Hanoi

30th December 2011 - 7th January 2012

After getting up at some ungodly hour of the morning we flew into Hanoi (Asia Air again).  It was strange to see a huge number of poeple lying in the ground in KL airport.  It was wierd that they had not made it to the departure lounge.  With mind ticking over I commented to Rich that there must be a reason.  Then it all became very clear!  There are no toilets at the departure lounge so everyone waits til the last minute to go through - which indeed caused a bit of chaos.  Funnier still - once on board the plane - every single person needed to go to the toilet before take off - not to mention the excessive amounts of "carry on" luggage they had in tow.  Another light went on in the weary brain of mine - everyone carries on so they dont have to pay for baggage.  Any how - made it to Hanoi - quite a long flight from KL - 3.5 hours.  Arrived to some very cold weather.  We really had not anticipated how cold it was going to be.  On talking to lots of travellers we are all in the same boat!  So layers of Summer clothes the answer as it is impossible for us to buy clothes here and really even if we could we have no need for winter clothes where we are going.  We did however manage to buy a scarf each at the markets for $2 each - so that will have to do.

We arrived at the InterContinental Westlake - stunning hotel set on the lake in Hanoi.  5 nights here will be no problem at all.


InterContinental Westlake - ear muffs  - a necessary accessory!

Christmas Tree at InterContinental Westlake - made from hats

We spent 4 days exploring a really beautiful city - whilst the weather was very grey.  One of the highlights was going to the Ho Chi Min Mausoleum.  Here is where Ho Chi Min is lying in state - the same as Stalin and Lenin - the great Communist Leaders.  It was a very communist experience with bags being checked in at one point then cameras at another.  Filing past his body was very orderly with us being reminded that hands needed to be out of pockets and no gaps between you and the person in front.  Many guards - very serious.  It was the first time we had seen a body like this - quite strange really, but certainly give you insight into how he is regarded and how important he was to the Vietnamese people.

Ho Chi Min's resting place

There is no such thing a supermarkets here.  There is not a shop with everything there is one shop for one thing.  Everyone can be a butcher - side of the road - meat lying out ready for sale.  Thank god we were here in the cold as in hot humid weather these streets would smell extremely bad.

The culinary experince has been really great.  We stopped in for lunch at this place on day 2 (courtesy of Lonely Planet) and found what was like a market place for Vietnamese food.  It was open air - with a shade sail as a roof but massive inside and absolutely packed (we had to wait for a table).  We had a big lunch including pancacke, squid, soup, spring rolls and a beer and lemonde for $10.  We have found some great places to eat and definately had lots of Vietnamese food.  (With only a couple of burgers on the side)!

Vietnamese Pancake and Hanoi Beer

If Bali traffic was a little uncomfortable - this place is just out of control.  It is like being in a rally.  They being a new meaning to overtaking - literally they just make a third lane in the middle of the road.  Every 2 metres the driver is honking someone - and we really decided that it is better not to watch.  There a very few trafic lights or round abouts - people just go where they need to and cut across the traffic. There is plenty of honking but nobody is cursing or waving there arms around.  And fingers crossed (as we still have to get to the airport) we have not seen one accident.  Driving seems to be a good example of the nature of the Vietnamese people.

Motorcycles and Cars dodge traditional shop

We went to the Water Puppet theatre for a show in the evening.  The show went for about 45 minutes and cost $3.  The theatre was packed and we actually had to book a later than wanted show because they all sell out.  It was a good thing to do - amazing that the puppeteers stand in water for that long to do the show.  The music was good and overall very cute.

We have found our time here really interesting - emersing ourselves in the culture with the people and service just what you would expect at a 5 star hotel anywhere in the world.  I am starting to feel excited about being part of working in one of these hotels. 

4th Jan - off to Halong Bay.

Kuala Lumpar

25th December - 30th December

First of many Air Asia flights for this holiday - OMG - just horrendous!  It would be hard for Gary Coleman to fit in their seats let alone us!  3 hours - seriously anything over 2 hours from now on - no budget airlines!  Arrived in KL and a nice temperature change - 25 degrees.  Checked into the InterContinental KL - after 1 hour drive from the airport - first of our new InterContinental stays this trip.  The bed here is just to die for - after the last few months in a smaller than double bed - this luxury king is just amazing!

