAAU6Q/V9EhICQt5IkNTBEdxgk82JHc2oFpt5-TQCLcBGAs/s400/20180222_181713.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Santa Elena</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN-US">After that it was time to settle in and wander down to the town for dinner. We ate at the fabulous Morphos Restaurant, a work of art on its own and with fabulous food, sitting down to a scrumptious meal of Casado. Basically the familiar black beans and rice from breakfast plus a salad, plus fried plantains, plus a meat of your choice (or vegetables if you are vegetarian like us). Morpho is a beautiful blue butterfly found in this area of Central America.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5zVB-V21_4/XNwbXY_1KaI/AAAAAAAAU6g/YL1fK0PLg-kopy7P1QDmvm0AaowJSEejACLcBGAs/s1600/20180219_172124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5zVB-V21_4/XNwbXY_1KaI/AAAAAAAAU6g/YL1fK0PLg-kopy7P1QDmvm0AaowJSEejACLcBGAs/s200/20180219_172124.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">A Casado Meal</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="1600" height="178" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-It7pQ2MbBF0/XNwa6xNetEI/AAAAAAAAU6Y/lh3vy1bGn6Q8QXG98JN8vf7VSZys0xigACLcBGAs/s640/20180219_171630.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Morphos Restaurant</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fgbsbncmw5Q/XN0vY6a5BuI/AAAAAAAAU7A/WJc5t45RqdsVNhp3VDHzQSpnKWyIkCtpwCLcBGAs/s1600/Joint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fgbsbncmw5Q/XN0vY6a5BuI/AAAAAAAAU7A/WJc5t45RqdsVNhp3VDHzQSpnKWyIkCtpwCLcBGAs/s200/Joint.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Ziplining in Selvatura Park</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rmZqp2jlCKM/XN0wl_2zRSI/AAAAAAAAU7U/s420mk9pZ5szOAUun_5dtgGNK25Zkt82gCLcBGAs/s1600/20180220_095930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rmZqp2jlCKM/XN0wl_2zRSI/AAAAAAAAU7U/s420mk9pZ5szOAUun_5dtgGNK25Zkt82gCLcBGAs/s200/20180220_095930.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN-US">Ziplining in Selvatura Park was an amazing experience. High above the trees they had 13 legs in all with some exceedingly long, including number 5 at 650m and the last one being over a km long. Plenty of time to marvel at the beauty of the cloud forest (even though it was a clear blue day). The two long ones were done tandem so that you had enough weight to make the distance. We did tend to struggle on those a bit because, even combined, we are not that heavy. The rest of the time was spent walking through the forest atop a myriad of hanging bridges and visiting the hummingbird garden. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFnAP_X973E/XN0x1RxF2eI/AAAAAAAAU7c/CWCxJgLSh_ITXg2auSCVe67rNlRgCDPlgCLcBGAs/s1600/20180220_140336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1600" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFnAP_X973E/XN0x1RxF2eI/AAAAAAAAU7c/CWCxJgLSh_ITXg2auSCVe67rNlRgCDPlgCLcBGAs/s640/20180220_140336.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TItr08hewE/XN012sXXnbI/AAAAAAAAU7s/gIPvYh2ppNwhHp_19QIwecCj1jt89VpTwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="1600" height="184" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TItr08hewE/XN012sXXnbI/AAAAAAAAU7s/gIPvYh2ppNwhHp_19QIwecCj1jt89VpTwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4651.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US">The hummingbird is an awesome bird. Zipping in and out at amazing speeds they are hard to photograph. Their wings can flap at 80 flaps per minute, their heart rate is up around 1,200 beats per minute and they can take 250 breaths per minute. That is one hard working bird that you can (try to) watch for hours. We also did a Night Walk through the forest at Valle Escondido Preserve</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MWUacK1MHTw/XN02Tpgoj6I/AAAAAAAAU70/y6pvm9rnx84NV57bAD-90I6NIJms8c6owCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1018" data-original-width="1600" height="126" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MWUacK1MHTw/XN02Tpgoj6I/AAAAAAAAU70/y6pvm9rnx84NV57bAD-90I6NIJms8c6owCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_4646.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vVYq6z1phnM/XN03hMCdziI/AAAAAAAAU8A/VjJ5E18YqC0zGd7E0OoFWc5Jgq9MzYe9QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vVYq6z1phnM/XN03hMCdziI/AAAAAAAAU8A/VjJ5E18YqC0zGd7E0OoFWc5Jgq9MzYe9QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4673.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The next day was rainy and miserable so we decided to stay in and make it a planning day. Where to next, book accommodation, how do we get there, that kind of thing. With our kind of 'unplanned' travelling we need planning days or we don't end up going anywhere. It was a good decision because the next day was glorious and we spent it hiking in the Monteverde Cloud Forest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WaihDAfxjn8/XOT_l1BT4II/AAAAAAAAVAI/uCUkJUDLLGs1h4xT-7doeeaYafzNVSWvQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WaihDAfxjn8/XOT_l1BT4II/AAAAAAAAVAI/uCUkJUDLLGs1h4xT-7doeeaYafzNVSWvQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4719.JPG" width="400" /></a><span lang="EN-US">Getting there was easy, a public bus came right past the B & B and only cost $1.50. We were a bit slow getting up so the park was full when we got there. They only allow 200 in at a time so that the animals have breathing space and you have to stay on the paths. Luckily, not long after a tour group came out and we were able to go in. You are given a barcode wrist band so that they can scan you going in and coming out and that is how they can track numbers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cr9ea-YiluU/XOUAV-eRJOI/AAAAAAAAVAQ/K8p2UC6JGRooGZNQuPhhwtmXmYkHBzBrgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cr9ea-YiluU/XOUAV-eRJOI/AAAAAAAAVAQ/K8p2UC6JGRooGZNQuPhhwtmXmYkHBzBrgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4700.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US">The park was very well sign posted with 'you are here' signs at every fork and coupled with the map and a suggested route from the friendly ranger going in, based on the time we wanted to hike, the day went like clockwork. We saw many beautiful birds, amazing landscapes and scenery, a continental divide, a cascading waterfall, a very old hollow gnarled tree, and a huge number of epiphytes and general flowers and plants. We spent the whole day here and were very sad to leave. What a wonderful place, so peaceful and well managed with the focus being on the health of the forest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9T7q3TYUcjI/XOUBlEHcDcI/AAAAAAAAVAc/7iY4XH8C6GU-CdOxYuKwZgz5QOVMeVFsACLcBGAs/s1600/20180222_130031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9T7q3TYUcjI/XOUBlEHcDcI/AAAAAAAAVAc/7iY4XH8C6GU-CdOxYuKwZgz5QOVMeVFsACLcBGAs/s400/20180222_130031.jpg" width="225" /></a><span lang="EN-US">A public bus ride back to town, the last one for the day, and dinner at our favourite restaurant (you know the one) ended a perfect trip and lasting memories of the Monteverde Cloud Forest. For a better feeling of the cloud forest I will let the pictures do the talking...</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9eHiESJg4Kg/XOUPCsY_nDI/AAAAAAAAVA0/LE5-604-XpEVm6C3bXyo2_62aH9LKfviACLcBGAs/s1600/20180222_135005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1174" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9eHiESJg4Kg/XOUPCsY_nDI/AAAAAAAAVA0/LE5-604-XpEVm6C3bXyo2_62aH9LKfviACLcBGAs/s400/20180222_135005.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ozjal1f2PM/XOUP9hO8iDI/AAAAAAAAVA8/x2hDxQ6wjCoy78AnmxpEcr3YmCrwWWDlACLcBGAs/s1600/20180222_121532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="1600" height="184" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ozjal1f2PM/XOUP9hO8iDI/AAAAAAAAVA8/x2hDxQ6wjCoy78AnmxpEcr3YmCrwWWDlACLcBGAs/s640/20180222_121532.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YjnbXwyw4Gw/XOUZEsva3aI/AAAAAAAAVBI/hPsjW9iGLX0Xr5cx9I198N8Yno6OD0sIwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180222_140511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="503" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YjnbXwyw4Gw/XOUZEsva3aI/AAAAAAAAVBI/hPsjW9iGLX0Xr5cx9I198N8Yno6OD0sIwCLcBGAs/s640/20180222_140511.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nRozopuRYn4/XOUcpcrLAEI/AAAAAAAAVBU/24NHyyPpHvwQdcnkEPo_OX8q6z2jmkk-gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nRozopuRYn4/XOUcpcrLAEI/AAAAAAAAVBU/24NHyyPpHvwQdcnkEPo_OX8q6z2jmkk-gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4713.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-km8wPr4NbVo/XOUdfjr7ujI/AAAAAAAAVBc/KAdg7qOfpYAJzeJ77i0odu_Ge7Zj64GLgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="1600" height="325" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-km8wPr4NbVo/XOUdfjr7ujI/AAAAAAAAVBc/KAdg7qOfpYAJzeJ77i0odu_Ge7Zj64GLgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4743.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TvT_kgIwrWQ/XOUeJcDpIdI/AAAAAAAAVBo/mLjpheBKWcAa7egszHp7LdL6_E_lMIDWQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180222_140831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TvT_kgIwrWQ/XOUeJcDpIdI/AAAAAAAAVBo/mLjpheBKWcAa7egszHp7LdL6_E_lMIDWQCLcBGAs/s640/20180222_140831.jpg" width="360" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5XHGaUEH1qE/XOUfcA6urjI/AAAAAAAAVBw/g_Uu_ZqDmYAcTCUoFmZEuiUBQDDiJG0mgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5XHGaUEH1qE/XOUfcA6urjI/AAAAAAAAVBw/g_Uu_ZqDmYAcTCUoFmZEuiUBQDDiJG0mgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4704.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ku8bZNLyII/XOUgb9Orw0I/AAAAAAAAVB4/nOWtu2Y6FdAxQBty4_oyrfasn5jh0nsTgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ku8bZNLyII/XOUgb9Orw0I/AAAAAAAAVB4/nOWtu2Y6FdAxQBty4_oyrfasn5jh0nsTgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4723.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2lRfaVt4WfE/XOUh7xw0WXI/AAAAAAAAVCE/Qbr5X5CadBsRKOx6FEioPnh18klIL-fAwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2lRfaVt4WfE/XOUh7xw0WXI/AAAAAAAAVCE/Qbr5X5CadBsRKOx6FEioPnh18klIL-fAwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4750.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eQ4_O-Rfu8k/XOUkS4c55_I/AAAAAAAAVCU/3n1zlvKHNfwqSv9oUQRakt64fitrFJhswCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eQ4_O-Rfu8k/XOUkS4c55_I/AAAAAAAAVCU/3n1zlvKHNfwqSv9oUQRakt64fitrFJhswCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4748.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-980llsskOuA/XOUldu454JI/AAAAAAAAVCc/xbpPUrz6Ejgbk6yEPRsZDULdD_cN-ALiwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1264" data-original-width="1600" height="252" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-980llsskOuA/XOUldu454JI/AAAAAAAAVCc/xbpPUrz6Ejgbk6yEPRsZDULdD_cN-ALiwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4757.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9QPkVCyAK0A/XOUmDjpfeAI/AAAAAAAAVCo/t6nsg4wKBPc6ptLKhB8Eoo1OjZmk5JtBQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9QPkVCyAK0A/XOUmDjpfeAI/AAAAAAAAVCo/t6nsg4wKBPc6ptLKhB8Eoo1OjZmk5JtBQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4699.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-64948734293518002772019-05-23T02:44:00.000-07:002019-05-23T02:44:04.185-07:00Keep Calm and Eat Gallo Pinto<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-14-40NwJVXQ/XMqrh9MJlDI/AAAAAAAAUnU/3kcxkojOGEgrjx0K5t-lDJay-fojZBfigCLcBGAs/s1600/20180218_073832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-14-40NwJVXQ/XMqrh9MJlDI/AAAAAAAAUnU/3kcxkojOGEgrjx0K5t-lDJay-fojZBfigCLcBGAs/s320/20180218_073832.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">A Gallo Pinto breakfast</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Ahh, the breakfast of champions. The
Gallo Pinto is Costa Rica's standard breakfast. Consisting of rice
and black beans with scrambled eggs on the side and, if you are
lucky, fried banana. It is a hearty way to start the day, and we did
indeed start most days with this gluten free staple. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
After breakfast, still in Tortuguera,
we swam in the pool in the rain and then headed off at lunchtime for
our next destination, La Fortuna, and its main attraction the Arenal
Volcano. After arriving at the Sunset Inn we checked out the tour
options and came across a 9hr, 11km hike around the volcano base,
over muddy rainforest canyons, alongside several waterfalls and
finishing at a hot springs dip in the evening. Sounded just like our
cup of tea and we immediately put ourselves on the list for the next
day.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H9-OQgXHgTk/XMqu84M8fJI/AAAAAAAAUno/m6LCPYTxviI8lZxyNwc7VYAwps-7yAeWQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180217_135412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H9-OQgXHgTk/XMqu84M8fJI/AAAAAAAAUno/m6LCPYTxviI8lZxyNwc7VYAwps-7yAeWQCLcBGAs/s320/20180217_135412.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Daniel Ryan from Red Lava Tours was our
tour guide for the day and along with a great bunch of travellers from
around the globe we set off the next morning for a day full of
adventure. Daniel was a true environmentalist, refusing to use
insect repellent because it is bad for the forest soil and the
wildlife. In response he had contracted Dengue fever twice and Zika
once. He was full of great stories and crazy ideas and would climb
trees at will like he was half monkey.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv15JAQhZg0/XMquxD05RjI/AAAAAAAAUns/anlHbW9TRzAiC8pUY92fXM3LfCbY4FWugCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180217_120403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv15JAQhZg0/XMquxD05RjI/AAAAAAAAUns/anlHbW9TRzAiC8pUY92fXM3LfCbY4FWugCEwYBhgL/s400/20180217_120403.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B3on6pju6fg/XMqvDr2Jt3I/AAAAAAAAUnw/5cUz4KfTT7wa4V3muAl7xNd7_WcD5_0zACEwYBhgL/s1600/20180217_141617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B3on6pju6fg/XMqvDr2Jt3I/AAAAAAAAUnw/5cUz4KfTT7wa4V3muAl7xNd7_WcD5_0zACEwYBhgL/s400/20180217_141617.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--twuR-LKNrE/XMqv5IB6EHI/AAAAAAAAUn8/V8KwYSPlfzI82vrlTnZJcuBfoaFmPy8NQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180217_175004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--twuR-LKNrE/XMqv5IB6EHI/AAAAAAAAUn8/V8KwYSPlfzI82vrlTnZJcuBfoaFmPy8NQCLcBGAs/s320/20180217_175004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The day was typical rainforest weather,
dark, wet and muddy, but that just added to the atmosphere of the
day. It was indeed a very challenging hike with most of the views
obstructed by the bad weather. It even had a set of seven canyons
called the Devil's Comb with difficult climbs and descents that
challenged everybody. Nobody complained though with everybody
chipping in and helping everybody else. Whenever you slipped into a
slimy mud hole there would be a hand to help you up, or helping you
balance down the path or yelling encouragement while climbing a rope.
