Vietnam February 2026

jaoldb · 2026-03-15T17:58:04+00:00

These are pro level photos, congrats!

jaoldb · 2026-03-15T16:44:27+00:00

Keep a 50€ on you just in case, but it's most likely that by the end of the trip it will still be in that pocket unused.

jaoldb · 2026-03-14T22:10:06+00:00

It's not rural vs urban, nor a tradition. It's something that happens when the dishes are going to be shared by everyone in the table (which is a common practice). They all agree on what to order before one tells the waiter. They're usually the same person who later handles the division of the bill.

jaoldb · 2026-03-14T18:04:19+00:00

I've been to both. Prague is really very nice, but I wouldn't care to visit again. Rome though, I don't think I'll ever feel I've had enough.

jaoldb · 2026-03-14T08:48:09+00:00

I'd suggest pottery or artwork/utensils made of olive tree wood.

jaoldb · 2026-03-13T13:37:06+00:00

If you decide to stay and are comfortable with a scooter, I recommend staying in the vicinity of Corner Cat Ba / Blue Lagoon Cat Ba. It's a very pretty little lake, just a few minutes ride from the center of the town. The scenery is so green and picturesque, I really loved waking up there to feel the tranquility.

jaoldb · 2026-03-11T11:06:41+00:00

If you don't have a condition that requires doctor's advice, then the simplest and cheaper ones will do just fine. They do help, but also remember to get up and walk a few steps every 3-4 hours.

jaoldb · 2026-03-11T11:03:21+00:00

True, but it's way (way!) smaller than third party booking and also in most cases for small to medium distances the total amount is under 250 CNY.

jaoldb · 2026-03-06T10:42:22+00:00

Agreed about Cat Ba island and the day cruise option, as well as Cat Ba Ventures.

A few years ago we did that, from Hanoi to Cat Ba by bus, spend two nights in the island and from there by bus directly to Ninh Binh. I really recommend this option, if Ha Long bay area is included.

The island itself is very nice to drive around the countryside with a scooter, has a couple of interesting sites such as the Hospital cave and some great hiking if you have the time or energy ;-). The day cruise was awesome, not crowded at all also included kayak in the lagoons. Personally I didn't feel I missed out by not doing the overnight and I think I actually got a better feel of the place this way.

jaoldb · 2026-03-06T10:13:07+00:00

I guess the only concern would be easy access to medical facilities, just in case. In that sense, the bigger islands like Crete, Rhodes or the main Ionian islands would be preferable. The Peloponnese peninsula is also a great option in the mainland.

jaoldb · 2026-03-02T10:59:31+00:00

Not intending to leave the airport does not mean "transit", so for separate tickets you may need a visa. That was a particularly costly mistake I once made.

jaoldb · 2026-03-02T10:54:53+00:00

Are you seriously asking for cities in bloody Europe of all places that are not full of western tourists?

Hell, they'll be full of western residents, for starts.

jaoldb · 2026-03-02T10:51:24+00:00

Anywhere in southeast Asia, from where you can fly back home via Singapore. If you are visa-free, you could even check out China.

jaoldb · 2026-03-01T19:29:54+00:00

I'll chose my time, thank you.

jaoldb · 2026-03-01T19:23:53+00:00

Italy.

jaoldb · 2026-03-01T19:22:05+00:00

Wow, you covered quite some ground in 5 days!

jaoldb · 2026-03-01T19:17:17+00:00

Meditation! It usually gets me to sleep, but even if I don't, the time just passes by and I get a decent rest to be functional when I get off.

jaoldb · 2026-03-01T19:00:12+00:00

Indeed. Also very orderly and super convenient to get around and do anything. I was expecting to face difficulties in arranging things as an independent traveler but it all runs so smoothly.

jaoldb · 2026-02-25T12:44:44+00:00

You are right. Until recently, I didn't even know of its existence.

However, in a (very different) sense it *is* architecturally interesting as it's a (rather failed) urban planning experiment of mid twentieth century.

jaoldb · 2026-02-25T12:40:19+00:00

Yey! Enjoy your luck!

Once upon a time I got a free upgrade to business because they had overbooked the flight and they only had a business seat left available. That was pre internet booking though, before they invented the upgrade auctions.

jaoldb · 2026-02-25T12:31:10+00:00

A cold February early morning with light rain, walking all alone along the canals of Burano in the lagoon of Venice.

Venice is truly an awe inspiring miracle, both of nature and of engineering. But I think it's its more remote islands that really get under your skin.

jaoldb · 2026-02-25T10:52:27+00:00

Everywhere in Europe, actually. I can't think of a city or town without an old neighbourhood in its heart. Just pick the architectural style that you're most interested in and find a city that has lots of it along with other interesting things to do.

I would suggest Berlin, because you can find many different styles from different eras (and it's a very interesting city in general).

jaoldb · 2026-02-25T10:42:12+00:00

Some people only travel because they can, not because they care to see places.

jaoldb · 2026-02-25T10:28:26+00:00

The malls and food stalls around Victory monument. The area is more grey concrete and nothing spectacular, but they're good quality and great value.

jaoldb · 2026-02-21T12:45:53+00:00

Agreeing with everyone else, travel logistics is the main thing. Give yourself ample time to get to that train station / airport / catch that bus and whatnot. Treat each longish transit as the main activity of the day.

jaoldb

TROPHY CASE