Tag Archives: boats

Asia, Vietnam

Standard Fare Really

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It isn’t raining, but it is overcast. I suppose I should be thankful that it isn’t scorching hot though because we climbed several hundred stairs, and covered a few kilometers hiking in caves today.The “junk” we are sailing is quite sweet. There are 8 passengers on board, with a total of 6 cabins. The cabins are cute–pretty much like the pictures on the website; the food on the other hand is INSANITY! We had 10 courses for lunch and then another 10 for dinner. I really hope the breakfast isn’t 10 courses or I might explode.

I took photos of most of the dishes. I tried most of the dishes, but just couldn’t stomach de-legging, de-heading and de-shelling steamed shrimp that were bigger than my thumb. And, the physical reaction to clams and oysters prevented those two dishes from being a gastronomic success. The stuffed crab, squid and seafood soup were all quite good though. I know you’re all wondering what Jon ate…we’ll tell you when we get back.

Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

Asia, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay

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I have wanted to visit Ha Long Bay since I first saw a picture of it. One of the first things we have planned when we arrive in Vietnam is a 2 day trip through Ha Long Bay. (Yay, one more for the UNESCO list!) We decided to go with Huong Hai Junks. The boats are beautiful. Now, do a quick google of Ha Long Bay images, and you’ll see just how amazing it is. I’m super excited for the photo opportunities.

Only 25 more days to go!

~j
Europe, Italy

Venice: O Sole Mio!

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Scala Contarini del Bovolo – Snail Shell Staircase Venice
Scala Contarini del Bovolo – Snail Shell Staircase Venice

Venice was supposed to be one of the high lites of the trip, but it was a supreme let down. We were really looking forward to Venice before we left Canada. Unfortunately, the weather was horrible–very very cold and super rainy. We were wearing 4 layers of outerwear some days. I bet if the weather had been better we wouldn’t feel the same way about the Venetian portion of the trip.

The city itself is awesome. We were in Venice just after carnival. There was loads of confetti littered all over the place which was kind of sad. The streets are mazed, but well signed, so fairly easy to navigate. There are no cars or even bicycles allowed on the maritime portion of Venice. Realistically, traveling by car, or anything with wheels really, would be near impossible as there are a lot of bridges and narrow pathways and stairs. Taking the vaporetti boats for transportation is sweet, but more than confusing!

Venice Transport Map

Certain stops happen at certain times of the day, or days of the week or times of the year, and dashed lines or solid lines are different times as well, and solid circles for the stops, or with the line through, under or around or God knows what they all mean! It was easily the most confusing public transportation I’ve dealt with. We managed, but had to pay very close attention to the maps. We didn’t take a gondola ride; they were uber-expensive.

Piazza San Marco Venice Italy
Venice Italy
Venice Italy
Piazza San Marco Venice Italy
 We visited all of the touristy sites. The Venice Pass would have been great if it had worked properly. We had problems with it from the start. Eventually we saw what we wanted to, and made it over to Murano, one of the smaller islands. The glass blowing demonstrations weren’t taking place during February, but it was still interesting to walk around the island a bit and check out the shops.  If it hadn’t have been so miserable weather wise, I’m sure it would have been a stellar way to spend the day.

Venice Italy
Venice Italy