Such a great bunch and such a sense of accomplishment finishing the
main hike.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-twoOmffHtBs/XMqqVkPkOmI/AAAAAAAAUm0/Fry2ge4iyn8dPG0kmaDTmCFCQ46p__hXACLcBGAs/s1600/20180217_165559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-twoOmffHtBs/XMqqVkPkOmI/AAAAAAAAUm0/Fry2ge4iyn8dPG0kmaDTmCFCQ46p__hXACLcBGAs/s320/20180217_165559.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Brave swimmers at the Danta Waterfall</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
At the Danta river and waterfall some
of the group decided to go for a swim and then it was on to the
tropical gardens at the Arenal Observatory. It was getting dark by
this point, but there was enough light to see the fabulous Red Eyed
Tree Frog that captivated us all.<span id="goog_674170247"></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aSfpyxMK0dA/XMqqgCFygDI/AAAAAAAAUnE/D748Xt6VRvwvWU9UlmvB_l8k2Gyf6Zt8gCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180217_173515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1600" height="134" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aSfpyxMK0dA/XMqqgCFygDI/AAAAAAAAUnE/D748Xt6VRvwvWU9UlmvB_l8k2Gyf6Zt8gCEwYBhgL/s200/20180217_173515.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Enthralled</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_674170246"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0bKsHQvq9zs/XMqqtYe0-UI/AAAAAAAAUnA/zo2HLNN2oxACDYD__Ic0G3sY4ZGEKi8jQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180217_174042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="1542" height="255" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0bKsHQvq9zs/XMqqtYe0-UI/AAAAAAAAUnA/zo2HLNN2oxACDYD__Ic0G3sY4ZGEKi8jQCLcBGAs/s400/20180217_174042.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Onto the bus we went, only to stop by
the side of the road at some free natural hot springs. It was a bit
of a trek down and pitch black and we literally fell into the running
water that was wonderful and warm, especially on our very tired
muscles. Very strong rum cocktails came out of nowhere and Daniel
went around and gave us all mud facials. A perfect end for a perfect
day, if slogging through mud, climbing up and sliding down steep
slippery jungle canyons on a wet miserable cold day is your idea of
fun. Hell yeah <span style="font-family: "wingdings";"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We did very little the next day because
I could barely walk, every step was agony, recovery was going to take
a few days…The day after that we headed off to explore the
Monteverde Cloud Forest, leaving the Arenal Volcano behind us. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-axqe-pydv7w/XMqoHZmP_sI/AAAAAAAAUmY/nIE9Ux9caoUvmYmtCQm_oEzgd9zm9aEpQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180219_094603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="1600" height="306" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-axqe-pydv7w/XMqoHZmP_sI/AAAAAAAAUmY/nIE9Ux9caoUvmYmtCQm_oEzgd9zm9aEpQCLcBGAs/s640/20180219_094603.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">The Arenal Volcano</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-83267214015425147042018-06-04T21:22:00.000-07:002018-06-04T21:22:06.870-07:00Pura Vida - the adventure begins...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNXr4UZmJcY/WxXiRFPWPdI/AAAAAAAASjo/KalALrTqxv4PlFl6o20jlXhN-Iir3bunQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180214_123252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNXr4UZmJcY/WxXiRFPWPdI/AAAAAAAASjo/KalALrTqxv4PlFl6o20jlXhN-Iir3bunQCLcBGAs/s200/20180214_123252.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: yellow;">Tortuguero</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Waking up early in the morning on
Valentine's Day our host kindly greeted us with an early breakfast
before we were picked up by our bus to our next destination. Having
only organised this section of our trip two days ago, after seeing a
leaflet on the counter of our accommodation, we were full of
apprehension and excitement for the real start of our Costa Rican
adventure. After several hours we stopped for breakfast (our lunch)
at a stop which brought in people from all directions. Pura Vida was
the greeting of the day and we were to find out that this is the
national greeting in Costa Rica, meaning Pure Life. After everybody
was fed we were all sorted onto different coaches depending on our
next destination. After about another hour, change to a boat, another
stop and then another boat, we finally arrived at our destination
Tortuguero.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ARxYjzLpAns/WxXihmRFugI/AAAAAAAASjw/FaFCb01mmEELd-_1sQOUkNpxXxOHB_4ngCLcBGAs/s1600/20180215_132748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1600" height="97" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ARxYjzLpAns/WxXihmRFugI/AAAAAAAASjw/FaFCb01mmEELd-_1sQOUkNpxXxOHB_4ngCLcBGAs/s200/20180215_132748.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Recycling Plant</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The awesome little one street town
contains no cars (you can only come here by boat) and mainly contains
eating places and accommodation except for a recycling plant which
takes recyclables, especially plastics, and creates useable items out
of them such as furniture. We were taken to the tourist office
running our tour and given a rundown of what was going to happen for
the couple of days we were here. A sign on their desk said “<b><i>Cuanto
mas amamos el mundo, mas hermoso nos parece</i></b>”, which roughly
translates to “The more we love the world, the more beautiful it
seems to us.” I am certainly loving Costa Rica and it is getting
more beautiful every day :-)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f6iobWrC6E4/WxVcjDLKorI/AAAAAAAASjE/ETyMkl5eJCY1f6ZKcTPsrJe2plPoQeI7wCLcBGAs/s1600/River.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f6iobWrC6E4/WxVcjDLKorI/AAAAAAAASjE/ETyMkl5eJCY1f6ZKcTPsrJe2plPoQeI7wCLcBGAs/s400/River.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
Tortuguero means land of turtles and is
a turtle breeding site, but it was the wrong time of year for
observing breeding. It is also a rainforest and despite several years
of drought, was in catch up mode the next day. We got up bright and
early for our canoe trip on the river and with four other people and
a guide we explored the Tortuguero River using arm power. We had some
dry moments and many wet moments as we traversed a totally clean and
crisp river system surrounded by lovely lush jungle and saw a large
range of wildlife including numerous birds (h<span lang="en-US">erons,
ibis, hummingbirds etc)</span>, monkeys, crocodiles and turtles.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wCFlNB0Z428/WxVceA0J-9I/AAAAAAAASjI/pCW4PZtRehchfGz79n2HYaE2Wf2BDoW5ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wCFlNB0Z428/WxVceA0J-9I/AAAAAAAASjI/pCW4PZtRehchfGz79n2HYaE2Wf2BDoW5ACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_4562.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6fdqoOkNI8/WxXqgBeuKWI/AAAAAAAASj8/j00YnIZBkgwLgwNI6_9oSsCtJ8upL_6lACLcBGAs/s1600/Line%2BBreak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2" data-original-width="1366" height="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6fdqoOkNI8/WxXqgBeuKWI/AAAAAAAASj8/j00YnIZBkgwLgwNI6_9oSsCtJ8upL_6lACLcBGAs/s320/Line%2BBreak.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wwSRAGhkmWc/WxVc67MHE4I/AAAAAAAASjU/MCV3HqYtJ6MWu4jt3NE6BTUalYWEGpg0wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1590" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wwSRAGhkmWc/WxVc67MHE4I/AAAAAAAASjU/MCV3HqYtJ6MWu4jt3NE6BTUalYWEGpg0wCEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_4601.JPG" width="198" /></a></div>
The river trip was followed by a hike
in the jungle. We took up the offer of the included knee high rubber
wellies and large waterproof coats as we began trekking looking for
wildlife. This was in contrast to the fairly stubborn Polish couple
who hit the jungle in shorts and sandals, despite numerous requests
from our guide for them to dress more appropriately. We were
comfortable in our decision as we trudged along paths with large,
deep, muddy puddles and withstood numerous showers. Our wildlife
experience included h<span lang="en-US">owler & white faced
Capucin monkeys, more birds, lizards and Costa Rica's national bird
the clay coloured robin. Thanks to our keen eyed guide we even came
across the elusive sloth, which to us just looked like a termite
mound. Though considering that sloths live their whole lives in the
one tree and only come down once every ten days to do their business
at the base of the same tree, s/he and the guide probably see each
other every day. The only time we came across rubbish was plastic on
the beach, but the guide explained this was not the town's rubbish
but gets washed in from the oceans. Another reminder how we need to
stop plastic ASAP!</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YKTDFPp6I10/WxX0IQMRcZI/AAAAAAAASkI/afOQ7r0k1MYXBjjZygrtuBhlBeB4Jq7tgCLcBGAs/s1600/Hike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YKTDFPp6I10/WxX0IQMRcZI/AAAAAAAASkI/afOQ7r0k1MYXBjjZygrtuBhlBeB4Jq7tgCLcBGAs/s400/Hike.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: small;">Glorious Nature</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O3vFZ_SgycY/WxX0Zb_RA_I/AAAAAAAASkQ/DuzpgAfUgzMavtpeKreRHjLn3rmzbj2qACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1186" data-original-width="1600" height="237" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O3vFZ_SgycY/WxX0Zb_RA_I/AAAAAAAASkQ/DuzpgAfUgzMavtpeKreRHjLn3rmzbj2qACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4600.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: yellow;">The brown mound is a sloth</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<span lang="en-US"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-twELd5oecHI/WxX2wJFSO1I/AAAAAAAASkc/8aqVgIgyw8c7HE8eiYD3Q2SN5BvJE9G_gCLcBGAs/s1600/20180215_125958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1600" height="291" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-twELd5oecHI/WxX2wJFSO1I/AAAAAAAASkc/8aqVgIgyw8c7HE8eiYD3Q2SN5BvJE9G_gCLcBGAs/s640/20180215_125958.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: yellow;">When we reached the beach the weather took a turn for the worse</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We spent a very wet night
enjoying dinner at our very cheap resort and the next morning
enjoying its facilities including swimming in the pool in the rain.
By lunch time it was back on the boat to continue on to the next leg
of our eco adventure.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F_tI5SUiaSw/WxX4EFYgkOI/AAAAAAAASkk/_R64wGtugCAMRhHOUjemivgABAbkS0d3wCLcBGAs/s1600/20180216_114300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F_tI5SUiaSw/WxX4EFYgkOI/AAAAAAAASkk/_R64wGtugCAMRhHOUjemivgABAbkS0d3wCLcBGAs/s320/20180216_114300.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: yellow;">The meal area of our wonderful accommodation<br />located in the middle of the rainforest</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C3tTraJ6DUQ/WxX4kZDCb7I/AAAAAAAASks/xc31XaBj0eY8UXXy79CC5a7DZ7vle7IigCLcBGAs/s1600/20180214_133031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C3tTraJ6DUQ/WxX4kZDCb7I/AAAAAAAASks/xc31XaBj0eY8UXXy79CC5a7DZ7vle7IigCLcBGAs/s320/20180214_133031.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: small;">and wide verandahs</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-42277075440871349892018-05-12T03:24:00.000-07:002018-05-15T03:53:45.695-07:00Eco Bliss, Welcome to Costa Rica<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nPx38RfhV2s/WvaXlNniipI/AAAAAAAASaA/GCB1lRi7uhErBg20HwvAgDrHKs4qVrYgACLcBGAs/s1600/20180318_151801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="1600" height="129" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nPx38RfhV2s/WvaXlNniipI/AAAAAAAASaA/GCB1lRi7uhErBg20HwvAgDrHKs4qVrYgACLcBGAs/s320/20180318_151801.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">National Museum</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I was needing an environmental recharge with the lack of global action on climate change and the problems with pollution in our air and oceans. So with such good news over its renewable credentials and reputation as an eco tourist spot we decided to test out the hype over Costa Rica. Costa Rica hosts more than 5 percent of the world's biodiversity on its 25% of protected areas and 52% of forest cover. With a mix of hydro, wind, geothermal, biomass and solar power, it generates around 100% of the energy it needs using renewables. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lh-b9BEtLPE/WvaX-aBfYtI/AAAAAAAASaI/p4SZC14ba6kTeNfq6D4jDmVHCwJuMXm0gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lh-b9BEtLPE/WvaX-aBfYtI/AAAAAAAASaI/p4SZC14ba6kTeNfq6D4jDmVHCwJuMXm0gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5224.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C3zPdAaXoho/WvaYbWYh3UI/AAAAAAAASac/Ub_9oSQnn7shl4xG_sKNQ_JOiYppL8XXwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180319_171208_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C3zPdAaXoho/WvaYbWYh3UI/AAAAAAAASac/Ub_9oSQnn7shl4xG_sKNQ_JOiYppL8XXwCLcBGAs/s320/20180319_171208_001.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We arrived in the city of San Jose and first impression was that it was clean but still a fairly standard South/Central American capital city. Long way to go yet though and will spend the next month exploring the four corners of this eco powerhouse. We didn't intend to spend a lot of time in cities so after checking out our options we found there was a volcano close enough for an easy day trip.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TmUIs_3LiJM/WvaYJjTtOgI/AAAAAAAASaQ/YdwUu5B7NqIMYi_AEymhaRRhnIRPTaNRACLcBGAs/s1600/20180319_150521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TmUIs_3LiJM/WvaYJjTtOgI/AAAAAAAASaQ/YdwUu5B7NqIMYi_AEymhaRRhnIRPTaNRACLcBGAs/s320/20180319_150521.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8WaItuWwWnw/WvaYl7WXdTI/AAAAAAAASag/QP0vGva70a4fXgQeh_b0d72q4L4hhUR3gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8WaItuWwWnw/WvaYl7WXdTI/AAAAAAAASag/QP0vGva70a4fXgQeh_b0d72q4L4hhUR3gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5214.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Pre-Columbian Stone Sphere</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVsp0sK_Ztk/WvaZMhoOBsI/AAAAAAAASa0/FtDGyh-PHUYkIMGLfxDp4qyn8TCjCX-jgCLcBGAs/s1600/20180318_181737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1061" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVsp0sK_Ztk/WvaZMhoOBsI/AAAAAAAASa0/FtDGyh-PHUYkIMGLfxDp4qyn8TCjCX-jgCLcBGAs/s320/20180318_181737.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UfKdHDUfXm4/WvaY5JG5-WI/AAAAAAAASas/2J3FuyqG6RYhHQSTU8mJdTx5kKG47Z7PACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UfKdHDUfXm4/WvaY5JG5-WI/AAAAAAAASas/2J3FuyqG6RYhHQSTU8mJdTx5kKG47Z7PACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5222.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-25MiTAuNoDw/WvaZbRxY-7I/AAAAAAAASa4/paAqA3l62dEcPm-vPOOwxJl_bZPTWO6IwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180318_171732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="1600" height="187" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-25MiTAuNoDw/WvaZbRxY-7I/AAAAAAAASa4/paAqA3l62dEcPm-vPOOwxJl_bZPTWO6IwCLcBGAs/s640/20180318_171732.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Music Festival</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wr5gKNo3KQA/Wva-Ul2V4xI/AAAAAAAASbY/-PKb8P_-7VEgiZtGImqVKvwt3KOhLyCAwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wr5gKNo3KQA/Wva-Ul2V4xI/AAAAAAAASbY/-PKb8P_-7VEgiZtGImqVKvwt3KOhLyCAwCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_4516.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">The scene when we first arrived</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Volcano Irazu was an easy public bus ride that only left twice a day and came back twice a day. We caught the morning bus which took two hours on a fairly miserable wet foggy day. We arrived at the ticket booth in cloudy rainy weather and were given the option of staying there for two hours and save the $15 entrance fee. We were told it would be unlikely we would see anything. That option was very unappealing as the area didn't even have cover and we would be sitting out in the cold for two hours doing nothing, so we paid our money and went in.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Next choice was whether to go to the lookout at the volcano's highest point or have a close up look at the caldera. We decided on the caldera and started walking. Covered in cloud we were unable to make out anything significant but consoled ourselves that at least we were out and stretching our legs after the 36 hours on planes getting here. We continued following the track when over the course of about 15 minutes the fog almost completely lifted, the sun came out and we were delighted to find there was an actual volcano just below us, complete with lake in the caldera. It was an amazing view. We were gobsmacked at our good luck. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9IFiWuWgOAA/Wva-rcpdM0I/AAAAAAAASbg/B1doGMWDYf4K1jONb3u_yZnVhwt2FmncwCLcBGAs/s1600/27908016_10213600935990573_2657209447566278656_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="1600" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9IFiWuWgOAA/Wva-rcpdM0I/AAAAAAAASbg/B1doGMWDYf4K1jONb3u_yZnVhwt2FmncwCLcBGAs/s640/27908016_10213600935990573_2657209447566278656_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: yellow;">Inside the crater once the fog lifted</span><u><br />
