Why Vietnam?
Trip Start
Jan 06, 2008
1
16
Trip End
Jan 26, 2008
Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Monday, January 7, 2008
Lauren had just graduated from college and was ready for an adventure. If she could survive three weeks of close travel with her mom, she could handle most everything in life.
The biggest challenge was packing for three weeks of travel. Each of us has just one suitcase and a backpack. After checking the internet, we learn that temperatures range from Cambodia's tropical 80-90s to N. Vietnam and Taipei's 50-60's weather. This isn't the rainy season but showers were possible.
We pack sturdy rainproof hiking shoes, quick-dry hiking pants with deep pockets, quick-dry socks and quick-dry shirts. Rain jackets that could breath and keep us dry during possible downpours, a compact umbrella, and a thick hoodie sweatshirt.
Prior and during our trip, the top question asked was always, 'Why Vietnam and Cambodia?' Even the majority of our tour companions posed this question. Most of them were well traveled but these countries had not been at the top of their travel lists.
Cambodia and Vietnam were selected because they still offered unspoiled charms. Their tourism industry is just ten years old, so the impact of the tourism dollar is in its' infancy.
Initially, a motorcycle tour from south to north Vietnam had caught my attention. I loved the thought of this experience; however, motorcycle injuries/deaths top the accident list for Vietnam tourists. Athletic ability and natural grace are not strong attributes of mine and so, Friendly Planet tours were selected.
Lauren: And can you imagine mom and me riding motorcycles down the dirt roads, avoiding herds of cattle? I don't thi-ink soooooo
We connected in Los Angeles with a China Airlines flight to Taipei. Our Taipei flight waited over one-hour for our tour group as we had a late arrival. From Taipei we flew into the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh and began.
Are You Ready For An Adventure!
Comments
Re: yes ma'am!
Pictures and commentary are fantastic. Good job!
Pilldus & Paka
So true!
I was definitely ready for an adventure with YOU! And I did survive, easily! :)