From the book: Cat Ba Island

01-Apr-2018 It has been a long time since I recorded an entry in this book. Maybe its the hectic, long day nature of Vietnam. Maybe its the way I have stayed in Hanoi longer than expected. Most others have taken weekend breaks away to Sapa and Ninh Binh. This weekends trip to Cat Ba IslandContinue reading “From the book: Cat Ba Island”

Saint Patricks Day in Vietnam

18-Mar-2018 Like so many other situations in Vietnam, I was not a high flying partier prior to flying out. In Ireland St Patricks Day was no exception. I can probably count one, maybe two times I attended a large party on St Patricks Day. Most other years either never materialized due to other events happening,Continue reading “Saint Patricks Day in Vietnam”

5 a side football in Hanoi

February to May, 2018 Cards on the table, I am not a particularly fit person. Its strange that someone who cycled 150km and swam 1500 metres a week would say that, but I definitely do not fit the mold of a ripped lad with a 6 pack and who goes to the gym 5 timesContinue reading “5 a side football in Hanoi”

The messy night at Birdcage

3-Mar-2018 A few weeks had passed from Tết and the teaching rhythm had well and truly settled. With the exception of a kid in Cự Khôi throwing lego at his fellow students, things were going through the motions; Ly in An Hưng was a delight, Sophie Filer was still late on Wednesdays, misery loved company atContinue reading “The messy night at Birdcage”

The calm before the storm

19-Feb-2018 One of the best, and overlooked moments on any holiday is when you get home, have a takeaway and take a breather from the adventure. Its such a peaceful moment where you can take stock of what to do next, reflect on what you have done, and really enjoy that current feeling. This wasContinue reading “The calm before the storm”

5 places to check out in Đà Nẵng

Having finally wrapped up writing about my first tet holiday in Đà Nẵng, I felt like recommending a few places or things to do that newcomers may want to do while there. I eventually visited the city fairly frequently, along with Hoi An, and found it to be pleasant and developing quickly. But what isContinue reading “5 places to check out in Đà Nẵng”

Tết 2018 (Part 5): The laidback ending

Part 1 of tết 2018 can be read here Part 2 of tết 2018 can be read here Part 3 of tết 2018 can be read here Part 4 of tết 2018 can be read here 17/18-Feb-2018 The holiday was winding down. the massive fireworks had launched, the day trips to Huế and the Marble MountainsContinue reading “Tết 2018 (Part 5): The laidback ending”

Tết 2018 (Part 2): The Marble Mountains and Hội An

Part 1 of tết 2018 can be read here 14-Feb-2018 The next day was glorious. I opened my hotel room curtains at an early hour to see the sun burning itself brightly onto the beach. It looked like Baywatch with the glittering sea, palm trees and beach huts. I was ready for the day, excitedContinue reading “Tết 2018 (Part 2): The Marble Mountains and Hội An”