</u></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhhLLOqgu-0/Wva-9jcDg-I/AAAAAAAASbo/HziBfdNHxi4Zo8_XKF5lniHoXLE5NWkTgCLcBGAs/s1600/28061423_10213600938590638_3956053587041189888_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="1600" height="166" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhhLLOqgu-0/Wva-9jcDg-I/AAAAAAAASbo/HziBfdNHxi4Zo8_XKF5lniHoXLE5NWkTgCLcBGAs/s640/28061423_10213600938590638_3956053587041189888_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">The Lookout</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We then took the lookout track to the high point at around 3,500m. It was a hard uphill slog, especially as my altitude issues started to kick in. Well worth the headache I had for the rest of the day with wide sweeping views over the volcano and the surrounding countryside. We also made it down and caught the public bus on time to make it back to San Jose. Well done Costa Rica, this is a good start. Well organised cheap public transport, clean air with amazing views, accessible volcano and virtually no rubbish. I am feeling pretty confident about the next month...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e7opPsTXKg4/Wva_aXwaCsI/AAAAAAAASbw/dgHnM6t5FWIDmK_l_DSz1C-OY3pAvMhZwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180319_173418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e7opPsTXKg4/Wva_aXwaCsI/AAAAAAAASbw/dgHnM6t5FWIDmK_l_DSz1C-OY3pAvMhZwCLcBGAs/s400/20180319_173418.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-53297849405950092522018-02-18T12:10:00.001-08:002018-02-18T12:10:27.739-08:00Bays of descending dragons<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Ha Long Bay</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cS6UerBhA2w/WogqIAvwbHI/AAAAAAAASEg/LbWukb9EmNkyaNgVAX96_fyzx1bovv0kgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180217_003346_681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cS6UerBhA2w/WogqIAvwbHI/AAAAAAAASEg/LbWukb9EmNkyaNgVAX96_fyzx1bovv0kgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180217_003346_681.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AeZNlz4COGI/Wog9AEDlP1I/AAAAAAAASEw/0dAsgzVQAvs65boxSyw1BcdsYBFJTgYfwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180217_222149_118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1173" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AeZNlz4COGI/Wog9AEDlP1I/AAAAAAAASEw/0dAsgzVQAvs65boxSyw1BcdsYBFJTgYfwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180217_222149_118.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c6R3wZBsaMo/Wog9OYHmNnI/AAAAAAAASE4/z1j4HYre7L8kfhU2BHGS6FAcb34UdeTHwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20180217_002645_555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c6R3wZBsaMo/Wog9OYHmNnI/AAAAAAAASE4/z1j4HYre7L8kfhU2BHGS6FAcb34UdeTHwCEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_20180217_002645_555.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">On the deck at night</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_138374961"></span><span id="goog_138374962"></span>We decided to take a two day cruise on a junk with Rosa Cruises to explore the magnificent Bay of Descending Dragons (commonly known as Ha Long Bay). This was a beautiful small but luxurious boat with cosy bedrooms with double bed and tiny ensuite bathroom, dining/living room for about 12 people and an upstairs open area for viewing the scenery and doing the morning Tai Chi class.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
The bay consists of nearly 2,000 limestone islands topped with lush trees and greenery, looking like huge boulders dropped in the ocean by a marauding giant. The story in Vietnam more runs along the line of a family of dragons deciding to stay around after protecting the local population from marauders. Some of the islands are hollow with caves.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xUlBLT1THto/Wog-xDv4IGI/AAAAAAAASFA/t_xl4EKc0SMGP1gK0MTBQDzeuAuAwyPGQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170729_083720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xUlBLT1THto/Wog-xDv4IGI/AAAAAAAASFA/t_xl4EKc0SMGP1gK0MTBQDzeuAuAwyPGQCLcBGAs/s320/20170729_083720.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lJVu346cDTs/Wog_IC_Oc7I/AAAAAAAASFE/Ggt0WkuLfDsLPDWblEkHHyCuYRog6ZSygCLcBGAs/s1600/20170729_082524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lJVu346cDTs/Wog_IC_Oc7I/AAAAAAAASFE/Ggt0WkuLfDsLPDWblEkHHyCuYRog6ZSygCLcBGAs/s200/20170729_082524.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We visited the Hang Sung Sot cave. The cave was humungous, which was good considering the stream of people moving through it in single file. Large stalagtites and stalagmites and rock formations were lit with different coloured lights to give an expansive romantic feel to the whole experience, which included a panoramic view of the surrounding bay. It took almost an hour to get through the cave.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PN6WBZgWw8w/Wog__5RtrlI/AAAAAAAASFQ/p4grR01lZbwDNofL2YfZsbTHafSg72zFQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170729_082942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="1600" height="162" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PN6WBZgWw8w/Wog__5RtrlI/AAAAAAAASFQ/p4grR01lZbwDNofL2YfZsbTHafSg72zFQCLcBGAs/s640/20170729_082942.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The days were filled with activities which included kayaking around one of the islands. We were also treated to a cooking class making the fabulous fried spring rolls with rice paper that we made vegetarian and were naturally gluten free. As it approached evening we went swimming off the side of the boat, but after a jellyfish scare swimming didn't last much longer, and we were contented with a huge dinner of Vietnamese dishes followed by sunset and moonlit views of the bay. As the evening drew to a close a crew member treated us to a song while playing his guitar. A magical time and I would thoroughly recommend at least one night on the bay. I doubt a day trip would have been as satisfying.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uCBbUDshNdY/WomUUpcNLJI/AAAAAAAASGY/rNQ4sJYPvWA84GzxYsb-b_3e-9DV3av8wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20180218_224930_736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="1600" height="207" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uCBbUDshNdY/WomUUpcNLJI/AAAAAAAASGY/rNQ4sJYPvWA84GzxYsb-b_3e-9DV3av8wCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_20180218_224930_736.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Free entertainment</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JMvuSgDIAQA/WomT8MjEXdI/AAAAAAAASGU/i-6HwEHBxXUlHYUWnYiDiphlzYjfCvShQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20180218_224820_243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1010" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JMvuSgDIAQA/WomT8MjEXdI/AAAAAAAASGU/i-6HwEHBxXUlHYUWnYiDiphlzYjfCvShQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_20180218_224820_243.jpg" width="201" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Cooking class</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDCPgjtwx1Y/WokHcz3HpII/AAAAAAAASFk/i7cyY0EYugE_Q4Wqsrtr-ELkLsZWCaMZQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180216_231158_542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDCPgjtwx1Y/WokHcz3HpII/AAAAAAAASFk/i7cyY0EYugE_Q4Wqsrtr-ELkLsZWCaMZQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180216_231158_542.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cT_fBsUneZM/WokITIC9jYI/AAAAAAAASFw/HshpI_4TvPo7bw6Vdtg9NyCD1C8yNUxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180217_003210_810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="1600" height="222" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cT_fBsUneZM/WokITIC9jYI/AAAAAAAASFw/HshpI_4TvPo7bw6Vdtg9NyCD1C8yNUxkgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180217_003210_810.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pzSbZnD3whc/WokHulEfr6I/AAAAAAAASFo/HyXqoJMxRqU2gfi6OHWwlIP7NYvT6I-SACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180217_003042_025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pzSbZnD3whc/WokHulEfr6I/AAAAAAAASFo/HyXqoJMxRqU2gfi6OHWwlIP7NYvT6I-SACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180217_003042_025.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YWgbTeb6xRw/WokInUg1wZI/AAAAAAAASF4/mis5F4R6TN0KqBNg931cw43S3pFmFJ4QQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180216_231029_297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="1600" height="206" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YWgbTeb6xRw/WokInUg1wZI/AAAAAAAASF4/mis5F4R6TN0KqBNg931cw43S3pFmFJ4QQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180216_231029_297.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiDhlfOw6t0/WokICb0uVWI/AAAAAAAASFs/jMUlzJ_NLYYVNxft7wJtq7p-b5P67jxxACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180216_231449_716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1600" height="280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiDhlfOw6t0/WokICb0uVWI/AAAAAAAASFs/jMUlzJ_NLYYVNxft7wJtq7p-b5P67jxxACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180216_231449_716.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Sunset from the boat</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRe2__IjEtg/WokI6rezVHI/AAAAAAAASGE/aFtQ_UUVPn03uReIWeZA3aSdoT1gj_jJQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170729_084608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="1600" height="252" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRe2__IjEtg/WokI6rezVHI/AAAAAAAASGE/aFtQ_UUVPn03uReIWeZA3aSdoT1gj_jJQCLcBGAs/s640/20170729_084608.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">View from the cave</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Tam Coc</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Tam Coc in the Ninh Binh Province is well known as the Bay of Descending Dragons on Land (or the more common title Ha Long Bay on land). This is predictably because it has the same feature of green topped rock formations sprouting out of the ground everywhere. The best way to see them is on a boat ride on the river that goes through three natural tunnels. The boat ride itself is part of the adventure as they are rowed by women who mostly use their bare feet. They are incredibly adept and fast and it is quite a unique spectacle. While pondering this feat your senses are assaulted by amazing scenery and the rocks jutting out all around you when suddenly she rows you right into a cave. Dark and low you are ducking the rocks that seem inches from your head and then you come out into the sunlight on the other side. There are two more caves before you turn around and come back again. It's worth coming to this area for that boat trip alone.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YcD1aCdqaLU/WomWdIKRfKI/AAAAAAAASGs/lugrdOup-ncNOvS0Zy5tmN-krL0dGHOuQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180217_054041_613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YcD1aCdqaLU/WomWdIKRfKI/AAAAAAAASGs/lugrdOup-ncNOvS0Zy5tmN-krL0dGHOuQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180217_054041_613.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHO6qX7ZyzE/WomWxS9YzhI/AAAAAAAASG0/CJZhOt9rDnsFYOu7Eaf0LrxZKObo93tqgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180217_053122_967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHO6qX7ZyzE/WomWxS9YzhI/AAAAAAAASG0/CJZhOt9rDnsFYOu7Eaf0LrxZKObo93tqgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180217_053122_967.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vPknHqX2Ios/WomW75iqDQI/AAAAAAAASG8/g3Z0J8L7jtU-oXug4wn7yIE0MDLtnxCoQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180217_053536_987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1018" data-original-width="1600" height="203" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vPknHqX2Ios/WomW75iqDQI/AAAAAAAASG8/g3Z0J8L7jtU-oXug4wn7yIE0MDLtnxCoQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180217_053536_987.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7fHKRKoN8gw/WomXGpBvHjI/AAAAAAAASHA/6q1mZTVC254gN5DZgg-gEqGuEA92nxtSwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170731_132816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7fHKRKoN8gw/WomXGpBvHjI/AAAAAAAASHA/6q1mZTVC254gN5DZgg-gEqGuEA92nxtSwCLcBGAs/s320/20170731_132816.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_x7o-cWHOJQ/WomXMoN06RI/AAAAAAAASHE/C7mspaakN8sQhSU5ZD3ruxGnnZCJbMWAwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180217_053346_738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_x7o-cWHOJQ/WomXMoN06RI/AAAAAAAASHE/C7mspaakN8sQhSU5ZD3ruxGnnZCJbMWAwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180217_053346_738.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CIKByfCLrvY/Wona0L8MGbI/AAAAAAAASIU/CSqp6xUIapIgsjKrgAntjDeGvdsOMDFigCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180217_052848_053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CIKByfCLrvY/Wona0L8MGbI/AAAAAAAASIU/CSqp6xUIapIgsjKrgAntjDeGvdsOMDFigCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180217_052848_053.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ut7-mQVpnsM/WomXqC-BHPI/AAAAAAAASHU/qLYrGxtq5RYWHOy7u52MGBHv71neAlehQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180217_054554_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ut7-mQVpnsM/WomXqC-BHPI/AAAAAAAASHU/qLYrGxtq5RYWHOy7u52MGBHv71neAlehQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180217_054554_003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qG0qOBUFEN0/WomX4YMy4iI/AAAAAAAASHY/-0pRc75-mwsQQYo2rdrUeYMxpES6hHDDQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180217_053928_801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qG0qOBUFEN0/WomX4YMy4iI/AAAAAAAASHY/-0pRc75-mwsQQYo2rdrUeYMxpES6hHDDQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180217_053928_801.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tGXy7tvRxKQ/WomYEfCcuAI/AAAAAAAASHg/ORVfkbi7CM4bEkGKvHHaNS310-ErxEE1QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180217_054407_878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="1600" height="152" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tGXy7tvRxKQ/WomYEfCcuAI/AAAAAAAASHg/ORVfkbi7CM4bEkGKvHHaNS310-ErxEE1QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180217_054407_878.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_zSbphdhUE/WomYW93ukPI/AAAAAAAASHk/i_ZwwxjS8AMd06W_VtUK8to-rLMRMSZWgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180217_052122_558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_zSbphdhUE/WomYW93ukPI/AAAAAAAASHk/i_ZwwxjS8AMd06W_VtUK8to-rLMRMSZWgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180217_052122_558.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We then went by bicycle for about 3km on roads with more stunning scenery to the Bich Dong Pagoda. This 15th century pagoda is built into the side of a mountain on three levels and is a fascinating amalgamation of ancient monuments with the natural environment.<br />
<br />
And so ends our trip to Vietnam. Well, technically it did not end there. It ended in Hanoi, which featured in the last post, but I hope you can see why I wanted to put these two unique but intertwined places together in the one post. That was the end of this travel experience and we put Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam behind us and headed home, that is until our next travel experience in Central America...<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yk3UCU0kXSI/WonZBW8msEI/AAAAAAAASH8/AI7uKyLmlMcj99dwt2LYB3Pd-R7wwaXRQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180217_052446_993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1055" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yk3UCU0kXSI/WonZBW8msEI/AAAAAAAASH8/AI7uKyLmlMcj99dwt2LYB3Pd-R7wwaXRQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180217_052446_993.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_WBxFx0u9k/WonZxLRHDEI/AAAAAAAASIE/EX85CUQj-UsOZjITozElJgLZm1zw3apQQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180217_052241_772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_WBxFx0u9k/WonZxLRHDEI/AAAAAAAASIE/EX85CUQj-UsOZjITozElJgLZm1zw3apQQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180217_052241_772.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7C4HNHmYJbQ/WonaKamAXkI/AAAAAAAASII/ZW8Qe84iSdotxuooCI8mw5W3EtE11giyQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180217_053005_763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7C4HNHmYJbQ/WonaKamAXkI/AAAAAAAASII/ZW8Qe84iSdotxuooCI8mw5W3EtE11giyQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180217_053005_763.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dXP7FR_84D4/WonaYhtzt7I/AAAAAAAASIM/DWzUWTh7BVQkiakFKeJubq3f2HYTrEUNwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180217_054709_705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dXP7FR_84D4/WonaYhtzt7I/AAAAAAAASIM/DWzUWTh7BVQkiakFKeJubq3f2HYTrEUNwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180217_054709_705.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NHiPLu5StxM/Wonal_3eEoI/AAAAAAAASIQ/ZhqWGCfXqfkN10OrDKgQasEDcYoNTyQhACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180217_052641_366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="1600" height="206" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NHiPLu5StxM/Wonal_3eEoI/AAAAAAAASIQ/ZhqWGCfXqfkN10OrDKgQasEDcYoNTyQhACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180217_052641_366.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-78220101288008605022018-02-09T06:08:00.000-08:002018-02-22T20:23:50.834-08:00Sapa has a Fansipan Mountain but Hanoi is the Motorcycle City<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qk-aCgK9mGo/Wn08bLA-EgI/AAAAAAAAR9E/4CklxwR3D28j9UPj2sFYSrWrv9_0emr5QCLcBGAs/s1600/20170725_142742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1600" height="284" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qk-aCgK9mGo/Wn08bLA-EgI/AAAAAAAAR9E/4CklxwR3D28j9UPj2sFYSrWrv9_0emr5QCLcBGAs/s640/20170725_142742.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It took a 12 hour overnight train to
Hanoi, several hours enjoying the ambience, food and street view of
the second floor of a nearby vegan restaurant (The Veg), and then a 6
hour capsule bus ride to get to Sapa, but it was worth the trip.
Again proving how varied and delightful is the scenery of Vietnam,
Sapa was cool, green, wet and high (about 1,500m). Surrounded by
mountains, tribes and rice fields it could arguably be called the
hiking capital of Vietnam.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UHBHuIYSk5c/Wn1MZ4OIJ5I/AAAAAAAAR9U/uY4ov3MEbecRddhb7tE4khHEMW6m2QD7ACLcBGAs/s1600/20170727_121230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UHBHuIYSk5c/Wn1MZ4OIJ5I/AAAAAAAAR9U/uY4ov3MEbecRddhb7tE4khHEMW6m2QD7ACLcBGAs/s320/20170727_121230.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Sapa Lake</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We settled into the Paris Boutique
Hotel with glorious views of the Sapa Lake, having been upgraded to
the top floor due to a lack of visitors at this time of year. It was
a luxurious room, we were well looked after and it was only about $35
AU per night if memory serves me correctly, one of our more expensive
stays.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hTWqoa3Wh8U/Wn1PWSHpX1I/AAAAAAAAR9g/TUVsltvI0i4sBO_TYCnvSK1oPteFxdjWwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1011" data-original-width="1600" height="202" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hTWqoa3Wh8U/Wn1PWSHpX1I/AAAAAAAAR9g/TUVsltvI0i4sBO_TYCnvSK1oPteFxdjWwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4140.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Town space for activities</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We spent a large portion of time here
(day and night) exploring the town by walking randomly. Taking in the
community atmosphere with the well used public spaces made available,
and the marvellous scenery from all of the different vantage spots.
