Monday, November 10, 2014

We're off again!

Dear Friends and Family:

We're off again, this time to SE Asia, Fiji, NZ, and Australia.  Our original 'next big trip' was to the Middle East and the top and bottom of Africa.   Sadly, tragic events have engulfed those parts of the world, and the change in our travel plans pales in comparison to the horrors occurring there . . .

We've managed to tick off quite a few countries on this tour with one notable exception:  Vietnam.  Most of you know that Tim has already been (not as a tourist); the idea of going back stirred a lot of memories which were less than thrilling.  Uncharacteristically, I opted out of the decision-making process.  To go or not to go was his decision and one I would support either way.

After several days of investigating transport to, from, and within Vietnam (Tim gets planes, trains, and automobiles on our trips; I get accommodations) and many muttered expletives from the opposite side of command central (our kitchen table), he concluded this was a country he could skip.  Lots of our friends have raved about their trips there and remarked on its recovery and modernity.  We'll have to take their word for it.

So here is our itinerary:
   -- Thailand - Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayuthaya, Chiang Mai
   -- Cambodia - Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Battambang, Phnom Penh
   -- Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Cameron Highlands
   -- Fiji - Savusavu
   -- NZ - Auckland, Lake Taupo/Rotorua, Hawera, Tauranga
   -- Indonesia - Bali, Borneo (maybe)
   -- Australia - Melbourne

The whole trip is a bit over 3.5 months, our longest yet.  And, yes, we are going with one backpack each and two computers.  We should have wi-fi at most all our accommodations and access to our regular email.  We would love to hear from you while we're traveling and hope you enjoy following along on our adventures. I love writing this travel blog and have found it a very satisfying way to 'process'  our day-to-day excursions, encounters, and the thrill of experiencing the immediacy of 'life on the road'.  I still haven't figured out how to embed a map in the narrative but I haven't given up!

Wishing you all a most joyous holiday season and your own happy travels, wherever they may take you!

Love,
Carol & Tim






1 comment:

  1. Wow! What an adventure. i tried to call you both, but i guess this is the reason the phone does not work. Bonne chance pour votre voyage.

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