Let me think as to where I was since we were last rudely interrupted. Ah yes, I was describing the three days we spent in Halong bay. Well, let me see, what else can I say other than it is a beautiful place. We stayed on a boat for three days, driving around and taking in the sights. We stopped on a monkey filled island, played on beaches and toured remote villages. We kayaked. I took many photos along the way, but I am sorry to say that it doesn't look like I am going to get them online today. I'll have to figure out a way to sort that out. All said, Halong Bay was a resounding success.

The last two days were spent in Ha Noi. It is a fun, crowded and busy city. There is some amazing food to be found for amazingly cheap prices. I mainly spent my time walking through the old quarter, which is the heart of the city, built when France was in control of the place. Accordingly, this part of the city is a meld between Europe and Asia. Something like Paris, but smaller, with thousands and thousands of mopeds and much more street traffic. Of course, there are quite a few more woks, but however, you can get a baguette in both cities.

I am now in Hue. This town is just below the 17th parallel, and is the first major city in what was Southern Vietnam. This is the only city that the communists managed to capture during the American war, as it is called down here. Sure, it was only for a few weeks before Hue was taken back, but that isn't really the point now is it? After a few more years the northern flag was back on the flagpole. In fact, I just saw it today. Hmm, I wonder what lessons one could take from this? Insurgents take note.

To celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow, Christy and I are headed up to the DMZ. I didn't really plan to celebrate this good ol' America day in the tunnels of the Viet Cong, but something about that seems quite funny to me.