Not easy considering this is not a flat town. Several day trips took
us into the more mountainous regions. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gF1hM_WH_58/Wn1Q3XFXDqI/AAAAAAAAR9s/n4T5Q3w9WzohGdvlaEUD1bu_B02YCmk8ACLcBGAs/s1600/20170726_194637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gF1hM_WH_58/Wn1Q3XFXDqI/AAAAAAAAR9s/n4T5Q3w9WzohGdvlaEUD1bu_B02YCmk8ACLcBGAs/s320/20170726_194637.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Dancing in the park</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N8zOb7D7p4Y/Wn1RW4x_Y3I/AAAAAAAAR90/iAEf4U7JRjgOUyi0hqNyyzpupmXjRmJUQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170725_185706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N8zOb7D7p4Y/Wn1RW4x_Y3I/AAAAAAAAR90/iAEf4U7JRjgOUyi0hqNyyzpupmXjRmJUQCLcBGAs/s320/20170725_185706.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Fansipan Mountain from the edge of town</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YIhnsIepNx8/Wn1SlFuHAWI/AAAAAAAAR-A/-nB7gxxzqlMRPYpMU6YJrIJyNwot0aLaQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170725_140855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="1600" height="208" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YIhnsIepNx8/Wn1SlFuHAWI/AAAAAAAAR-A/-nB7gxxzqlMRPYpMU6YJrIJyNwot0aLaQCLcBGAs/s640/20170725_140855.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Ham Rong Mountain</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eZeb8v0vMX4/Wn1UHkaiB6I/AAAAAAAAR-Q/XRiSrxkielgES8LcIKNeKl3ns5oeQyUxgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170725_125449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eZeb8v0vMX4/Wn1UHkaiB6I/AAAAAAAAR-Q/XRiSrxkielgES8LcIKNeKl3ns5oeQyUxgCLcBGAs/s320/20170725_125449.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KRlxykT4sVw/Wn1VZpN9-UI/AAAAAAAAR-s/oxCbW1k1ZZsqdvBRkzasnMhr6GgsipiJACEwYBhgL/s1600/20170725_133648.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KRlxykT4sVw/Wn1VZpN9-UI/AAAAAAAAR-s/oxCbW1k1ZZsqdvBRkzasnMhr6GgsipiJACEwYBhgL/s320/20170725_133648.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Day one was a hike through Ham Rong
Mountain, walking distance from the town and boasting amazing gardens
full of sculptures, lakes and flowers, culminating at an altitude of
1,800m on a platform with panoramic views around the town and
surrounding countryside.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-bbpszDQEI/Wn1UfX5Cw_I/AAAAAAAAR-U/5w7RWTCJICgoNjrKfY8n140-j9O5uWuKgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170725_143652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-bbpszDQEI/Wn1UfX5Cw_I/AAAAAAAAR-U/5w7RWTCJICgoNjrKfY8n140-j9O5uWuKgCLcBGAs/s400/20170725_143652.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V3xSTaBImmY/Wn1U3psceJI/AAAAAAAAR-c/bEv6aBvB38QcyBhW8-b_E0BfzSf0AxgkwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170725_141737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V3xSTaBImmY/Wn1U3psceJI/AAAAAAAAR-c/bEv6aBvB38QcyBhW8-b_E0BfzSf0AxgkwCEwYBhgL/s320/20170725_141737.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X2t4GqCzOLk/Wn1W_ck9JXI/AAAAAAAAR-0/To67mgpmGf8yfB3kpwladH2BwU3isjAXwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170725_174035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X2t4GqCzOLk/Wn1W_ck9JXI/AAAAAAAAR-0/To67mgpmGf8yfB3kpwladH2BwU3isjAXwCLcBGAs/s320/20170725_174035.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Day two was a cable car ride up
Vietnam's highest point, the peak of Fansipan Mountain. This was not
any normal cable car, why do things by half, but the longest non-stop
3 roped cable car in the world at 6,295m. Not content to stop there
it also had the highest elevation change of a 3 roped cable car in
the world, taking us up a further 1,410m. The ride was beyond scenic
taking us over picturesque rice paddies that are the trademark of
most photos on websites about Sapa. The adventure continues with a
further train ride to the peak. The top was COLD so make sure you
come prepared no matter what the weather down below is and you will
be rewarded with amazing breathtaking views whenever those pesky
clouds open up and reveal the hidden treasure beneath. We spent a few
hours here as we struggled to tear ourselves away from the stunning
views.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOHma4_RJOo/Wn1bRizGKWI/AAAAAAAAR_A/idbxbP_6JUAfjW3njK2utqMmjF_qcKcnQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170726_162419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOHma4_RJOo/Wn1bRizGKWI/AAAAAAAAR_A/idbxbP_6JUAfjW3njK2utqMmjF_qcKcnQCLcBGAs/s400/20170726_162419.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;"></span><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w6fY7r9Sl6I/Wn1cF0Wjv6I/AAAAAAAAR_I/_4sXFFE8jvIoSYn9nG4Mu7CtbfAMQx9ygCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1425" data-original-width="1600" height="284" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w6fY7r9Sl6I/Wn1cF0Wjv6I/AAAAAAAAR_I/_4sXFFE8jvIoSYn9nG4Mu7CtbfAMQx9ygCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4105.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rj5YlgBZUpk/Wn1cb-AKf3I/AAAAAAAAR_M/bvItUyXX6r4MRTFePpfRRtz91GCLbaP9ACLcBGAs/s1600/20170726_151943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="1600" height="182" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rj5YlgBZUpk/Wn1cb-AKf3I/AAAAAAAAR_M/bvItUyXX6r4MRTFePpfRRtz91GCLbaP9ACLcBGAs/s640/20170726_151943.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-12ZwRq_80fY/Wn1cvubvJSI/AAAAAAAAR_Y/60kIMRNAzWgOkNBsdC4nhocY3kZp0uIZQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-12ZwRq_80fY/Wn1cvubvJSI/AAAAAAAAR_Y/60kIMRNAzWgOkNBsdC4nhocY3kZp0uIZQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4069.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zPJMDIO9csU/Wn1c_Tb-CpI/AAAAAAAAR_g/5ml13DF5ZGcvMwSvR0_Gy3RDl-N0EssgQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zPJMDIO9csU/Wn1c_Tb-CpI/AAAAAAAAR_g/5ml13DF5ZGcvMwSvR0_Gy3RDl-N0EssgQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4121.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EJ_9PWAzF_o/Wn1dlmJZMyI/AAAAAAAAR_s/TlDWqAl5wP8zN3mNoIrl3ZxivnG0Y2mKACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EJ_9PWAzF_o/Wn1dlmJZMyI/AAAAAAAAR_s/TlDWqAl5wP8zN3mNoIrl3ZxivnG0Y2mKACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4133.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpdvzwbjBOU/Wn1en1CE59I/AAAAAAAAR_4/Bv6R3rsZqc8Ejddxkzt5MxtD9OOK7ujRwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpdvzwbjBOU/Wn1en1CE59I/AAAAAAAAR_4/Bv6R3rsZqc8Ejddxkzt5MxtD9OOK7ujRwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4125.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQllRJaWeQg/Wn1fETnHX-I/AAAAAAAAR_8/8ctqzdUuRPgyGsDHj5RozSv-PIHR_Q9JwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170726_151443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQllRJaWeQg/Wn1fETnHX-I/AAAAAAAAR_8/8ctqzdUuRPgyGsDHj5RozSv-PIHR_Q9JwCLcBGAs/s640/20170726_151443.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">Hanoi</span></h2>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Once we left Sapa we went back to Hanoi
for a day before a tour out to Ha Long Bay, but I am going to break
with tradition and discuss our time at Hanoi now so that third and
second last locations can share the final chapter on Vietnam. You
will understand why when you read it.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dz28IAORcwc/Wn1hkU23SQI/AAAAAAAASAM/gVAwFYkF5G4J3u2M_vPPOs1sFKxJ21uQACLcBGAs/s1600/20170803_164205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1099" data-original-width="1600" height="219" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dz28IAORcwc/Wn1hkU23SQI/AAAAAAAASAM/gVAwFYkF5G4J3u2M_vPPOs1sFKxJ21uQACLcBGAs/s320/20170803_164205.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Playing Mahjong at a Pagoda</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam,
can arguably be called the motorcycle city with its over 4 million
plus motorbikes sloshing around the streets like a rushing river.
Crossing the street is an adventure sport. It also has a fascinating
mix of old and new with many old districts and centuries old
architecture, lovely parks and lakes that made aimless wandering
around the streets, especially at night, a pure joy.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We made numerous exploratory walks
around the nearby Hoan Kiem Lake and the surrounding architecture
which included the Hanoi Opera House. We also watched a show at the
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, which I really enjoyed. Puppets on
water controlled by puppeteers in the water themselves behind a
screen with live cultural music. Finally we took a day trip from a
tour operator across the road from our hotel, visiting the final
resting place of Ho Chi Minh, the humble house he lived in on stilts
(because he refused more opulent surroundings), the Tran Quoc Pagoda
on the huge West Lake and St Joseph's Cathedral among other things.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Hanoi was a nice, relaxing, diverse and
architecturally interesting place to finish our trip and we left with
many fond memories and fun and interesting experiences of our time in
Vietnam.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xm_BLpRXPAU/Wn1-tlv8QCI/AAAAAAAASAc/dk-afBxokCsP7c7raUtIYKK94iner9TMACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1185" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xm_BLpRXPAU/Wn1-tlv8QCI/AAAAAAAASAc/dk-afBxokCsP7c7raUtIYKK94iner9TMACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4371.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">St Joseph's Cathedral</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n7buw1NykuQ/Wn1-6WnTERI/AAAAAAAASAg/9HeWPllBmigpdMhjS61DKyCjqjnw3LhdwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170801_221643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1014" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n7buw1NykuQ/Wn1-6WnTERI/AAAAAAAASAg/9HeWPllBmigpdMhjS61DKyCjqjnw3LhdwCLcBGAs/s400/20170801_221643.jpg" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">St Joseph's Cathedral at night</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrJlmctNXHs/Wn1_FCg8plI/AAAAAAAASAk/KjT8fyQrqFUvEXVD2MryNeCeTti4r0fiACLcBGAs/s1600/20170802_161825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrJlmctNXHs/Wn1_FCg8plI/AAAAAAAASAk/KjT8fyQrqFUvEXVD2MryNeCeTti4r0fiACLcBGAs/s400/20170802_161825.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1kdUV5qDXX0/Wn1_PhY3iNI/AAAAAAAASAs/iNw37ZopfZwT4tkTRdHH9LuqYSlaSDn6gCLcBGAs/s1600/20170802_200757_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1kdUV5qDXX0/Wn1_PhY3iNI/AAAAAAAASAs/iNw37ZopfZwT4tkTRdHH9LuqYSlaSDn6gCLcBGAs/s320/20170802_200757_001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Aerobics in the park</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rftVXsCyjd0/Wn1_afApq1I/AAAAAAAASAw/cx4Y6Wu2TGYBx0wog40PFgzNMg0hDCweACLcBGAs/s1600/20170803_101753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="1600" height="166" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rftVXsCyjd0/Wn1_afApq1I/AAAAAAAASAw/cx4Y6Wu2TGYBx0wog40PFgzNMg0hDCweACLcBGAs/s640/20170803_101753.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Ho Chi Minh's very modest house</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d4XH5VeuKLI/Wn2e2h7lrbI/AAAAAAAASBY/Ra1_zB3ZIXo5xOzR43r9AHCKGyNX7crjgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1090" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d4XH5VeuKLI/Wn2e2h7lrbI/AAAAAAAASBY/Ra1_zB3ZIXo5xOzR43r9AHCKGyNX7crjgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4351.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Ho Chi Minh's house outside</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tHqx8lJSP3A/Wn1_nsrU7dI/AAAAAAAASA4/W1WaYegrLsQ-QM9bStJ1RjvhDlDTAXEZgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tHqx8lJSP3A/Wn1_nsrU7dI/AAAAAAAASA4/W1WaYegrLsQ-QM9bStJ1RjvhDlDTAXEZgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4308.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">The place he did not like to stay in</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_629284086"></span><span id="goog_629284087"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-heIM6Z1yd7E/Wn2hCNNEpKI/AAAAAAAASB8/fpzO88_cu7AohDRLqz4QerN8yxkHq0N4ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1377" data-original-width="1600" height="275" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-heIM6Z1yd7E/Wn2hCNNEpKI/AAAAAAAASB8/fpzO88_cu7AohDRLqz4QerN8yxkHq0N4ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4340.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Tran Quoc Pagoda</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TfP6xbYXmFw/Wn2hOMFhGZI/AAAAAAAASCA/vtgPxHj8s1wchqA6GniteRDeCBQOO-UIwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1026" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TfP6xbYXmFw/Wn2hOMFhGZI/AAAAAAAASCA/vtgPxHj8s1wchqA6GniteRDeCBQOO-UIwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4343.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Tran Quoc Pagoda</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oplr1cHk9Tg/Wn2h1QWFIaI/AAAAAAAASCM/bmy_RqDk4icbVEO5gOQ25iK6lK_kI2-4ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oplr1cHk9Tg/Wn2h1QWFIaI/AAAAAAAASCM/bmy_RqDk4icbVEO5gOQ25iK6lK_kI2-4ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4346.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gI6NG32WLN8/Wn2izuBl5-I/AAAAAAAASCc/4tl98qiG4_ogoj3koPrIVNFalD0uHE7NACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gI6NG32WLN8/Wn2izuBl5-I/AAAAAAAASCc/4tl98qiG4_ogoj3koPrIVNFalD0uHE7NACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4331.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mndEJ0en_Jw/Wn2jlIipZAI/AAAAAAAASCk/W_ehquIQ2ucMrgInDfunSNvW-5Hu546dgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="1600" height="183" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mndEJ0en_Jw/Wn2jlIipZAI/AAAAAAAASCk/W_ehquIQ2ucMrgInDfunSNvW-5Hu546dgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4315.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DPuHm8wcbnY/Wn2kqOJC9NI/AAAAAAAASCw/YLE12S5tINE5629dwq5uPN4FSfv03UgPQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1600" height="348" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DPuHm8wcbnY/Wn2kqOJC9NI/AAAAAAAASCw/YLE12S5tINE5629dwq5uPN4FSfv03UgPQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4323.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: yellow;">Crossing the street</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx68e-ACHghnUpw5kM5VOet69S0GssjdX2Fn_nQkniY0GJlfI0hqo-OYKrCNx_WkPpr4keTCiPLUhqXqeAV' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-40216489546978043702018-01-26T22:41:00.000-08:002018-01-26T22:41:21.458-08:00Mountains of Marble and a Dragon Bridge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eahBYR2GsK8/WmXBEo5v7eI/AAAAAAAARwI/ja70lfjUev0GcKPnAihmW28idsmcpEllQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170719_130505%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="1600" height="98" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eahBYR2GsK8/WmXBEo5v7eI/AAAAAAAARwI/ja70lfjUev0GcKPnAihmW28idsmcpEllQCLcBGAs/s320/20170719_130505%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Reluctantly we left Hoi An (old town) to explore the beaches of Da Nang. Da Nang was only about an hour away and the trip passed the fabulous Marble Mountain, which we also wanted to visit, so we decided on taking a taxi that would wait for us so we could stop and do some exploring.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XziFzmZ-kIk/WmX6EcN2BHI/AAAAAAAARwc/FK0ZHCMK8PoklPsCqBKxThq-rD8KK6AVQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170719_133735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XziFzmZ-kIk/WmX6EcN2BHI/AAAAAAAARwc/FK0ZHCMK8PoklPsCqBKxThq-rD8KK6AVQCLcBGAs/s400/20170719_133735.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Awesome move. Marble Mountain is a cluster of five mountains named after the elements and the main tourist one, Thuy (water), contained some jaw dropping caves full of Buddhist carvings and icons. Get your walking shoes on and allow a couple of hours to explore the multitude of caves, walking trails, temples and gardens scattered across this mountain. Huyen Khong cave was my favourite as the scene opens up before you on entry, hugely expansive and high with a beam of light coming down from a hole in the top to illuminate majestically the sculptures and temples within.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/---DwxdTxrdU/WmX803OCNfI/AAAAAAAARwo/FNFWy4NuNIgQ33gSXXs6yoxsxv8NjAH7QCLcBGAs/s1600/20170719_15404l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1340" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/---DwxdTxrdU/WmX803OCNfI/AAAAAAAARwo/FNFWy4NuNIgQ33gSXXs6yoxsxv8NjAH7QCLcBGAs/s320/20170719_15404l.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gcYCHtwgRXk/WmYA9GrivWI/AAAAAAAARx0/mK2mZ01ne0UgtbmVk4Bm1w40sJGm955ugCLcBGAs/s1600/20170719_133903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="1600" height="281" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gcYCHtwgRXk/WmYA9GrivWI/AAAAAAAARx0/mK2mZ01ne0UgtbmVk4Bm1w40sJGm955ugCLcBGAs/s640/20170719_133903.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-heAXAUtGaUY/Wmstq9Q64cI/AAAAAAAAR0k/r2z7tonO9Ck-sqTMvC455CfUNkyUg5J0QCLcBGAs/s1600/20170719_143037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-heAXAUtGaUY/Wmstq9Q64cI/AAAAAAAAR0k/r2z7tonO9Ck-sqTMvC455CfUNkyUg5J0QCLcBGAs/s320/20170719_143037.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Just outside is a rest area before heading to the stairs of the highest peak of this mountain. Elizabeth still suffering with her broken toe and using my hiking stick as a cane attempted to get to the top. As the steps became endless, steeper and less defined she questioned her ability to make it and sent me off ahead to see how much further. I sneakily kept finding better viewing spots higher up, if she could just get that far, until finally I reached the top. The view was breathtaking so I hurried down to share the news, which spurred Elizabeth on to make it to the top. Well worth the effort!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mhL5E3lScYc/WmsvEQxLNkI/AAAAAAAAR0s/ez6eWAqMt-MNB57Xh3g2icEIz7Tulz-agCLcBGAs/s1600/20170719_142059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1600" height="264" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mhL5E3lScYc/WmsvEQxLNkI/AAAAAAAAR0s/ez6eWAqMt-MNB57Xh3g2icEIz7Tulz-agCLcBGAs/s640/20170719_142059.