Very centrally located close to the city centre and many shopping options. Again out shopping for all the kids but this time managed to get ourselves some things we would not normally buy.  Still no shoes for Mels - seems to be a worldwide shortage of size 42 shoes!!  More choices in the food court than Bondi Junction and all cheaper than 1 hours parking!  Even Maccas (not that we have tried it) is $2 for a meal deal. 

We did a city tour on the hop on hop off bus - and went up the KL tower to see the city and what a great view.

KL Tower

View from KL Tower

Took a trip down to China town - lots of rip off stuff - (not for us) but great atmosphere and cool to see.  More from the Hop on Hop off - pics tell a thousand words..................

Rich - with the NZ bear (they had a bear from every country)

We found a cool bar (over the road from the shopping centre) - called the Library.  They had good food, wine and happy hour beer specials from 12.00pm - 10.00pm.  All bars in KL seem to have TV's with Soccer showing 24/7.  Brings you up to speed with the football world pretty quickly. 

Today - up to the Ginteng Highlands - it was freezing!!!  The coldest weather we had felt (15 degrees) in over 8 months!!  It was nearly 6000ft above sea level and a really unusual place.  Very American - hotels, casino, restaurants and theme parks - they advertise over 900 chefs - imagining that most of them can probably barely cook.  Heaps of fast food outlets and schools of Asian restaurants.  We went up there to go on the cable car.  Unfortunately - weather was not kind and could not see much for the cloud.

Next stop we headed off to Berjaya Hills - it was really quaint - very different - not what you would expect up in the hills of KL.  We stopped off for some lunch and had crack ups when this Phillipino band started playing Australian Music for us................  Air Supply - missing most of the words!

They were singing "I'm All Out Of Love" - but really they were - all out of tune!

KL - time to go.  Vietnam here we come - more soon.  We have a 6.00am flight which means get up at 2.15am - I think I might kill myself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bali

December 18th - December 25th

A bit of a last mintue pack - a few goodbyes and off we went.  Jetstar to Bali - no too bad only a bit of a delay - yet they sell beer at the gate lounge - so all happy.  Landed in Bali paying our arrival tax - ha what a joke.  Then off we go - transfer waiting (unusual for us - but surely something we could get used to!).  RF had purchased a week stay online through one of those last mintue deals.  It was actually really good.  We arrived at the hotel and although 3* - very nice and room was great.  A week of touring and relax to follow.  We had always been aprehensive to go to Bali - after to bombings in 2002 etc - but truely we were very pleasantly surprised.  It was HOT in Bali - as bad if not worse than Darwin at this time of year.  The first things you notice are the massive number of motorbikes - oh my there are thousands.  It was unbelievable to see a mother feeding a baby on the back of a moving motorbike, babies huddled in the front whilst parents weave in and out of manic traffic.  At times it was hard to watch. 
We did a lot of sightseeing - we had a driver Komung - local man with wife and 2 children.  Looked after us amazingly.  All the photos are on Facebook.  Rich was keen for us to taste the roadside delicacies and that we did.  Some Goat.  Rich thought that we were having Satay from the "Gods" yet small miscommunication and all of a sudden we are eating Goat satay and soup - really good.  We have previously had Goat in Fiji - and really it is quite nice - it is just a head space thing!

Goat Curry and Soup - $1.50

Suckling Pig, Duck, Chicken,Satay, Baby Banana Plant Soup - $25 (for 3 people)

We loved Bali - you can keep Kuta, Nosa Dua etc - but would love to go back for the other things.  On Christmas Eve we decided to head to one of the Orphanages.  Our driver too us to a bunch of local shops and we brought some clothes, toileteries, food and school books. We arrived and found 95 children being very well cared for by a couple of locals that had set up this place.  A young local showed us around and we hope that in some way we have made a difference.  Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Eve 2011

Apart from the thieves that stole our Vodka - we found Bali a very peaceful and loving place and understand why so many people love going there.

