Slow travel and foodie notes

March 13th, 2024 Our last week in Vietnam was busy and full of memories – mostly pleasant. We wished our loved ones farewell for now, after a fun weekend that included family meals, relaxing at our hotel pool and spa, and driving electric cars - a staple for us in the evenings. Next we visited three cities over seven days, including an island and overnight cruise...
March 1st, 2024 One month ago, we arrived in Tuy Hoa to see our family and enjoy the town. This year, we opted for a two-bedroom apartment with a small kitchenette, which made us feel more settled in...
February 24th, 2024 Fifty-two years ago today, my parents wed in Toledo, OH. My mom knew little English but fell in love with an American Soldier, and he whisked her halfway across the world. My family misses my dad dearly, but I pray we will meet again someday in heaven. Fast forward to the present, and in the past few weeks, my mom has returned to the city where they first met and explored a new locale...
February 17th, 2024 We have been in Vietnam for one month, and our time has flown by! Our goals for this trip were to see family, have my mom enjoy new sights and experiences and revisit places very dear to her. In our first two weeks, we visited four cities and enjoyed a variety of tours to take in the culture, natural and man-made beauties, and– of course – a variety of cuisines...
March 7th, 2023 We flew from Thailand back into Nha Trang about two weeks ago. Nha Trang is a coastal town that was a base for many U.S. Soldiers in the war, including my father, Leo. He and my mother met there, where she worked as a waitress at the Officer's Club...
February 19th, 2023 It took us about 14 hours to get from Tuy Hoa to Koh Chang, and we arrived at our homestay at 630 PM on a Sunday night. This was my first trip to Thailand since my childhood (I only remember the plane ride), and I was so excited to visit the country, especially as two of the ladies I admire so much – Cindy and Pat- are Thai American...
February 12th, 2023 We arrived in Nha Trang from Da Nang early on a Sunday morning and took a three-hour private car to Tuy Hoa. Shortly after checking into the homestay, we walked to my Aunt (Di) Hanh's house for lunch, only 15 minutes away. Di Hanh had been working on a welcome feast for a few days, making dishes she knew I loved...
February 9th, 2023 I first visited Hoi An 10 years ago and quickly fell in love with the city. I wish I was a unique tourist that found this hidden gem, but Hoi An is a favorite for many. The Ancient Town is lined with notable restaurants, tailor shops, and other stores – housed in deep yellow buildings with similar architecture...
February 4th, 2023 After leaving Hanoi, we flew down south to Hue. We arrived on a rainy day and, after checking into our homestay, went on a short walk to get some lunch. Bun Bo Hue is the regional dish. If you are a fan of Pho, I highly recommend trying Bun Bo Hue...
January 31st, 2023 We spent our last few days in the North, seeing some breathtaking sites via bus, bigger boats, and smaller boats. We have been reading a Vietnamese cultural book for children over the past few months, and it has been great to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes first-hand...
January 22nd, 2023 After 36 hours of planes, airports, and automobiles, we finally made it to Hanoi! We arrived 5 days before the Lunar New Year, or Tet. Tet lasts a minimum of three days and up to one week for everyone and most businesses in the country, and the week leading up to it is busy, to say the least...
December 8th, 2022 Our inaugural family camping trip was unforgettable. When my friend Chelsea asked if we would like to join her family about eight months prior, I had yet to learn how it would go and what to expect. My most recent camping experience as an adult was a solo one to the Kalalau Trail in Kauai 10 years earlier, and my gear was dusty at best...
November 17th, 2022 Toronto felt open and clean, free of litter and graffiti typical in larger cities. It had a European more than American feel to us. Though we stayed in the heart of its bustling downtown, the pace was comfortable, and we felt safe with the little ones...
July 2nd, 2022 Looking back to our first overseas vacation as a couple to Edinburgh, Scotland, Drew's and my versions of travel were very different. Our first day there was chocked full with me as our travel agent...
May 22nd, 2022 You know when your spouse just has to tell that story? You know the one: it is partially funny, partially embarrassing, but true...

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