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">The view from the top</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Just a few words of warning, The lady selling the tickets for the elevator ride up tried to tack on an expensive map without telling us, but we had been forewarned, and she quickly retrieved it once we complained. Also the famous cave here is the Am Phu Cave and it costs money to get in and is not that good, very ostentatious and fake looking with bright lights done up for tourists. If you make it to Huyen Khong cave and only have limited time I would skip it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd_bNqei9TQ/WmszuNujIVI/AAAAAAAAR1E/zHJCuO_3gOwgF3W8qtm5nGJswLO0t-N-gCLcBGAs/s1600/20170720_160344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1600" height="153" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pd_bNqei9TQ/WmszuNujIVI/AAAAAAAAR1E/zHJCuO_3gOwgF3W8qtm5nGJswLO0t-N-gCLcBGAs/s320/20170720_160344.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Dragon Bridge</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Finally we made it to Da Nang, after exploring for an hour longer than we told the taxi driver. It was a large city, and we are generally NOT big city people, but it did have a few attractions for us. The beach of course, which was walking distance from our hostel and where the water was always warm and the ocean full of people. SOOOOOO relaxing and many friendly people. Also the Dragon Bridge that crosses the Han River and is, surprise, surprise, constructed in the shape of a dragon. It was a long walk from the hostel but an impressive structure with some nice areas along the river. Apparently on Saturday and Sunday nights there is an impressive show of fire breathing and water blowing but we came mid week and were not prepared to wait that long.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WMrbXfIOPPk/Wms2eK979CI/AAAAAAAAR1Q/jNH5PpztJtsmzBLdUh7p7VjGO5I8VojgwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170720_181441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WMrbXfIOPPk/Wms2eK979CI/AAAAAAAAR1Q/jNH5PpztJtsmzBLdUh7p7VjGO5I8VojgwCLcBGAs/s640/20170720_181441.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Da Nang</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EMgjb9-xjFM/WmtBJzuEWAI/AAAAAAAAR1g/rcOBdbw8mm0SA6cMSew3iSmTHJy2L5EogCLcBGAs/s1600/20170722_094624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="1600" height="100" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EMgjb9-xjFM/WmtBJzuEWAI/AAAAAAAAR1g/rcOBdbw8mm0SA6cMSew3iSmTHJy2L5EogCLcBGAs/s320/20170722_094624.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Hue</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So after a few days of swimming we packed up and headed for the Imperial City of Hue. The Imperial City is a walled palace within the larger city of Hue and is its most impressive attraction. Building started in 1804 when Nguyen Anh took control of Vietnam, proclaimed himself Emperor and started the Nguyen dynasty. It was heavily damaged during the Vietnam war with the US but is still a pleasant day out with plenty to see. Lots of beautiful carvings and paintings, partly restored buildings, gardens and lakes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9LawdfBQ44Y/WmtB1ckhWhI/AAAAAAAAR1o/Ed0Oyro3FoA1pWdnueoKnjj7xf3mcJmzwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170722_162017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1111" data-original-width="1600" height="222" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9LawdfBQ44Y/WmtB1ckhWhI/AAAAAAAAR1o/Ed0Oyro3FoA1pWdnueoKnjj7xf3mcJmzwCLcBGAs/s320/20170722_162017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk4dYKrkIac/WmtCOaVrTqI/AAAAAAAAR1s/ekNnaByMj58TZPPVqXgh3zoIO-_OAZ_UQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170722_164625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk4dYKrkIac/WmtCOaVrTqI/AAAAAAAAR1s/ekNnaByMj58TZPPVqXgh3zoIO-_OAZ_UQCLcBGAs/s320/20170722_164625.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9IshO7_6ptg/WmtDek1KihI/AAAAAAAAR18/I5eiFcJwlzgLYQf-7LYylNNCn551-XVxACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9IshO7_6ptg/WmtDek1KihI/AAAAAAAAR18/I5eiFcJwlzgLYQf-7LYylNNCn551-XVxACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9i2OxptXGL8/WmtDszbaloI/AAAAAAAAR2A/ZJkISNeJ1SgWZD4S9CrkSw92WmzkjTXKACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170723_181015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9i2OxptXGL8/WmtDszbaloI/AAAAAAAAR2A/ZJkISNeJ1SgWZD4S9CrkSw92WmzkjTXKACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170723_181015.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SXKisOEtUk0/WmtEDpJgBYI/AAAAAAAAR2I/KTIqLBk05GoBJRV2Y4MZrstsE2WqwibTgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170722_145326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="1600" height="172" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SXKisOEtUk0/WmtEDpJgBYI/AAAAAAAAR2I/KTIqLBk05GoBJRV2Y4MZrstsE2WqwibTgCLcBGAs/s640/20170722_145326.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YjXyxLyymIQ/WmtEnkdAPGI/AAAAAAAAR2U/e4KMuJDMN400hP32duXo3XYbpO9l9ZV-ACLcBGAs/s1600/20170722_180720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YjXyxLyymIQ/WmtEnkdAPGI/AAAAAAAAR2U/e4KMuJDMN400hP32duXo3XYbpO9l9ZV-ACLcBGAs/s320/20170722_180720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We spent a whole day there and left just as it was starting to rain. We wanted to do a dragon boat ride on the river but as it was getting late we tried to find transportation. We settled for one of the recommended taxis after a tuk tuk driver tried to charge us a small fortune. We were unlucky with him as well since my phone GPS told me he was driving us the long way around. I told him I knew what he was doing but he still went a bit out of the way and then took us to a dragon boat company that he knew. It was expensive and short but a pleasant ride nonetheless. Long story short, be careful here, it seemed a bit dodgier than most of Vietnam. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Time to move on to one of our longest journeys so far, an overnight train to Hanoi, followed by a long bus ride to Sapa and the highest mountain in Vietnam.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-40914787991031340492017-12-29T18:50:00.000-08:002017-12-29T18:50:55.888-08:00From funky monkeys to old world charm...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMKeEj0hOJI/WkYHO_EcxsI/AAAAAAAARq4/V3zDvAIbsrUA916e9XctQI3sC50UwEQ-QCLcBGAs/s1600/20170717_064102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="1600" height="188" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMKeEj0hOJI/WkYHO_EcxsI/AAAAAAAARq4/V3zDvAIbsrUA916e9XctQI3sC50UwEQ-QCLcBGAs/s640/20170717_064102.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Our next stop was the seaside resort town of Nha Trang. Again surrounded by taxis and motorcycles on getting off the bus, I checked my trusty google maps and found we were walking distance to our hotel. So we shooed the hordes away and set off by foot to find the Happy Angel Hotel. On arrival at the hotel we found they were offering a cheap boat trip for the next day on a boat called the 'Funky Monkey'. It sounded interesting so we locked that in, thinking a nice relaxing boat ride would be fun.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30nEbJk-29M/WkYHwIXVzZI/AAAAAAAARrA/o8XD92JmYE0J_WlFAy_PwxF8Y4jt-H4WgCLcBGAs/s1600/1IMG_3896.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1600" height="101" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-30nEbJk-29M/WkYHwIXVzZI/AAAAAAAARrA/o8XD92JmYE0J_WlFAy_PwxF8Y4jt-H4WgCLcBGAs/s200/1IMG_3896.jpg" width="200" /></a>Hmm, the Funky Monkey lived up to its name. On a relatively small flat boat with probably too many people we set off on our day of adventure. They were one crazy crew who I think drank more than most of the passengers, but that did not detract from the fun and mayhem that ensued. Some of the highlights included:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZ8FTsemnYU/WkYIoIGONDI/AAAAAAAARrM/FKM7TU1FMrcii9OnJ3Wb1mLP70Z4tVtYwCLcBGAs/s1600/1IMG_3899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZ8FTsemnYU/WkYIoIGONDI/AAAAAAAARrM/FKM7TU1FMrcii9OnJ3Wb1mLP70Z4tVtYwCLcBGAs/s320/1IMG_3899.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">The crew </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Swimming and snorkelling near the boat and the recommended way in was by jumping high off the side of the boat. The crew set up a makeshift free-floating bar and had an unlimited 'happy hour' with a mystery cocktail concoction. You did though need to be able to swim to the bar to get the drink.</li>
<li>Much singing from the crew and a concert with the 'funky monkey boy band'. Not sure about their musical abilities but that was part of the charm. They were fully inclusive of the passengers, finding a variety of people from different countries to sing a national song. Unfortunately with Elizabeth's broken toe as an excuse I became the Australian representative and was forced to sing a rendition of Waltzing Matilda. </li>
<li>Lunch was brilliant - they turned the wooden bench seats into one humungous table and kept bringing out food until we were bursting.</li>
<li>A relaxing visit to the beautiful beach at Tranh with many options for activities, or just sit and watch the scenery like we did.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c3PDuR0uIHY/WkYK8w_6sPI/AAAAAAAARrY/Ers1pbzmaIs4_7df9lwZBx0V0s_BBsToQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170717_123919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="1600" height="132" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c3PDuR0uIHY/WkYK8w_6sPI/AAAAAAAARrY/Ers1pbzmaIs4_7df9lwZBx0V0s_BBsToQCLcBGAs/s400/20170717_123919.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Lunch is served</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--gNTUh3ZSY0/WkYMfXGYR9I/AAAAAAAARrk/7lR9HDn4JfIay7V0QuVxr8rtdcyS7tltACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3890.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--gNTUh3ZSY0/WkYMfXGYR9I/AAAAAAAARrk/7lR9HDn4JfIay7V0QuVxr8rtdcyS7tltACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3890.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Geronimo!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qquTMmjeV64/WkYMoYjz-CI/AAAAAAAARro/atzJUjz_uUo3pCeqHS0P17VElGPJrMCJACLcBGAs/s1600/20170717_132032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qquTMmjeV64/WkYMoYjz-CI/AAAAAAAARro/atzJUjz_uUo3pCeqHS0P17VElGPJrMCJACLcBGAs/s400/20170717_132032.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">The Funky Monkey Boy Band</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
All in all that was the most memorable thing we did at Nha Trang as we continued our whirlwind tour of Vietnam the next day to the old town Hoi An. The name confused me most of the time I was there. I kept questioning whether it was 'Hoi' an old town or 'Hoi An' old town. I was assured it was the latter (but never convinced).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v6HhoH62p80/WkYNXGaBuXI/AAAAAAAARr0/8z53ShuAPBc0gSjauS6XcUQg41TOjFHOACLcBGAs/s640/20170718_094901.jpg" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Thu Bon River in Hoi An</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Travel was by overnight sleeper bus because Hoi An was a good 9 hours plus away. So after about 9 hours as we were sleeping restlessly and uncomfortably in our baby capsules the driver pulled up to the curb and just started yelling at us to get out. No 15 minute gentle warning, no sidle up to the curb with a gentle nudge on your shoulder, just 'get out. GET OUT NOW!' . Drowsily we pulled ourselves together and dragged ourselves out of the bus to be greeted by the customary horde of shuttle vehicles and their shouting owners. We shrugged them off, again found we were walking distance (thanks google) and set off for our family hotel. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dcb-lUpYFaU/WkYNFiLhNSI/AAAAAAAARrw/capZOSyIZ-UiUlSW_NI5NHrBqNbCDZ1xQCLcBGAs/s400/20170718_093422.jpg" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Hoi An</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The historic district of Hoi An (old town) is a World Heritage Site and an exquisite example of a South East Asian trading port complete with well preserved 15th century architecture and a variety of activities showcasing its history and culture. We fell in love with this little area and wandered its streets for hours, both day and night for two days. At night the lights came alive on the streets and on the water adding a completely different dimension and mood.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0aWeNrmXMVU/WkbllUBkfhI/AAAAAAAARsQ/He3b-ySnSaYKJ1ARAj2AMy2OHg6P9QYQgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1600" height="299" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0aWeNrmXMVU/WkbllUBkfhI/AAAAAAAARsQ/He3b-ySnSaYKJ1ARAj2AMy2OHg6P9QYQgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3917.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">One of the many well preserved old homes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What also made it especially inviting was the fact that between the hours of 8 to 11am and 3 to 9:30pm, motorized vehicles were banned in the old town. This meant you could walk around without the fear of imminent death so prevalent generally on roads (and footpaths) in Vietnam. In the morning at about 10:55 the peace would be destroyed by motorcycles and the like tearing around like normal, marking the time to go home for lunch and have a nap before returning at 3pm. I would suggest they make the vehicle-free period 24/7, but even limited, it was a nice change.<br />
<br />
We came away thinking that this would be a nice little haven for regular trips and our host told us of one couple from New Zealand who come and stay for a month every year.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6UsyCUfQlgM/WkbnbSfYt1I/AAAAAAAARsc/gs2_kLu7xSEp4TzAcZCh_SH9pdAP9rFKACLcBGAs/s1600/20170718_103420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6UsyCUfQlgM/WkbnbSfYt1I/AAAAAAAARsc/gs2_kLu7xSEp4TzAcZCh_SH9pdAP9rFKACLcBGAs/s400/20170718_103420.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Traditional dancing show</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p6sipnKYYmE/WkbnpSN7_-I/AAAAAAAARsg/Y8FdL_Omz5Iq78W5BklJIZT6b4qGaMBDQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170718_110012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p6sipnKYYmE/WkbnpSN7_-I/AAAAAAAARsg/Y8FdL_Omz5Iq78W5BklJIZT6b4qGaMBDQCLcBGAs/s320/20170718_110012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Buy your fruit and practise your haggling</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMXAzQXq8ZE/Wkbn8RAGCGI/AAAAAAAARsk/FQ5Fgbra_B0FSkllDDd0blXxm8I492awQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170718_110252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMXAzQXq8ZE/Wkbn8RAGCGI/AAAAAAAARsk/FQ5Fgbra_B0FSkllDDd0blXxm8I492awQCLcBGAs/s320/20170718_110252.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-174GvWG-pRc/WkboCSREVaI/AAAAAAAARss/I8ze2TOcjY834iAlPdyABzyXCYBPlPT1ACLcBGAs/s1600/20170718_182703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-174GvWG-pRc/WkboCSREVaI/AAAAAAAARss/I8ze2TOcjY834iAlPdyABzyXCYBPlPT1ACLcBGAs/s400/20170718_182703.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Banks of <span class="st">Thu Bon <i>River</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B211I2iZsCs/WkboGQ0vIbI/AAAAAAAARsw/3o5a6oS3lUcvm1qAuAhvXHmhaKxupoBRwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170718_185446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1034" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B211I2iZsCs/WkboGQ0vIbI/AAAAAAAARsw/3o5a6oS3lUcvm1qAuAhvXHmhaKxupoBRwCLcBGAs/s400/20170718_185446.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Dragon on the bank of the </span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><span class="st">Thu Bon <i>River</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAqAUd2FOTU/WkboMrDcOBI/AAAAAAAARs0/MsFDQGomNT8pa0Z45-M3G11mSQ0TcVxdwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170718_193900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAqAUd2FOTU/WkboMrDcOBI/AAAAAAAARs0/MsFDQGomNT8pa0Z45-M3G11mSQ0TcVxdwCLcBGAs/s400/20170718_193900.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">The Lanterns are all on at night</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DiC8llUDHrI/WkboW460VcI/AAAAAAAARs4/nDg7UhdlRh4e63VL0BXO6IAPWCTfkW9HQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170719_112015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="1600" height="210" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DiC8llUDHrI/WkboW460VcI/AAAAAAAARs4/nDg7UhdlRh4e63VL0BXO6IAPWCTfkW9HQCLcBGAs/s640/20170719_112015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LOYj6ueizFI/WkbodFJchlI/AAAAAAAARs8/XginB9ErMZAw22nLFlIXry7J0Jz9viNOACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1600" height="293" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LOYj6ueizFI/WkbodFJchlI/AAAAAAAARs8/XginB9ErMZAw22nLFlIXry7J0Jz9viNOACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_3929.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ytU5BtqXjo/WkboitWKfaI/AAAAAAAARtA/tMdcJbIKJF8ZDhZ72SGTLzzvIHnPAjGdwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3932.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ytU5BtqXjo/WkboitWKfaI/AAAAAAAARtA/tMdcJbIKJF8ZDhZ72SGTLzzvIHnPAjGdwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ytU5BtqXjo/WkboitWKfaI/AAAAAAAARtA/tMdcJbIKJF8ZDhZ72SGTLzzvIHnPAjGdwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ytU5BtqXjo/WkboitWKfaI/AAAAAAAARtA/tMdcJbIKJF8ZDhZ72SGTLzzvIHnPAjGdwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a></span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: yellow;">Bonus video if you made it this far. Me being forced to sing Waltzing Matilda.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz9Y_IHWz9UDWyYiplmkkVGaMnA7c2nQNjG04iKTQYVbFoB3l8gc8cv9xtXgK_nXzptDA4JHRk_NNdRpoY' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-89220490149291805702017-11-24T19:11:00.000-08:002017-11-24T19:11:44.405-08:00Dalat with a tinge of Europe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JsXKcpResbs/WhjKFLPAdeI/AAAAAAAARjY/MDicevPquao3Z8lCIhVQ9cBwTK8aX1XSwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170713_105840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JsXKcpResbs/WhjKFLPAdeI/AAAAAAAARjY/MDicevPquao3Z8lCIhVQ9cBwTK8aX1XSwCLcBGAs/s320/20170713_105840.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
On our way to Dalat we came across a
new type of bus, one that we were to find is the preferred mode of
bus transport throughout Vietnam, the sleeper bus. As its name
implies it comes filled with little capsules, generally three rows
across and double storey, like the baby seats in cars just much
bigger (but not big enough). Problem was that they would use these
during the day and even for some trips that were only two hours long.