2011 and we are Back on the Road

Jan - Dec 2011 - an overview (because we have been slack!)

Mel turned 35 and not too much celebration as we were all getting ready for the big day in Feb.  Wedding celebrations kicked off with a road trip with Sam and Gary.  Sammy just pregnant with Charli Kate - but in great spirits.  Arrival in Sunshine beach to our mansion - and the games did indeed begin.  So many family and friends - and most of you reading this know how much fun was had and thank you to Cyclone Yasi for missing us!  Mr & Mrs Fanshawe - Feb 3 2011.  But again for those of you that know Mel - still an Evans!

Three and half months off work!! Yippee.  We spent some great time with Sam and Gary at their lovely home and were so pleased to be there while Charli Kate was growing!!  We decided it was time to hit the road and spend a week exploring a week exploring the Murray and Northern Victoria - great idea!!  





Roughin it LOL -oh time for an upgrade







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Gave Penfolds a helping hand!



Wolf Blass - our favourite - didn't need any help - so we had a few here!

Droped in on an old friend and her animal farm in Melbourne!  It was lovely to spend some quality time with good friends.  The life of the unemployed - thanks to Jana and Garry for letting us squat for a week.  If anyone is ever headed that way - drop in and try her lasagne it is fab!

Took the train to our old stomping ground in Torquay to catch up with JB.  Little did we know back then that it would loose its IHG brand just a few months later.  A bit sad after all the blood sweat and tears!  But true to form we had a wine filled night with Jason and hope to see him in China at his new hotel some time soon.

Qantas had a points sale!!  Yipee a cheapy to Brissy.  Off to see Jarad and Carolyn and my Milkshake (Caitlin Grace for those of you who are not in the loop).  Planned on a week in Brissy - stayed for 4.  Weather good, comany good, wine (always good), and some quality time with the Evans clan.

Little did she know that I would get her a proper horse to ride a little later in the year!

Back to Sydney for Easter - and a mostly/partly memorable trip up the Hunter with Gav & Skye.  A car full of food and booze - typical fashion.  Arrival and straight into it.  However best memories hanging out with our best mates! xxoo

Absolute Hunter Valley

May and we are OFF - 5-6 weeks back in the NT to Cooinda.  Ha.....more later....

Amidst this was the arrival of Chali Kate Brannigan.  September 9th 2011.  Welcome to the world.  A phone call from Sam - left me in tears (of joy).  So happy for Gary and Sam. Cant wait to see her!  My good friends trecked half way across Sydney to take some pink flowers - thanks Gav and Skye - we are so lucky to have friends like you both. xxoo

October still working in the NT - RF at Cooinda and ME at Crowne Plaza Darwin...more later....

A trip down to Sydney to see Charli.  She is beautiful.  I walked her around the shopping mall for 3 hours whilst she slept on my shoulder - funny how you don't feel any pain.

Charli Kate Branningan - 5 weeks

Quick stop and then off to Caitlin's 1st Birthday.  A great milestone for Caitlin and her lovely parents.  What a great occasion - nice family time. 



Now she can stop riding the cat.



The Evans Clan

November - RF and ME - still in the NT at Crowne Plaza Darwin - more later.....

Sam and I always said that we would be eachothers daughters God Parents.  Sam asked me to be Charli's and I was honoured.  A quick trip to Sydney for the Christening.  The weather was kind and a great day.  Another lovely family occasion - gee we have been lucky this year.

Sleeping Beauty.

Charli's Christening Cake and Candle (Thank God the candle arrived!)

December 2011
What will 2012 bring??  Lets start with a few months off and head off on holiday to SE Asia.  Oops looks like Mel has a job starting in Cambodia in Jan - looks like we are going to be living there...

First stop Bali.

Brisbane

Friday 17th December 2010 - Sunday 19th December 2010

On the road again.  But major disaster occurred - likely I broke my toe whilst getting ready to head for Brissy.  RF providing cold XXXX can for first aid.  I am certain that the people down the hall were awoken with my screams!!  Seriously think at this stage I have broken my toe - perhaps even a bone in my foot!  Here is the photo evidence - much more painful than it looks....

Killing Me!!

