Garnerbiker's Journey on planet Earth

This blog started as a trip journal for the summer of 2011 Europe trip of 69 days. My wife Katherine, and I decided to use the entire summer break that teachers get, and go crazy. Everything was new to us. I was surprised at the blog's following. It has now become a tradition to travel on our breaks and blog about it. I write mostly as a journal for myself and students, but also give travel ideas to others that might want to travel like us, or go to the places we have seen. Take a look at what's on here. The experiences that I have had through travel are continuously shaping my life. I recommend you get out there and do it!

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Friday, July 13, 2012

Luang Prabang, Laos to Hanoi, Vietnam

30 hour bus ride, or 1 hour airplane ride? $30 for the bus or $150 for airplane? After the horror stories we had heard about the bus, we splurged on the airplane. We almost missed the plane though, our Tuk Tuk was slow and we thought the airplane was an hour later than scheduled. It ended up not being a problem, but it was close.

We got breakfast, mailed postcards, went to the art gallery, power in the whole city went out, ate at art gallery's husbands restaurant, went to airport, flew to Hanoi, it poured rain, we were picked up by a driver, 35 minute ride to Hanoi hostel, checked in, and then went to bed.

For the entire hour of flight, I looked out the window at the jungle below. There were giant rivers and a few logged sections, but most of it was just giant green jungle. I could only imagine what it would be like if our pilot had to put down in a river and we would have to be out there for a week or two. It looked beautiful. The plane didn't have any problems and as soon as we had our snack and drink, we were preparing to land in Hanoi. It was pouring rain. Bad. We got two landings in one since the plane took a nice bounce to set down. There was a strong gust that tiled us as we landed.

We arrived at the airport and had to exit the rear of the plane. Since it was pouring, and we had to get down on the concrete, they had escorts with umbrellas guiding us. We thought it was a little much, but this is what we have run into in Hanoi. Just really nice and happy people wanting you to feel the same.

The hostel staff is the same way. It's just a normal hostel, but the service is a little different than anything we have seen before. They open doors for you, serve you water, ask how the day went and if they can help at all. The room is very nice with antique French styled furniture. There is an AC unit that is trying its best and a TV and refrigerator. All this for $9.50 US a person including breakfast. Nice!

Tomorrow it will be a grand walking tour of Hanoi in search of a camera charger.

 

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