You had to take your shoes off to travel on them and they got mad if
you argued about that as it was not easy for Elizabeth to take off
her shoes with a broken toe. The capsules were not quite long enough
to stretch out but you get used to them. Weird way to travel.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EaIZL8smJ_o/WhawFeP0c-I/AAAAAAAARek/7RY9lX-DMJ4CNyj9P6O4kmjND1GhlAJHgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171022_195711_527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EaIZL8smJ_o/WhawFeP0c-I/AAAAAAAARek/7RY9lX-DMJ4CNyj9P6O4kmjND1GhlAJHgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20171022_195711_527.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anyway, back to Dalat. Dalat was like
being transported instantaneously to Europe. Being high in altitude
and inland it has a cool climate without the oppressive humidity we
had come to accept. First time we had been cool (even cold) since
entering South East Asia. Dalat was full of rolling landscapes,
beautiful scenery, fruit and coffee fields and flower gardens. We
wanted to make the most of the 3 nghts we decided to allow ourself
here and tracked down a good tourist shop. We booked a city tour and
a country tour for successive days. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
They were wonderful tours that filled a
full two days with sights and adventure. Some of the highlights of
the city tour include:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The cable car trip to the Thien Vien
Truc Lam Monastery as well as the monastery itself. Beautiful views
from the cable car and passing over a pine forest. We went to Bao
Dai's extravagant summer palace, saw a very long reclining Buddha and
visited the Datanla waterfall. The waterfall was down a very steep
slippery path, and despite the attempt, Elizabeth was unable to make
it with her broken toe. So I took lots of photos and video. We also
went to the fabulous Flower Forest, like a botanical gardens, but
more visually extensive with fake giraffes, silver dolphins,
sorcerers apprentice like brooms holding buckets and more.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9yQhSTDZ7I/WhbJlSvQBbI/AAAAAAAARfA/AGrTn-iRKEco4W2JKnaveOuARD9O_s5jQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171022_202016_767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="1600" height="182" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9yQhSTDZ7I/WhbJlSvQBbI/AAAAAAAARfA/AGrTn-iRKEco4W2JKnaveOuARD9O_s5jQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171022_202016_767.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">The Reclining Buddha</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVWxhX-mPEo/Whgrlocx_6I/AAAAAAAARiU/vUpM8VtKzMsdr2yWINtZhzA440U2Fj00ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171124_101902_061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="786" height="307" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVWxhX-mPEo/Whgrlocx_6I/AAAAAAAARiU/vUpM8VtKzMsdr2yWINtZhzA440U2Fj00ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20171124_101902_061.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Flower Park</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uqywKPf7BWA/WhgrruatxZI/AAAAAAAARiY/_HefhqcqVCMgYocAqaCEgXYLwVnT8XmwQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171124_154339_309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="704" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uqywKPf7BWA/WhgrruatxZI/AAAAAAAARiY/_HefhqcqVCMgYocAqaCEgXYLwVnT8XmwQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20171124_154339_309.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr_KwVX1F6s/WhgtBpO-yFI/AAAAAAAARik/4GAjy8IkQ6A6OY3-nS-gKVecHfbs2CEcQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171022_203951_026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr_KwVX1F6s/WhgtBpO-yFI/AAAAAAAARik/4GAjy8IkQ6A6OY3-nS-gKVecHfbs2CEcQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20171022_203951_026.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The country tour was even better,
warming up with a visit to a flower farm and a village of a local
minority group. There was a cricket farm, the insect not the sport,
where crunchy crickets with sauce were offered. We politely declined
as unsure of its status for us vegetarians. Research later revealed
this is a bit of a grey area for us. They are more environmentally
friendly as a protein source than even vegetables, less animals are
killed as harvesting fruit and veg inadverdently kills small species
and some science said they have no pain receptors. So still on the
fence about that one.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We came across a huge fantastically
smiling very happy Buddha and saw, felt and heard the brilliantly
wide Elephant waterfall. Sat, relaxed and contemplated the cares of
the world with a weasel coffee in an expansive coffee plantation and
finished the day marveling at the Dr Seuss type architecture of the
amazing Crazy House. Sure wish my grandson Sam was with us for that
one, we could have wandered around aimlessly for hours :-)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Yep Dalat was certainly a special kind
of Oasis in Vietnam with something for everyone and a little touch of
Europe.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OAkovkwYZpA/WhjTbdeRdMI/AAAAAAAARj0/4kG1iCK0gVsR-yCh9K-pLelci7O_ercAQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171124_155451_897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="985" height="327" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OAkovkwYZpA/WhjTbdeRdMI/AAAAAAAARj0/4kG1iCK0gVsR-yCh9K-pLelci7O_ercAQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20171124_155451_897.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Elephant Waterfall, flower farm and smiling Buddha</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9bYBXAjbRuM/WhgttHdT1yI/AAAAAAAARiw/KIvA0xlny-Qadzd_qIEQaEft--KLDytrACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171124_155409_173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1105" data-original-width="737" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9bYBXAjbRuM/WhgttHdT1yI/AAAAAAAARiw/KIvA0xlny-Qadzd_qIEQaEft--KLDytrACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20171124_155409_173.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Time for some Weasel Coffee</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ-D1GcXzIA/WhjRxMq8CWI/AAAAAAAARjo/6sD-d5FQGE8EEHNruVMWk3yqL9G9NBNJgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171124_160334_396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="970" height="272" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ-D1GcXzIA/WhjRxMq8CWI/AAAAAAAARjo/6sD-d5FQGE8EEHNruVMWk3yqL9G9NBNJgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20171124_160334_396.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Crazy House</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5xMIDLLekHk/WhguJBAGaGI/AAAAAAAARi8/-NuWQ9DZGk8xK4azYzo4K_pnTdVgsZqcACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171022_205416_426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="1600" height="275" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5xMIDLLekHk/WhguJBAGaGI/AAAAAAAARi8/-NuWQ9DZGk8xK4azYzo4K_pnTdVgsZqcACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171022_205416_426.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">More Crazy House</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aYTF-lQSlqI/WhgueFceAzI/AAAAAAAARjE/HSRanUgU7VwJGPzGIIxdcxdGd4BeiQC9QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171022_204513_220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="1600" height="204" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aYTF-lQSlqI/WhgueFceAzI/AAAAAAAARjE/HSRanUgU7VwJGPzGIIxdcxdGd4BeiQC9QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171022_204513_220.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Bye, bye, beautiful Dalat</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-89113201820011879992017-09-04T02:46:00.000-07:002017-09-04T02:46:12.246-07:00Ho Chi Minh City and a pot of Weasel coffee<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uL2W44Zrf_U/Wa0Uze6v3XI/AAAAAAAARDo/TtMgqCzEOUgH-904ZPO52Vnc2TW5jvlcACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170820_172539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uL2W44Zrf_U/Wa0Uze6v3XI/AAAAAAAARDo/TtMgqCzEOUgH-904ZPO52Vnc2TW5jvlcACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170820_172539.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Elizabeth spent the rest of her time in Cambodia recovering from her toe misadventure, until the date arrived on our visa that allowed us to enter Vietnam. We bought our bus tickets and high tailed it out of there. It was a long trip taking all day, needing to go through Phnom Penh, before heading into Vietnam. Elizabeth was taking it very carefully with my hiking pole now doubing as a walking stick. The last section crossing into Vietnam went very slowly with many many trucks passing us coming the other way filled with people. We did not find out why but I suppose the assumption is that they go into Vietnam to work and come back at the end of the day. The number of trucks and people was endless.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFWF2H6B8aE/Wa0VfiY54LI/AAAAAAAARDw/AQUEGK15BvIQKh8FXf2tsHgf0pVhvEGdQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170904_165541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="957" height="257" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFWF2H6B8aE/Wa0VfiY54LI/AAAAAAAARDw/AQUEGK15BvIQKh8FXf2tsHgf0pVhvEGdQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170904_165541.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Independence Palace and the Ben Thanh Market</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So we arrived in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam was going to be rushed: we wanted to traverse it from South to North in under a month and see the best spots. We did not want to do it by plane, so it was going to be a challenge, but then challenge is my middle name (well, it should have been anyway). Our initial thought was city tours; t ahey were really cheap and included everything such as water, lunch and entry tickets. After settling in to our hotel we found a travel agency just around the corner and booked a tour for the next day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n8m2IJPfHzo/Wa0VxEiPhqI/AAAAAAAARD0/r7W835hw5_0Yg2nncycEbTnIzVHHf593ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170820_173028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n8m2IJPfHzo/Wa0VxEiPhqI/AAAAAAAARD0/r7W835hw5_0Yg2nncycEbTnIzVHHf593ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170820_173028.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The morning took us around some main sites of the city - palaces, pagodas and the like - and finished at a coffee shop where I got my first taste of weasel coffee. Apparently the weasel eats the coffee beans but is unable to digest them and its stomach juices do some magic that adds extra flavour to them. Nature takes its course and then some lucky fella gets to collect the beans, which are dried and used to make coffee for me to drink. Surprisingly yummy, if you do not think about it too much. Tasted a bit sweet with a hint of chocolate and very strong.<br />
<br />
Then was lunch and we got our first taste of a full-on Vietnamese meal. Starting with a hearty vegetarian Pho (noodles) and fried spring rolls through to stir fry and rice. We were packed solid and all vegetarian and gluten free. Luckily for me they use rice paper for the spring rolls and, especially in the south, most soy sauces do not include wheat. Then back in the van for the several hours to the Cu Chi Tunnels.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0RJcpauhx84/Wa0WFueyAJI/AAAAAAAARD4/o0v-0ESDim8Uwh7klBD4uBfgmmX3348bgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170820_172901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0RJcpauhx84/Wa0WFueyAJI/AAAAAAAARD4/o0v-0ESDim8Uwh7klBD4uBfgmmX3348bgCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20170820_172901.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Spikes under the grass</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The 121km of criss crossing interconnected tunnels were a thorn in the side of the US during the Vietnam War. Complemented by many ingenious booby traps inside and around tunnel entrances they were basically impossible to shut down, despite several campaigns to do so. They formed a veritable underground city including hospitals, weapons storage and planning areas. Seeing the different types of booby traps was chilling and you could imagine the pain and suffering they would inflict.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4daegCnEsmo/Wa0WbgLOqkI/AAAAAAAARD8/O7cahemPLTgz8RIGVJuz9rT6Fb83KfqcgCLcBGAs/s1600/Collage%2B2017-08-20%2B19_02_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1232" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4daegCnEsmo/Wa0WbgLOqkI/AAAAAAAARD8/O7cahemPLTgz8RIGVJuz9rT6Fb83KfqcgCLcBGAs/s320/Collage%2B2017-08-20%2B19_02_12.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nziia1rvY-k/Wa0XtpNjeHI/AAAAAAAAREE/kGuc2GoRDbsU_lpbkNpjjEDcud_liT4-gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170820_173112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nziia1rvY-k/Wa0XtpNjeHI/AAAAAAAAREE/kGuc2GoRDbsU_lpbkNpjjEDcud_liT4-gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170820_173112.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Elizabeth in the tunnel</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since Elizabeth was injured I made the sacrifice and disappeared under a secret entrance only to re-emerge moments later wth a 'ta da'. We were then given the option to walk along several sections of tunnel. Elizabeth was weary of missing out and decided to persevere and impressed our guide by making it through two sections of 10m tunnels so small you had to crouch waddle through them. We decided against shooting guns for fun and ate some baked cassava (tapioca) bread instead. This was the staple meal during wartime, which as it was not nutritionally complete contributed to the small size and short lifespan of the Viet Cong.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cWoe7SaSZUs/Wa0YDCI3oiI/AAAAAAAAREI/KpDyR4x9VHs_iGnrNSZmAiQGS83smXAxwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170820_172928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="997" height="184" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cWoe7SaSZUs/Wa0YDCI3oiI/AAAAAAAAREI/KpDyR4x9VHs_iGnrNSZmAiQGS83smXAxwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170820_172928.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Eating cassava bread</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Back at Ho Chi Minh City we found a lovely Indian restaurant for dinner as we prepared to jump on a bus again to continue our discovery of Vietnam. No time to kick back and relax just yet...</div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-59928927115968880412017-07-31T20:19:00.000-07:002017-07-31T20:19:15.351-07:00Sihanoukville and the saga of Elizabeth's toe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uftd4lCnDs/WX9SDyKoJRI/AAAAAAAAQkE/3CK1RTA6U0g4ENGlWSfncD8TuI_ayI8IwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20170727_153444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uftd4lCnDs/WX9SDyKoJRI/AAAAAAAAQkE/3CK1RTA6U0g4ENGlWSfncD8TuI_ayI8IwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_20170727_153444.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">This is a 2 way road and yes we are on the<br />wrong side</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Buses! We have travelled in small buses, big buses, transport vans and trucks, both local and tourist, all around the world. From Peru to Portugal and Egypt to India we have experienced some of the world's most lawless roads and craziest drivers, but never did I actually seriously fear for my life. That changed on the trip to Sihanoukville from Battambang. Our driver was seriously dodgy. I constantly saw vehicles coming directly at me as he weaved in and out spending most of the time on the wrong side of the road, overtaking on blind corners and double white lines, and following behind trucks overtaking without knowing the road ahead, ducking in at seemingly the last moment or forcing the vehicle he had just overtaken to brake to let him in. Vehicles were constantly flashing and beeping at us, and even though this WAS actually normal for Cambodia, this dude took it to the next level. He forced most smaller vehicles coming towards us to move on to the shoulder as he played chicken with them in his bigger vehicle. The bus came with wifi so we googled 'leading cause of death in Cambodia', answer 'traffic accidents'; we were not comforted, or surprised. As a fellow traveller said in his Trip Advisor review, 'A food cart would have been safer.'<br />
<br />
To add insult to injury, when we arrived we were dumped at a petrol station outside of town and set upon by taxi and remork drivers. Armed with google maps, we threatened to walk several times until we negotiated a sensible price and arrived a little shell shocked at our hotel the Don Bosco Hotel School. Run by students this was an awesome hotel to relax in at an incredible price. Final word on buses (and I could write a blog on them alone): check Trip Advisor for ratings. We chose our bus companies in Cambodia a bit more carefully after that.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3FJK6584EZQ/WX_foj4Ya4I/AAAAAAAAQkU/aofr0lbCbLcN5qfjtiAY47cOQSEhErXowCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170727_153938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3FJK6584EZQ/WX_foj4Ya4I/AAAAAAAAQkU/aofr0lbCbLcN5qfjtiAY47cOQSEhErXowCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170727_153938.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now that is off my chest, Sihanoukville, a cosy little coastal town famous for beaches and islands. We went into town to try to find an activity for the next day. We settled on a relaxing, peaceful hike that was available in the nearby national park. In the morning we woke up early and waited for our transport (a remork) to arrive, and were delivered the news that it was cancelled, not enough people, but a certainty for the following day. In compensation we were offered a boat trip to three islands that they could get us on for the day. We took up their offer, grabbed our bathers and set off for a pleasant day on the water (or so we thought).<br />
<br />
The boat was called 'Happy Boat' and took us to the first island, a veritable Shangri La with beautiful beaches and bungalows on stilts so you could stay high up in the trees. Would have been a great place to stay, maybe next time :-) Next stop was out in the blue ocean where we were allowed to swim and snorkel. They had a slide going down from the second level so you could enter the water with a splash, and splash we did.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXJn6J8_dsU/WX_iClG6RJI/AAAAAAAAQkk/YDG1YyUPkfccyph-WCcuu1HxOcrJ1eRSwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20170727_154109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="453" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXJn6J8_dsU/WX_iClG6RJI/AAAAAAAAQkk/YDG1YyUPkfccyph-WCcuu1HxOcrJ1eRSwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_20170727_154109.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Finding a cat on the way to the waterfall</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The day progressed like that until we arrived at the last island. It had a waterfall, and we wanted to see it, but with wet dirty feet we broke a long standing rule and did not put our shoes on. We arrived at the bottom of the waterfall without a problem so decided to climb up to a higher vantage point. As the path got rockier I turned and said to Elizabeth that this is getting a bit dodgy and that we might need to give it a miss, but I kept moving forward without waiting for a reply. Next thing I know Elizabeth is yelling up for me; I hurried back down to her and was presented with a small toe at a right angle to where it should be. Apparently it got caught between rocks as she slipped and her foot went one way without the toe following.<br />
<br />
