The last part of my trip was a few days in Osaka with the charming and lovely Tyler and Carla (yes, charming and lovely, both of them). It was great to see them, and it was also great to be in a country that takes toilet cleanliness and comfort with the appropriate gravitas. Though oddly,…
travel
Adventures in Asia, Part 9: Bangkok Redux
Ah, Bangkok. The full name is “Krungthep Mahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathani Burirom-udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amonphiman Awatansathit Sakkathattiya Witsanu Kamprasit”, which means something about angels and gems. Officially home to 6 million people, but unofficial estimates place it at twice that. Hottest major city in the world, and one of the most densely-populated. Bangkok was my…
Adventures in Asia, Part 8: Escape from Phu Quoc
Finally, the day came to leave Phu Quoc. Our plan had always been to take the ferry to the mainland and then the bus to Saigon, where we have flight out of Vietnam the day after we leave Phu Quoc. However, when Janelle went into town to get tickets for the charmingly-named Superdong ferry, she…
Adventures in Asia, Part 6: Halong Bay, Vietnam
Halong Bay The main reason we were in Hanoi in the first place was to see Halong Bay, a few hours away. The bay contains about 2000 limestone islands, which rise straight out of the water and are topped with lush vegetation. Only two of the islands have enough approachable surface area to be habitable,…
Adventures in Asia, Part 5: Hanoi, Vietnam
I’ve had a wicked case of the flu the past couple of days, and an important paper deadline in less than two weeks. I’ve been trying to work, but frankly I’m feeling too weak and feverish to accomplish anything other than watching House, MD.