We're back.......

Well sort of......my body feels fine but my mind is kind of "lagging"(well, maybe it's nothing new...), so give a me a couple of days to regroup, and in the meantime enjoy a few more posts from FOYs(Friends of Yoso). And here is a short run down of a few places we've been(click on any photo to enlarge)....

Starting in Hanoi, with the endless stream of thousands of motorbikes, and crowded sidewalks...it seems like controlled chaos:

And the cramped markets stocked with every sort of item imaginable

Yet, you're still able to carve out moments of inner peace and tranquility along Hoan Kiem Lake...

Or maybe even coax a smile out of a little girl patiently waiting for a wedding to start

Or just admire the view...

To the village of Le Mat, and a date with a snake....

It was delicious......

To picturesque Halong Bay

Limestone karsts rising out of the ocean...

Perhaps a little "over-touristed", but on overcast days...it's easy to imagine, perhaps The Land That Time Forgot, or maybe Pirates of the Caribbean?

To the wonderful vistas of Sapa, and a "little" 14 kilometer hike through Matra and Ta Phin villages

And the short hike to Cat Cat Village, with a view that I think even the locals never get tired of....

On to Bac Ha, and colorful Can Cau Market, where we broke bread(actually pigged on pork) with the locals, and had shots of the local moonshine with Giay(Nhang) men. The Flower Hmong added bright splashes of color.....

 

After a night of more "hootch", poured into used plastic water bottles from plastic Jerry Cans

The huge Sunday Market in Bac Ha is almost overwhelming.....

Flying into Siem Reap, where the only thing warmer than the 100 degree temp, and 80 percent humidity, are the people....

In Siem Reap, smiles are just around the corner...especially from the children

And while we enjoyed sunrise at Angkor Wat

It was the somewhat mysterious Angkor Thom,

the Bayon,

and other ruins that kept our interest.

The floating village we visited on Tonle Sap Lake, was a study in perserverence and adaptation.

And we wrapped it all up in chaotic Phnom Penh.....looking at each other, we said in unison; "isn't this where we started?"

Wait! Sorry, this is food blog, right? I guess I'm not sure how much "slice of life" stuff I'll be able to post on......we have dozens of nice little stories, and it wasn't all "wine and roses", but that just added to the color and sense of adventure.......

So, we did visit many, many markets

And have no fear, there were some interesting meals.

And some pretty darn good street food...

So hang in there while "this piggy goes to market"....

 

Here's one of my favorite photos of the trip, I wish Da Boyz could do this!

Beyond the food, the theme on this trip was quite evident....it was about the people, and on that note, we'd like to dedicate this post to the larger than life(how many times have we called him that?) person all the OC food bloggers know as "Beach" who helped us plan our trip, it would not have been as enjoyable, nor as successful without his help, knowledge, generousity, and plain hard work on our behalf. We owe you big time!

Also, mucho Thanks go out to Cathy who held down the fort, and made sure that those mmm-yoso gears kept 'a runnin!

Comments

[alex]

absolutely wonderful & gorgeous pictures kirk. so excited to hear more!

[Beach]

Kirk,
I am just glad that every thing went well and I did not cause you and your Missus any unnecessary headache? I am sure that we will read more of your adventure in the future. Looking forward to more reading.

[Sharon]

Kirk, welcome back! I went on a Hanoi/Sapa/Halong Bay trip 2 years ago, and your pictures bring back wonderful memories. I miss the food, the sights and even the crowded streets. I hope you enjoyed yourself!

[ed (from Yuma)]

Nice to have you back. Also nice to see all the great pics! Hi to the missus also. Waiting to hear about the food.

[nhbilly]

Welcome back! Where is the nuoc mam?
;-D

[howie]

Welcome back, Kirk! The pictures of those limestone formations and the temple ruins are gorgeous. And the food looks delicious too.

[Omar]

Welcome home, Kirk. Vietnam and Cambodia have been on our "must do" list for a while now, and your upcoming posts may just push us over the edge!

Best,

[santos.]

welcome back!

[Roger]

That's a cool picture of the snakes. Did I misread? Or did you guys get to eat them? I want to compare notes with you on how they taste!

[mike]

Wow, looks like a fantastic trip! Looking forward to the posts to come.

[yummieyummy]

Welcome back!!! Have a good rest and can't wait for more of your trip. The first picture brings back lots of memories.

[Kirk]

Hi Alex - Thanks....hopefully you'll find my posts somewhat interesting....

Hi Beach - You gotta be kidding! We wouldn't have been able to do this without you. Thanks again for everything....and we mean it!

Hi Sharon - I'm glad we're able to stir a few nice memories. This was yet another trip of a lifetime.

Hi Ed - As soon as I shake the cobwebs we'll start with the posts....

Hi Billy - LOL! I can't show all my cards in one post, can I? ;o)

Hi Howie - This was a great trip.

Hi Omar - That edge may be approaching quickly.....

Hi Santos - Thanks.....it is good to be home.

Hi Roger - Yes, we had snake....Le Mat is known as the Snake Village, it is their specialty.

Hi Mike - Thanks! i've enjoyed your posts on Mexico City and Oaxaca as well!

http://menuinprogress.com/2008/03/mexico-in-review.html

Hi YY - Thanks....I just need to catch up on things, and we'll get the ball rolling.

[Nicole]

Wow! Looks like such an amazing trip! Wonderful photos!

[Carol]

Welcome back, Kirk! Wow, looks like you had a wonderful trip.

[Mscinda]

Welcome back, Kirk! Love the pictures.

[Christine D.]

I can't wait to travel to these places someday! Welcome back and great pictures!

[RONW]

excellent pics.

[Wandering Chopsticks]

Hey Kirk,
I know you just got back and said you need to recuperate, but I'd say that's a pretty nice round-up!

[E]

Beautiful photos. What kind of camera do you use?

[mizducky]

Welcome back, Kirk! I absolutely love all the travelogue-y pictures, they really give a feel for the place. Looking forward to reading and seeing more, but in the meantime, rest well!