She attempted several times to stand on it but it was too painful. While I wondered what to do a strong young Cambodian on his way down from the waterfall stopped and offered to piggy back her. Elizabeth enthusiastically took up the offer and he piggy backed her down the hill, along the path, across the beach and back on to the boat. It was a sizeable distance, and he did take a few breaks, but he refused offers of help and insisted on taking her all of the way, with me and his partner struggling to keep up. During one stop some local ladies had a look, confidently announced it was broken and pulled bottles of fluid out of their bags that they liberally doused on the toe.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WV2XiF3G2A0/WX_gjZBtEOI/AAAAAAAAQkc/mj68CJ3FkpIZRm55HxCZSM9lABbECK7eQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170727_154151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WV2XiF3G2A0/WX_gjZBtEOI/AAAAAAAAQkc/mj68CJ3FkpIZRm55HxCZSM9lABbECK7eQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170727_154151.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">The bottom of the waterfall<br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6cvnY8BkdN8/WX_itmLhPLI/AAAAAAAAQko/loDN59IP9iYNOVY1obCcgOT5HY0vV_N6ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170727_154138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6cvnY8BkdN8/WX_itmLhPLI/AAAAAAAAQko/loDN59IP9iYNOVY1obCcgOT5HY0vV_N6ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170727_154138.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: #073763;">Heading back to the boat</span><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QMG3aror678/WX_jLszZRtI/AAAAAAAAQks/XM-JZoc_czgnSZ-E-BF_saom-ukipHx5wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170727_154207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QMG3aror678/WX_jLszZRtI/AAAAAAAAQks/XM-JZoc_czgnSZ-E-BF_saom-ukipHx5wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170727_154207.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">"The rock was THIS BIG!"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the boat a fairly old gentleman (I assumed he was the captain) chewed some gunk in his mouth and squished it on to Elizabeth's toe and then the staff bandaged it up. We then found out why it was called the happy boat as the music started and dancing was encouraged for the whole trip back, culminating in some sort of soap machine filling up the dance floor with foam. Unfortunately (or fortunately) we were unable to participate (I was looking after Elizabeth). Back on shore an equally strong staff member of a Vietnamese businesswoman we befriended on the boat also piggy backed Elizabeth, from the boat to a remork, while I cancelled our hiking trip. Long story short we found a clinic with a doctor who said the toe could be broken or dislocated, suggested immobilising it for two weeks and sent us on our way with some anti inflammatory cream.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kgBkW-wMrjk/WX_lEOScx2I/AAAAAAAAQk0/hAjKiUfinlY88vnV4e9-OfNnZY-nVrXngCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170727_154350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kgBkW-wMrjk/WX_lEOScx2I/AAAAAAAAQk0/hAjKiUfinlY88vnV4e9-OfNnZY-nVrXngCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170727_154350.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Definitely the party boat</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We spent the next day and a half in our room availing ourselves of room service with Elizabeth recovering with her foot up and bandaged. Not sure what it was they put on her toe on the boat but it never swelled up. By the afternoon of the second day we carefully made our way to a beach where Elizabeth relaxed and I swam. We took things similarly easy for several days before leaving for Vietnam as our visa was about to begin.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kGAOkgjQ95Q/WX_m7Ohtv9I/AAAAAAAAQk4/Y7S76h7Mg4Ief0XvEnbhEa1uKcWhfJXgQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170727_154301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="684" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kGAOkgjQ95Q/WX_m7Ohtv9I/AAAAAAAAQk4/Y7S76h7Mg4Ief0XvEnbhEa1uKcWhfJXgQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170727_154301.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Breakfast in bed recuperating</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QOcs8vMilzM/WX_no9gxCqI/AAAAAAAAQk8/L2jfA0cR2XUrS9Ys7wJygEgwrgKC_2fyACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170727_154522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QOcs8vMilzM/WX_no9gxCqI/AAAAAAAAQk8/L2jfA0cR2XUrS9Ys7wJygEgwrgKC_2fyACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170727_154522.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Relaxing at the beach</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KIPOWcFDsww/WX_n5wtW8WI/AAAAAAAAQlA/h8t4S4wQk64irItb0A4AawBnmEeyRAOgwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170727_153714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="1280" height="151" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KIPOWcFDsww/WX_n5wtW8WI/AAAAAAAAQlA/h8t4S4wQk64irItb0A4AawBnmEeyRAOgwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170727_153714.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Epo9wQmc7nw/WX_oByPCnvI/AAAAAAAAQlE/Yc_4R9_Ib4s6nD-cfMrBghVcQVoKX2Q_ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170727_154416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Epo9wQmc7nw/WX_oByPCnvI/AAAAAAAAQlE/Yc_4R9_Ib4s6nD-cfMrBghVcQVoKX2Q_ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170727_154416.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Looking out from our favourite vegan restaurant</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UpQz7qXz2lk/WX_oKphmT-I/AAAAAAAAQlI/0M3BfSaussYOrCkyUr-Xv4f7PPj4ysyywCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170727_154443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UpQz7qXz2lk/WX_oKphmT-I/AAAAAAAAQlI/0M3BfSaussYOrCkyUr-Xv4f7PPj4ysyywCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170727_154443.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Night time on the beach</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PVSLgP4HyyU/WX_oSNpihyI/AAAAAAAAQlM/DvlfV1VNh3Al-L-dVvOw6q1E43fedkGLwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170727_153837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="1279" height="186" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PVSLgP4HyyU/WX_oSNpihyI/AAAAAAAAQlM/DvlfV1VNh3Al-L-dVvOw6q1E43fedkGLwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170727_153837.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jl1Bb1SJ5b8/WX_oYzyXnZI/AAAAAAAAQlQ/hwJIXy7yJK8TetxkZLnK0NnxmqDMTS5hACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170727_153918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jl1Bb1SJ5b8/WX_oYzyXnZI/AAAAAAAAQlQ/hwJIXy7yJK8TetxkZLnK0NnxmqDMTS5hACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170727_153918.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">One of the bungalows on the islands</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V6aCvVtr2Gw/WX_oiWTSgZI/AAAAAAAAQlU/9539U5rammMlNUzjkNfuQ3iwYiUpHxonQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170727_153642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="898" height="226" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V6aCvVtr2Gw/WX_oiWTSgZI/AAAAAAAAQlU/9539U5rammMlNUzjkNfuQ3iwYiUpHxonQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170727_153642.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2yrGxu0PAn8/WX_onlne55I/AAAAAAAAQlY/iN8bp280ayE1HsdWDomQkXcdqeDgBnYOwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170727_153519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2yrGxu0PAn8/WX_onlne55I/AAAAAAAAQlY/iN8bp280ayE1HsdWDomQkXcdqeDgBnYOwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170727_153519.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mHti0HscVI8/WX_ou-uRlDI/AAAAAAAAQlc/wrjeckNfvHwa60nw6hY0qzFz__Pk7rAtgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170727_154725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mHti0HscVI8/WX_ou-uRlDI/AAAAAAAAQlc/wrjeckNfvHwa60nw6hY0qzFz__Pk7rAtgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170727_154725.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-48380369521267548272017-07-24T20:57:00.002-07:002017-07-24T20:57:14.746-07:00You can't take the bats out of Battambang<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eSgvwzM48d4/WXaUSUm6CrI/AAAAAAAAQhg/YPyWT0v3P0Ikt6G01Y0CR41KRByW6HWpACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170717_205305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="1280" height="195" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eSgvwzM48d4/WXaUSUm6CrI/AAAAAAAAQhg/YPyWT0v3P0Ikt6G01Y0CR41KRByW6HWpACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170717_205305.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We hopped on a bus and travelled to Battambang (pronounced Battambong). The bus kindly deposited us in a mud field with a hoard of tuk tuks (remorks) waiting. Our hotel had sent us our own remork and we jumped in with our friendly driver for the trip into town. He offered to show us around the countryside on a personalised tour the next day, but we declined as we had not had a chance to see what was available. Once we had dinner and looked at the options at the hotel we thought that a day out with a tuk tuk driver, which had worked so well in Siem Reap, would work well here. A lot of the attractions were spread far and wide.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kaIed65z_H4/WXaUnVSbAMI/AAAAAAAAQhk/Th7TUb1c_SYwheD8-WckKcmxInZeRdJFgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170717_211735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="1159" height="184" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kaIed65z_H4/WXaUnVSbAMI/AAAAAAAAQhk/Th7TUb1c_SYwheD8-WckKcmxInZeRdJFgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170717_211735.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So in the morning we headed out to see if we could find someone and lo and behold waiting just outside the hotel was the very same driver looking for work for the day! We later found out his name is Dara and he used to work in a factory in Phnom Penh but it closed down and he's now trying to survive as a tuk tuk driver with a vehicle obtained for him by his brother. We negotiated an itinerary and a price and set off for our adventure of a lifetime!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TKb-gO6pFhc/WXaU45htf7I/AAAAAAAAQho/iAXeIw7TaWQn9hpMZ6-J3hMb4MSvfSq5gCLcBGAs/s1600/Collage%2B2017-07-24%2B06_35_57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TKb-gO6pFhc/WXaU45htf7I/AAAAAAAAQho/iAXeIw7TaWQn9hpMZ6-J3hMb4MSvfSq5gCLcBGAs/s400/Collage%2B2017-07-24%2B06_35_57.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
First up was the bamboo train. Cambodia used to have trains but they're not going anymore and there are many disused tracks. So they made small flat carriages out of bamboo and take you for trips to a little village and back. Thing is it's a single track so if someone's coming back you have a problem. The way they've solved it is by getting the carriage with the least people to hop out; they lift the carriage off the wheels and the wheels off the track, the other carriage goes past and then they put it all together again and off you go. As there were only two of us we were the ones who had to hop off EVERY TIME (about 7 times), but you start joking with the people coming the other way and everybody has a good time. Once they get going it can be more like a fairground ride as the carriage whizzes along a fairly rickety track with overgrown bushes brushing past your shoulders and the occasional buffalo can bring it all to a sudden halt. You need windscreen wipers on your sunglasses for all the insects that land. And keep your mouth firmly closed.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSiLi-4R8kk/WXaVphhQkUI/AAAAAAAAQhs/SS_oxyAeXo4RKIt3CrHsXdmhIlevvD2TgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Collage%2B2017-07-24%2B06_40_35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSiLi-4R8kk/WXaVphhQkUI/AAAAAAAAQhs/SS_oxyAeXo4RKIt3CrHsXdmhIlevvD2TgCEwYBhgL/s400/Collage%2B2017-07-24%2B06_40_35.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5BTZ3ZbCtOY/WXaV90qRZmI/AAAAAAAAQh0/CMdBPJxBmn8Cw2w2k5RmY8f7-a-AfyCQgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170717_211240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5BTZ3ZbCtOY/WXaV90qRZmI/AAAAAAAAQh0/CMdBPJxBmn8Cw2w2k5RmY8f7-a-AfyCQgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170717_211240.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_502671904"></span><span id="goog_502671905"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EOzxGpPjQ1w/WXaWW-hGNMI/AAAAAAAAQh4/W7T_luqYCyIB58I8akRzlIUoAhP7d34jACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170717_211652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EOzxGpPjQ1w/WXaWW-hGNMI/AAAAAAAAQh4/W7T_luqYCyIB58I8akRzlIUoAhP7d34jACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170717_211652.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
After some small stops at a suspension bridge, fruit bat hangout and a Muslim fishing village, we arrived at the next major destination, Banon Hill Temple. The temple ruins were at the top of about 400 fairly steep steps. You saw from the red faces coming down that this was going to take some effort, especially in the characteristic heat and humidity of Cambodia. So off we went, on the way playing tag team with a couple of other visitors. We would stop for a break and they would pass us, then they would stop and we would pass them, and then...well, you get the idea. We ended up chatting and trading pictures with them on the way up. The top was worth it, not so much for the temples although they were nice, but for the fabulous views and atmosphere among the temple ruins.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-awO1ZKTFPw8/WXaXVzf8HgI/AAAAAAAAQh8/A7ZOhwy3Zd48_ZXKxXQu-NLW4sgbrDtzQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170717_211539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-awO1ZKTFPw8/WXaXVzf8HgI/AAAAAAAAQh8/A7ZOhwy3Zd48_ZXKxXQu-NLW4sgbrDtzQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20170717_211539.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Rest break</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQ4D96GEsl4/WXabeCzSHiI/AAAAAAAAQiI/mEFTqAzPYkkdh1iP1UI7kuczW12JsspkQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170717_205733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQ4D96GEsl4/WXabeCzSHiI/AAAAAAAAQiI/mEFTqAzPYkkdh1iP1UI7kuczW12JsspkQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170717_205733.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We next headed to Phnom Sampov, a small mountain that again required a considerable amount of uphill walking. Along the way we visited a cave with an opening in the top where Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge killed many people and threw them in. The cave's now a shrine containing victims' skulls, a reclining Buddha and a prayer section. At the top there were temples and many spectacular lookout areas as well as mischievous monkeys coming out to play.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n1SNvsNYo58/WXab0NgZEYI/AAAAAAAAQiM/eGe9wCajiQI--WTLvfVssbfulEuTDVNzQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170717_211816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n1SNvsNYo58/WXab0NgZEYI/AAAAAAAAQiM/eGe9wCajiQI--WTLvfVssbfulEuTDVNzQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_20170717_211816.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MLIO5wTAyJg/WXaV4ZG1tKI/AAAAAAAAQhw/iQ3hnI0rixgsAxGFml1w7nWVZDh2ygNNgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Collage%2B2017-07-24%2B06_45_26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MLIO5wTAyJg/WXaV4ZG1tKI/AAAAAAAAQhw/iQ3hnI0rixgsAxGFml1w7nWVZDh2ygNNgCEwYBhgL/s320/Collage%2B2017-07-24%2B06_45_26.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Waiting for the bats</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We had to head back to the bottom at double pace because this mountain was home to another famous landmark, the bat cave. Not the one with Batman and Robin but about a million actual bats, and every night around 6:30 they all head out to go feeding for the night. They hunt insects, including many agricultural pests, and it's estimated they prevent the loss of 2,000 tons of rice per year. Running about half an hour late the bats did indeed start streaming out from the cave for well over half an hour. It was longer and more impressive than I expected and fun to watch. I could not capture it well on film, one of those things where you did 'have to be there'.<br />
<br />
Our trusty guide then told us he knew where there was a secret cave with twice as many bats so off we went again. It required some steep climbing to reach his 'secret cave' that appeared to be a fairly well known secret when we got there and found a crowd. Nevertheless it indeed had a constant stream of bats impressively streaking across the sunset for a night pillaging the insect population as far as 50km away.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-rQR0J7kd4/WXah1uziCqI/AAAAAAAAQig/qQhAtIaTjTYMIuhAOTcUoF-JR5vHd_YrgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170717_210949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-rQR0J7kd4/WXah1uziCqI/AAAAAAAAQig/qQhAtIaTjTYMIuhAOTcUoF-JR5vHd_YrgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170717_210949.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jNR2eHYowW8/WXai7f6rR4I/AAAAAAAAQik/44xZjhEUlJUq_A9zCkYjylfLSAKPkAvPQCLcBGAs/s1600/Collage%2B2017-07-24%2B07_37_31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="752" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jNR2eHYowW8/WXai7f6rR4I/AAAAAAAAQik/44xZjhEUlJUq_A9zCkYjylfLSAKPkAvPQCLcBGAs/s320/Collage%2B2017-07-24%2B07_37_31.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
It was a long day, but we had a fantastic adventure with another hardworking tuk tuk driver that will be a happy lingering memory and another friend made.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OooduPPmHHg/WXajYq7m9NI/AAAAAAAAQio/FVYr7k1w2lc4FAbfFv-KXMzeXQXBDXpSwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170717_210043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OooduPPmHHg/WXajYq7m9NI/AAAAAAAAQio/FVYr7k1w2lc4FAbfFv-KXMzeXQXBDXpSwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170717_210043.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0DGS3gwmNrE/WXamegkz7iI/AAAAAAAAQi0/1M3cge9aPloLjyfX7kheIwaV0-buIf3tQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170717_210756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0DGS3gwmNrE/WXamegkz7iI/AAAAAAAAQi0/1M3cge9aPloLjyfX7kheIwaV0-buIf3tQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170717_210756.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQaXU_OkAxc/WXammhwpnNI/AAAAAAAAQi4/Aq41X5rLlukKfQaMdp10eV5EsST1HCSMgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170717_205835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQaXU_OkAxc/WXammhwpnNI/AAAAAAAAQi4/Aq41X5rLlukKfQaMdp10eV5EsST1HCSMgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170717_205835.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9HPJXPXqdg/WXamzkf9aDI/AAAAAAAAQi8/rSYFhTG9t6Q5H2J_u0rtEXnwGwIpUGZogCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170717_211617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9HPJXPXqdg/WXamzkf9aDI/AAAAAAAAQi8/rSYFhTG9t6Q5H2J_u0rtEXnwGwIpUGZogCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170717_211617.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqZzXr8HoIg/WXam64zsrBI/AAAAAAAAQjA/fwu23wmoZQYr9Z7b_q3UGuVd2JRV3vMeACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170717_205920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fqZzXr8HoIg/WXam64zsrBI/AAAAAAAAQjA/fwu23wmoZQYr9Z7b_q3UGuVd2JRV3vMeACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170717_205920.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--DR4Z1w36V4/WXarNXAbe2I/AAAAAAAAQjM/F8YAv-qfVlsVi8tJFADx6ExT0l6UFM2kQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170717_211425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--DR4Z1w36V4/WXarNXAbe2I/AAAAAAAAQjM/F8YAv-qfVlsVi8tJFADx6ExT0l6UFM2kQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170717_211425.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-goFtIIVHUkk/WXanCuK5QQI/AAAAAAAAQjE/IeuSBSvrnPMSu8203s00OV2BTHzVxzK8wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170717_211024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="1280" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-goFtIIVHUkk/WXanCuK5QQI/AAAAAAAAQjE/IeuSBSvrnPMSu8203s00OV2BTHzVxzK8wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170717_211024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">Roller coaster, Cambodian style</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw2Ub9cdKwmgsHUlKwi0nsco98aOWafKmVRa0uXOvC4cOpgGoQ7ra6OXkeyVoLRbPdtWmj5O6hn-FcK9UJjHw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">One MILLION BATS!!!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw_X4r93F3VQpEnCSLZpxUYaTaIjgBAK8raB7JBp5m6p5jfsOLZ5XhtJY79YxQ9sad0VQedGFPAuY-69URi4w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-29085418148588918382017-07-21T19:21:00.000-07:002017-07-21T19:46:33.280-07:00Discovering Angkor Wat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UbNP6luI_9U/WXInS-4YnZI/AAAAAAAAQfA/CBnMF36Ka0IHScxL1Vrqu3x4W8pgwxdDgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170717_202528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1181" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UbNP6luI_9U/WXInS-4YnZI/AAAAAAAAQfA/CBnMF36Ka0IHScxL1Vrqu3x4W8pgwxdDgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170717_202528.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If it was good enough for Angelina Jolie then it is good enough for us. So off we set to the Hindu/Buddhist temple complex of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Used in the first Tomb Raider movie and stretching over 400 square kilometres, this sprawling ancient city is too big to cover in a day. But then again a lot of it is very similar so you just need to focus on a few of the most well preserved or special interest temples.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IsZx2ckDHww/WXInvidZ8fI/AAAAAAAAQfE/AlHKlWAllJ8Gyuy4aX8-4-Y0xETVdxmugCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170717_202322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="1280" height="160" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IsZx2ckDHww/WXInvidZ8fI/AAAAAAAAQfE/AlHKlWAllJ8Gyuy4aX8-4-Y0xETVdxmugCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170717_202322.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vny7q2oGOw0/WXIqZhXzUvI/AAAAAAAAQfM/9NBDfAOb1xg6OVG6XSVpnmw4rnmLYXBSQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170717_202648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="234" data-original-width="1280" height="116" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vny7q2oGOw0/WXIqZhXzUvI/AAAAAAAAQfM/9NBDfAOb1xg6OVG6XSVpnmw4rnmLYXBSQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170717_202648.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Churning the ocean of milk</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fp6PG7MryKQ/WXIq426wytI/AAAAAAAAQfQ/biOmivTwqkwd1dy0kKAYDmidFn-35OVuQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170721_232324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="1231" height="176" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fp6PG7MryKQ/WXIq426wytI/AAAAAAAAQfQ/biOmivTwqkwd1dy0kKAYDmidFn-35OVuQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170721_232324.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First up was the Angkor Wat temple itself, the most famous of the complex. Adorned with numerous bas relief sculptures, one complete wall was devoted to the 'churning of the ocean of milk' Hindu epic. Roughly the story is about the gods and devils fighting over obtaining an elixir that gives you immortality and peace (yes, very ironic). It ain't working so one of the supreme gods Vishnu tells them if they work together by churning the ocean of milk they are more likely to obtain it. You would think this is the moral of the story but no, once the elixir appears they start fighting over it again. To make a long story short the devils grab it first but the gods cheat by getting Vishnu to intervene again and they have had it ever since. The bas relief is impressive and very long.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SSTpx0WvGZ0/WXIsprjvLAI/AAAAAAAAQfc/qAmdHzfTb0sdZiaLKyCHyG58N32h1EjOwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170721_233059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="800" height="220" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SSTpx0WvGZ0/WXIsprjvLAI/AAAAAAAAQfc/qAmdHzfTb0sdZiaLKyCHyG58N32h1EjOwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170721_233059.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
