Cu' Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)

 The tunnels formed an unbelievable total of 220km in length in a spider web pattern, just in the Cu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) alone.

Built during the latter part of the 2nd World War and used extensively during the Tet offensive in 1968 and then the horrendous Vietnam War.
This cover was invisible to us before the leaves were brushed away.

It may appear that I am struggling to either get in or get out. The scarlet colour of my face should give an indication of the urgency I felt to get out. It was a truly an emotional and overwhelming experience being here.

One of the exposed entry points to the labyrinth of tunnels.  These entry points were heavily disguised.

 Another entry and exit point to the tunnels.
These tunnels had several levels up to 10 metres deep. One level at 6 metres served a purpose that may have accommodated the living area while at another level would have been meal preparation.

The small hole at the front bottom of this otherwise innocuous ant mound is in fact a breathing hole that allows fresh air to access the tunnels. The mound is nowhere near the tunnel entrance.

 One of the impossibly cruel traps to ensnare enemy soldiers. The spikes are usually covered in faeces or poison and are secured on a spinning axle.
Once a soldier fell through the camouflage of leaves and branches, the spinning spiked wheels would soon grab and pierce the limbs causing unspoken pain and most probably death. This was one of many traps of different methods but similar outcomes.

Not quite clear to see but at the bottom of this pit are bamboo spikes embedded into the ground with razor sharp edges pointing upwards.
Again, the tips are were coated in faeces or poison.

Disguised amongst the bush here is an outlet that allows the smoke from the internal kitchen to dissipate without revealing the location of the source of the smoke, hence the tunnel entrance.

The tunnel experience was quite moving considering the history behind it and the thousands of Vietnamese that perished in the tunnels during the war.

One of the kitchen rooms hidden within the tunnels.

Reminders of the war.

Good Morning Vietnam

Halong Bay, Vietnam. Considered to be one of the seven 'natural' wonders of the world, gaining World Heritage Listing in 1994. There is approximately 3000 of these islands scattered throughout this region. Sadly it is being loved to death with no real sign of controlling the polluted water and the floating rubbish. It was incredibly smog-bound the time we spent there with advice that the smog was blowing in from China.  We travelled to Halong Bay from Hanoi by bus - another adventure on its own.

The old timber boat we spent the night on in Halong Bay. We were lucky? enough to be upgraded to the upper deck. As is often the case you meet up with some wonderful people when you travel and this was no exception.

Luxury accommodation on board our boat. The suite had its own bathroom facilities and a mattress that appeared to take on a life of its own.

There is simply a maze of these imposing mountains jutting out of the water. The sheer cliff faces, in some cases, were several hundred foot high.
Massive caves are located within many of these islands and we were lucky enough to get a guided tour through the largest of these.

 At any one time there is possibly a hundred different tourist craft moored in and around the islands. The boat in the picture was the 'party' boat with karoake blasting out all night long.

 These people work so hard for so little. Sometimes you have to remind yourself that bartering is pointless if you are trying to save a few cents.

 Impressive sight as we pass through one of the many sheer cliff faces of Halong Bay. Sadly for us there was a constant bloom of smog or haze that had enveloped the entire area.
However it is truly one of the most amazing places we have visited. There is an eery silence that surrounds the area, disturbed only by the putt putt putt of the tourist boats.

 A floating village. Here we were allowed to kayak for half an hour only and in a strict area. The water is covered in a smeer of oil from the hundreds of boats that move throughout this area. It deserves better management from the government for it to hold the mantle of a famous tourist attraction.

 Just a few of the craft that slowly make their way throughout the rabbit warren of waterways.

 Fishing boats tirelessly working for what appeared to be a small catch.

 The dining area on board our boat

This boat was filling one of the tourist boats with fresh water. The woman is completely covered as she rocks her little baby in the hammock behind her.

Kuala Lumpur

 The entrance to the busy Chinese markets in downtown KL.  Like many markets throughout Asia, the hassling is constant and the food exquisite

The rail system was excellent

 Not too sure what she was cooking apart from the fish but I think it had three legs.

 This has to be one of the most unique experiences we have ever had. For a couple of dollars you submerse your legs into this big tank of fish called Dokter Fish (their spelling). These tiny (100mm) fish that attack your limbs and suck off the dry skin or anything else that might be hanging off your leg. It is impossible not to laugh and squeal. At first it the most unnerving sensation but after while it is quite relaxing.

 I am not sure if I could submerse my entire body into the pool but for a fee you can provided your wear "protective" clothing 'cause these little fellas' will go anywhere.

 The massive twin towers (Petrosi Towers I think)  at one of the largest shopping centres we have visited. Each morning at 6am they will allow only a small number of tourists to travel to the top of the towers for the view. You have to be fast.
The shops were distinctly aimed at the top end money with every conceivable exclusive brand name there.

A view from the restaurant area of the centre where massive water spouts erupt on a regular timing but with different patterns.

Bali 2012.

Still the best way to get around. We scooted to our hearts content along frantic highways to incredibly tight back alleyways that fed into the hectic market scenes of Bali. The first rule of riding a scooter in Bali is - there is no rule. The second rule is to avoid the corrupt police as best you can or it will cost you big fine.

Piper still took time out from her busy schedule to catch up on some much needed reading.

Dylan & Lauren (now 23 weeks pregnant) on a beautiful part of Bali called Jimbaran Bay where restaurants line the beachfront and waiters used every trick in the menu to get you to join them. Fantastic night.

Michele and Lauren enjoying life as well as a delicious coconut.

One last bargain in the hectic streets of Bali. The bartering and hassling has not changed since we were last here 16 years ago except for one notable exception. Back then I was pestered constantly to buy carved elephants, sunglasses or genuine Rolex watches. This time around it was Viagra.
I guess it was the white beard, slight paunch and a  look of defeated bewilderment that gave the game away.

Another truly exotic location called Potato Head in Bali. Not a resort as such but a place where you can pay a few dollars to hire a sun lounge then kick back and sip away to your hears content.

A stark reminder.

This is the memorial to the people killed during the terrible Bali bombing episode in Kuta.

A very solemn place that reaffirms your life is a moment away from change.












Well we did it in 1995 so we thought we'd do it again in 2012. A fantastic ride down the rapids of the Ayuung River. It is still one hell of an experience that we intend to do when we are 70.

With a Bintang glow and our bestest clothes we left Bali with the fondest memories and vowed to return one day soon.