 

Stopped in at Perigian Beach to see our celebrant for our wedding - pretty set now - just need to write our vows - that should be a bit of fun over a glass of wine.  Lucky we think the same way - a few meaningful words - burt nice and short!!

Arrived in Brissy - found our way to Jarad and Carolyn's and now for some family time with these guys and baby Caitlin - yay :).

A few BBQ's and tonight home made pizza (including the dough) - boys are busy at it.  A trip to IKEA - picked up some $1 glasses to take to Sunshine Beach for the pre and after party.  Probably cheaper than buying nice plastic.  Got the obligatory $1 hot dog on the way out - maybe they should change their name to the $1 shop! Caitlin loved her trip to IKEA - slept the whole time and now off to her first xmas party with Carolyn.  Big day out for little baby.
More excitment today - Australia rolled the Poms in the Cricket - great work.  Now for a big Boxing Day test in Melbourne.  Yay.  Mike Hussey your are a legend - keep up the good work.  Boys manaaged to watch flat out yesterday. 

Day 2 of 3rd Ashes Test.  Jarad & Richard at home in Brissy

Today they have decided on some cooking - just pizza dough - so should be ok~!


Caitlin Grace Evans - 8 weeks



Noosa

Thursday 16th December 2010
A few appointments arranging wedding things today.  Had a nice bfst at a little cafe in Noosa - then off to meeting at Sails.  All good - can see things coming together now.  Off to Malany to see the florist - should really have arranged to see her on the way to Brissy tomorrow - oh well.  Made it, all sorted.  Weather packed in on our way home - had to stop for a bit - huge rain with thunder, lightening etc.  Made it back to Noosa.  Wandered down to Sails wine/cocktail bar - Rumba.  Very cool bar underneath the restaurant.  RF ordered a Cuban Missile - (note underneath saying - Not for the faint hearted).  It was unbelieveable.  Chilli infused rum.  It was so hot that it took him an hour to drink it.  Meanwhile I enjoyed some Soave (not had it before - very nice).  Met some staff in the bar that had just moved down from Darwin - they had been working at Pee Wee's.  The whole 6 degrees of separation - they were Tom Austens flat mates in Darwin (Tom worked for me at the Holiday Inn).  Found a cool little pizza bar for a bite on the way home - cant wait for Feb - lots of fun!

Tannum Sands

Tuesday 14th December 2010
On the road again.  Love Airlie Beach - we will be back.  Plans to get halfish way to Brissy.  Sammy works for the people that own the Tannum Sands Hotel - so decided we would make that our stop for the night.  The theme continues with heaps of road works and really bad drivers.  

RF fancies himself as one of these stand by and point people



Weather has been kind so far - no issues with the floods.  Just started to see some water close to the road - but certainly no drama for driving.

Arrived at Tannum Sands.  Different from what we were expecting - much bigger.  Nice place right on the beach.  Had dinner and some drinks (weather starting to feel cool at night - time for Jeans in the evenings).  Not really cold - just climatising from 2 years of sweating!  If you are ever passing through definately a nice place to stop.  Big thanks to Kate & Graham for looking after us.  Lovely coffees delivered in the morning - thanks Kate.

Wednesday 15th December 2010
On the road again.  Worst day today - as apparently my turn to drive.  Fair enough since RF has done the other 4,000 km - but still feel as though I have drawn the short straw.  Heaps of road works again. Destination Noosa.  Wotif.Com - love their Flaming deals - figured out that the Sheraton Noosa was the flaming deal - matching their details of the swim up bar.  Booked - love it!  Arrived in Noosa safely - very lucky given the crazies on the road.  Arrived in Noosa - checked into the Sheraton.  Definately in need of a refurb.  Lovely big rooms - we are ok with it as not paying $300 a night.  Be a little on the angry side if I was.  Out and about looking for somewhere to have drinks the night before the wedding - found a place in Noosaville - but then note the following day that the business is for sale - so may need to watch that space.  Ended up at the Surf Club - not Surf club prices - but I guess that is expected in Noosa.  A bit of Karaoke at the surf club - just spectators this time, I think my singing days are over....