After Angkor Wat we went to Bayon Temple. This temple is a bit like wandering into the twilight zone as everywhere you look you see the same serene and smiling face in varying sizes. The faces are thought to be of King Jayavarman VII. Probably likely since he built it and vanity is normally a king's strong suit.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9kUH9Q8UCcE/WXIsxHu0ZfI/AAAAAAAAQfg/8gPYWeMZzpcWYkeFUskJIVvWYrIPHNz_gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170717_203552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9kUH9Q8UCcE/WXIsxHu0ZfI/AAAAAAAAQfg/8gPYWeMZzpcWYkeFUskJIVvWYrIPHNz_gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170717_203552.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xR2Kcvaia-4/WXIt6W5zC0I/AAAAAAAAQfo/oH-DLeJeJqgWrX4mn9aMAgQFQEwIkP6PACLcBGAs/s1600/Collage%2B2017-07-21%2B21_35_00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1168" height="219" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xR2Kcvaia-4/WXIt6W5zC0I/AAAAAAAAQfo/oH-DLeJeJqgWrX4mn9aMAgQFQEwIkP6PACLcBGAs/s320/Collage%2B2017-07-21%2B21_35_00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We also visited the temple called Ta Prohm. My favourite, this temple was left as it was found, with nature taking over. Trees were growing through walls with roots pushing up and snaking around structures. It was actually pretty cool and eerily beautiful. Surrounded by lush forests and fields where cows chew contentedly, the atmosphere is romantic and calm as nature reclaims what we abandon.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iWQgfRtNPpQ/WXIvi_CECXI/AAAAAAAAQfw/MG2Yhmb05doB6mCsM7OnXqCeUS8nneXuQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170721_234333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="800" height="155" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iWQgfRtNPpQ/WXIvi_CECXI/AAAAAAAAQfw/MG2Yhmb05doB6mCsM7OnXqCeUS8nneXuQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170721_234333.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ElQHP5NaEts/WXItddjkl3I/AAAAAAAAQfk/SeRzfcJOWssrR5q1bvRiUy4-s6-jRBVbgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170721_215337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="1232" height="161" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ElQHP5NaEts/WXItddjkl3I/AAAAAAAAQfk/SeRzfcJOWssrR5q1bvRiUy4-s6-jRBVbgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170721_215337.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3K1PoHcUMYY/WXIwXGbYSdI/AAAAAAAAQf4/UL_zh0q3bQsxEd67G_ZSbZ7YpI5rle64gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3K1PoHcUMYY/WXIwXGbYSdI/AAAAAAAAQf4/UL_zh0q3bQsxEd67G_ZSbZ7YpI5rle64gCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_3501.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
As the area is so spread out we took a friend's advice and hired a remork (tuk tuk) for the day, basically a motorbike with a carriage. Our friendly driver Li Hong looked after us by picking us up from the hotel, taking us to the ticket office (which is not where the temples are) and going around from temple to temple. When we were all templed out (about 4pm) he took us back to the hotel for a freshen up and then we concluded the day by going to the Phare Circus.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPhQWcKIJHE/WXIx7er64uI/AAAAAAAAQgI/p4R7wIf5g4Ik_CmcQiV1Td2_OIrZHymQQCLcBGAs/s1600/Collage%2B2017-07-21%2B16_03_20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPhQWcKIJHE/WXIx7er64uI/AAAAAAAAQgI/p4R7wIf5g4Ik_CmcQiV1Td2_OIrZHymQQCLcBGAs/s400/Collage%2B2017-07-21%2B16_03_20.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HjA0mEhADjA/WXIyT4dJ3UI/AAAAAAAAQgM/J0-byCXRVsEOvxnWzE38oymiC6fElHL5ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170717_201853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="677" height="308" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HjA0mEhADjA/WXIyT4dJ3UI/AAAAAAAAQgM/J0-byCXRVsEOvxnWzE38oymiC6fElHL5ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170717_201853.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: yellow;">Ordering a fresh coconut juice<br />means cutting the top of a coconut<br />and putting a straw in it</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is a show performed under the big top, without animals, and with students from a school in Battambang that caters for disadvantaged and abused youth, teaching them skills in many artistic disciplines. The show has a social message and an artistic flair to it as well as producing some great acrobatics and juggling performances. A bit of a cross between a play and Cirque du Soleil, the show had a theme of ordinary Cambodians and tourists in the street coming together to help each other when problems arise. The school runs mainly on donations and the proceeds from these shows. A great night out, a great day out, and thanks to our fabulous remork driver, safely delivered back to a comfortable bed and a good night's sleep<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qCN85Yv0E-Y/WXIxROzBgOI/AAAAAAAAQgA/ccMZNWUeDKkUTxx1d8kz0H2ceZq-_J7twCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170721_151918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="1225" height="148" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qCN85Yv0E-Y/WXIxROzBgOI/AAAAAAAAQgA/ccMZNWUeDKkUTxx1d8kz0H2ceZq-_J7twCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170721_151918.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: yellow;">Dinner before the show</span><span style="text-align: left;">.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia13.3670968 103.8448134000000213.1198938 103.52208990000003 13.614299800000001 104.16753690000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-63911131181761756642017-07-11T00:49:00.000-07:002017-07-11T00:49:07.810-07:00Ties to Thailand<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you read my previous blog post you would know that we were here mainly for the dental work. But no point staying in a place for a month and not having a look around. So in between dental visits and recovery time we ventured around and beyond Bangkok.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K8WSddk998M/WWR7WrL1nYI/AAAAAAAAQeI/Ekn7OYZO_SMtB13nvsvykMTVWisDEzeOQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170708_095952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K8WSddk998M/WWR7WrL1nYI/AAAAAAAAQeI/Ekn7OYZO_SMtB13nvsvykMTVWisDEzeOQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170708_095952.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
In Bangkok our trips included a ferry ride on the Chao Phraya River, Ko Kret Island, Wat Arun (or Temple of the Dawn), The Grand Palace, Nonthaburi, numerous shopping explorations and tiny art galleries and an afternoon at the cinema seeing Wonder Woman. Hey, it was good and in English. We learned the subway, skytrain and bus systems and how to say hello, good morning and thank you (the great multi linguists that we are). Elizabeth even spent some time at a local cat haven to get a much needed cat fix.<br />
<br />
We also visited Lumpini Park, and Benchasiri Park multiple times. Benchasiri is a fantastic park for people watching. Any evening of the week you can see masses of people doing aerobics at the motivation of an energetic instructor yelling over a loud PA system. There are two outdoor gyms with facilities including weights, two children's playgrounds, a skate park, volleyball and soccer courts, friendly cats (and not so friendly), a jogging track encircling the whole park, and more. Once we even found a group doing a form of Tai Chi with swords. It also has a beautiful lake in the middle and lovely views of the surrounding buildings, especially speccy in the evening.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n2RTMSOql28/WWR4mbkexQI/AAAAAAAAQd0/IAbd8WKtqKIxT3YnOM3Lg-Ytdn0_qYHbwCLcBGAs/s1600/Collage%2B2017-07-10%2B07_49_53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1280" height="188" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n2RTMSOql28/WWR4mbkexQI/AAAAAAAAQd0/IAbd8WKtqKIxT3YnOM3Lg-Ytdn0_qYHbwCLcBGAs/s320/Collage%2B2017-07-10%2B07_49_53.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We did a wonderful day trip to the Bridge on the River Kwai. You can take a train from Hua Lumphong Train Station that runs on weekends, which stops briefly at the bridge for you to look around and take pictures, and then goes over the bridge and on to Nam Tok and the Sai Yok Noi waterfall near the Myanmar border. You are given several hours to look around and walk up to the hilltop national park, and then taken back to Bangkok. At about $20AU, a bargain!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5BXTlz9M_RQ/WWR42uMccZI/AAAAAAAAQd4/-4wS3iCCZ2A9jZLdotP_uVuUCEj5JfOkACLcBGAs/s1600/Collage%2B2017-07-08%2B15_46_37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="752" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5BXTlz9M_RQ/WWR42uMccZI/AAAAAAAAQd4/-4wS3iCCZ2A9jZLdotP_uVuUCEj5JfOkACLcBGAs/s400/Collage%2B2017-07-08%2B15_46_37.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At one point we had a week between appointments since I needed to recover from a tooth extraction. We took that opportunity to go to Chiang Mai for a few days to visit our friend Dianne. One of the best things we did here was go to the Elephant Nature Park. No elephant rides or circus tricks here; this place is a sanctuary for elephants rescued from those types of activities as well as elephants injured by stepping on land mines while being used as beasts of burden by loggers. You see them relaxing and enjoying themselves along with buffaloes in a beautiful valley encircled by soft hills and tropical greenery. There are also sanctuaries there for abandoned dogs and cats. We learned that elephants experience terrible pain and trauma being 'broken' by beatings to make them docile for riding and circus performances. Please avoid the places that use elephants as performers and support wonderful sanctuaries like this one. https://www.elephantnaturepark.org <br />
<br />
*** A note of warning from Elizabeth - other companies in Chiang Mai have chosen similar names to Elephant Nature Park but use unethical methods of discipline such as prodding the elephants with nails hidden in their hands. One of the most joyous experiences at Elephant Nature Park was watching from the bank as the elephants bathed themselves in the river and then clambered out and snorted themselves with their favourite sunscreen - dust - without any prodding. And it's far more comfortable to walk alongside elephants than to ride on them. You can observe them so much more intently by gving them their space and be happy knowing that they're happy. So make sure you choose the correct company (website above). Ok, here endeth the lecture. Love and pleadings, Elizabeth.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cg3Z8hhthc8/WWR7KNF-RbI/AAAAAAAAQeE/gNId4CxTD_cnM1zxY6aatYC1S4nx9lySQCLcBGAs/s1600/Collage%2B2017-07-08%2B13_44_36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cg3Z8hhthc8/WWR7KNF-RbI/AAAAAAAAQeE/gNId4CxTD_cnM1zxY6aatYC1S4nx9lySQCLcBGAs/s320/Collage%2B2017-07-08%2B13_44_36.jpg" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Elizabeth and Dianne grossed me out while we were exploring the old town by eating that horrible, foul smelling, banned in most places, Durian fruit. I pretended not to know them and sat on a bench by myself watching community aerobics. A nice activity that happens in many public parks in Asia. Eventually Elizabeth finished her fruit and joined the aerobics.<br />
<br />
From here we took a day trip to Chiang Rai, including a boat ride to the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong River banks. It also included a visitor's pass to Donesao Island in Laos, bonus! In reality this is just a marketing opportunity as you were only there long enough to run the gauntlet of market stalls selling clothing, jewellery and whisky containing various animal parts. Being vegetarian we do not agree with treating animals this way, so did not sample or buy. I will take my whisky clear and with ice thank you.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h8NO5UarTC0/WWR6Q7ZW_MI/AAAAAAAAQeA/RrhQO8eh57ESEL62Dxilpecl89SKOoHIwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170708_113340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1168" height="219" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h8NO5UarTC0/WWR6Q7ZW_MI/AAAAAAAAQeA/RrhQO8eh57ESEL62Dxilpecl89SKOoHIwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170708_113340.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We also saw the White Temple which was one of the most beautiful temples I have seen since the Taj Mahal, and dropped in to see the Kayan people with the long necks. They believe that the long necks make them beautiful, they certainly look fragile, but we were assured it is mostly an illusion. Their necks are the same length as ours, it is the shoulders that droop. They come over from Myanmar to earn more money than they can there and send it home and return for family visits. There are conflicting stories in this region about their treatment and freedoms but I can only go on what we were told by asking them questions with the answers translated by our guide.<br />
<br />
Although we were in Thailand for medical reasons, we really enjoyed our time there and getting to know an area in a bit more depth than would normally be the case when travelling. Whether it is for dental work, catching up with old and new friends or visiting the cats and elephants, our ties to Thailand will see us returning soon.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GzgNVpO6tkg/WWR55dgS7wI/AAAAAAAAQd8/SndMEyvC9_QDcFruivQoYYnickMBYZG0wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170707_195349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="1280" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GzgNVpO6tkg/WWR55dgS7wI/AAAAAAAAQd8/SndMEyvC9_QDcFruivQoYYnickMBYZG0wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170707_195349.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: yellow;">The White Temple<br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4vSe2YbO3DM/WWR2oX0faOI/AAAAAAAAQdw/TUjYx_tHttwKfYX6Iko4FR2x5O679evmgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Collage%2B2017-07-10%2B08_15_43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4vSe2YbO3DM/WWR2oX0faOI/AAAAAAAAQdw/TUjYx_tHttwKfYX6Iko4FR2x5O679evmgCEwYBhgL/s400/Collage%2B2017-07-10%2B08_15_43.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P4PMeSxcPZU/WWR8Flnqh_I/AAAAAAAAQeM/ScO0qcnWjkMOXwJZq0Z66UFo6OFWLcyYACLcBGAs/s1600/Collage%2B2017-07-08%2B10_31_41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="752" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P4PMeSxcPZU/WWR8Flnqh_I/AAAAAAAAQeM/ScO0qcnWjkMOXwJZq0Z66UFo6OFWLcyYACLcBGAs/s400/Collage%2B2017-07-08%2B10_31_41.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gE1sccLzMG4/WWR88BmgzxI/AAAAAAAAQeQ/v-IZMKJXOTIIriDesvTxQKltNQ_8qCp-ACLcBGAs/s1600/Collage%2B2017-07-10%2B08_43_34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gE1sccLzMG4/WWR88BmgzxI/AAAAAAAAQeQ/v-IZMKJXOTIIriDesvTxQKltNQ_8qCp-ACLcBGAs/s400/Collage%2B2017-07-10%2B08_43_34.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw7d8-sIZ2YpfzYjzPKZaoRB_RvSF60Cth65Ok4gIxgu8PWfGfjkbMgm056jKsZNrdXnI8pxSR5A7ss0sMGMg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: yellow;">Elephants at Play</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5265034502611656385.post-4375055739351982692017-07-01T20:04:00.000-07:002017-07-01T20:04:02.914-07:00Bangkok and the one about the dentist<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In our other life as full time housesitters we came across a couple who have all their dental work done in Bangkok. At a third of the price in Australia and with a recommendation on which company to use, we decided to give this medical tourism thing a go. Without medical cover since the late 80's I hadn't been for a proper dental checkup in nearly 30 years.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kFAstJLuCds/WVeyHzZ2tpI/AAAAAAAAQcY/CDPomp57AMQXxomRRx72OhuuRlz5LuXuACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170701_133556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kFAstJLuCds/WVeyHzZ2tpI/AAAAAAAAQcY/CDPomp57AMQXxomRRx72OhuuRlz5LuXuACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170701_133556.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
First impressions were: very thorough, very professional, super attentive and caring. They had different specialists for basically every type of treatment. There was the normal fillings and cleaning dentist, the crowns expert, a surgeon for the big stuff like implants, and a root canal professional. Most work would commence within minutes of the appointment time, after a blood pressure check due to the fact you're normally hot and sweaty coming in from the Bangkok tropical heat. A nice assistant would come down to the extensive hotel lobby style waiting area, escort you into the lift and deliver you to the appropriate specialist.<br />
<br />
My dentist was impressed with the state of my teeth considering the lack of ongoing care, genetic deficiencies, extensive overcrowding and age. Thankfully I am not TOTALLY irresponsible and HAVE ALWAYS brushed twice a day and regularly floss. That being said there were numerous issues, a lot due to the overcrowding which has seen the loss of teeth and resultant gaps over the years. A treatment plan was put into place with my first appointment for a couple of fillings that very afternoon. They are geared to getting to work straight away and work weekends and into the early evenings, as travellers often have limited time.<br />
<br />
The work progressed with a couple of hiccups. They tried to rearrange my appointments in ways that were not convenient or did not make sense to me, but when I expressed concern they agreed to stick to the original plan. Also, and I don't know if this is just me, but whenever they would remove an old filling (and we're talking 30 years plus) there always seemed to be an unknown disaster underneath waiting to surface. Cracked tooth, infected root, why is it never good news? To their credit they would always give me a mirror and explain ad nauseum what was going wrong, like the distorted mangled mess reflected back made any sense to me.<br />
<br />
Dental work has progressed a lot since my last appointment - the work was much less painful with quicker recovery than I expected (or is it just that these guys are so good). I was particularly worried about implant preparation surgery where they put a post into my jaw. There was cutting, drilling, pushing, screwing to the point that I swear they were creating miniature furniture in there. But the pain was surprisingly small and I was able to eat within hours with my mouth feeling quite normal the next day. Any medication necessary is dispensed directly by the staff: no scripts, no pharmacies and exactly the amount you need.<br />
<br />
One major advantage to having it done in Thailand is massages!!! After one particularly gruelling 5 hour session (my choice, I just wanted to get it over with rather than multiple appointments) with aching shoulders, neck and jaw, I dropped into one of the 3 billion massage joints between our hotel and the dentist and had a 60 minute neck and shoulder massage for $14 AU. Problem solved :-) Obviously the other advantage is that you can get your teeth done, have a holiday with trips to the Bangkok tourist spots between appointments, and still come back in front on the cost at home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQFxyF5r7Ec/WVey564vLyI/AAAAAAAAQcc/Jbxm3zt_PkkZpYA5WoRow8R22nS3UqitwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170701_133642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQFxyF5r7Ec/WVey564vLyI/AAAAAAAAQcc/Jbxm3zt_PkkZpYA5WoRow8R22nS3UqitwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20170701_133642.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I came away from Bangkok feeling well cared for and that I had been treated by professionals, with respect and at a fair cost. There were never any issues with billing as the initial consultation was free and they would bill you as the work was done and, even with the extra jobs, the final cost was within the initial range of estimates. I would thoroughly recommend getting your dental work done this way. While there we stayed at the S Box Sukhumvit Hotel which was a half hour walk to the dentist, quite comfortable and reasonably priced. If you're in my situation don't be afraid to investigate this option.<br />
<br />
Website: http://www.bangkokinterdental.com<br />
<br />
For things to do in Thailand between appointments you will need to wait until my next post... </div>
Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10696863101384180220noreply@blogger.com0