The DoMe Travel Thread

Courtesy of Kaybli's link, I'm taking a shot at exhuming this four and a half year dormant travel thread, mainly because I wanted to ask donniebaseball23 about his recent grand tour of SE Asia.  If you're not sick of re-telling your stories, donnie.  Also I nominate re-naming this the DoMe Travel Thread in honor of our wonderful poster who actually started it.  And who, fittingly enough, had Singapore and Thailand in his sites when he did.

Anyway, I'd love to hear more about your adventures (I actually care about this stuff!)  Just so you know where I'm coming from, I've been to those places in the past -- Singapore and Bali as part of a 35th anniversary trip, Thailand on several occasions, and Vietnam in 2017 to visit a friend working in Hanoi.

I concur with you on Hanoi.  An unexpectedly (to me anyway) charming city, with the leafy Old Quarter and beautiful temples and lakes and serene French architecture.  We attended Mass at the spectacular St. Joseph's Cathedral, another reminder of the French presence.  I also agree with you on the cuisine, which is probably my favorite Asian cuisine (although Thai and Japanese aren't far behind.)  Some Hanoi specialties I remember were first of all Cha Ca La Vong, a marinated fish that is grilled and then fried with a mix of turmeric, garlic, shallots, scallions, dill and who knows what else and served with a lot of side dishes like vermicelli and roasted peanuts and shrimp paste.  There were dozens of these restaurants all over Hanoi, and as you noted they were incredibly cheap.  I also recall having Pho Bo and Pho Ga (beef and chicken noodle soup) and Than Tri steamed rice rolls.  Also Bun Cha, which is grilled pork with vermicelli.  So many great places to eat.

I know we discussed Hao Long Bay, one of the world's most beautiful sites but hardly known in the US.  After we left our friend in Hanoi, we spent a few weeks going to Saigon (which the locals still call it rather than HCMC) and Hue and DaNang and the gorgeous canal-laced town of Hoi An.  Let me know if you got to any of those spots.

Where did you stay in Bali?  We stayed in Ubud, sort of the artsy center of Bali.  It was like a dream with the terraced rice fields and the unlimited graceful Hindu shrines and temples.  We hired a guide who not only led us to the key sites but took us to his home where we met his family and shared a meal.  Such kind and sweet people who we could never hope to repay.  We went to the more popular Aussie resorts like Nusa Dua with the beautiful resorts and the older resort area of Kuta, which we found to be kind of a throwback to the 60s.  I'd love to hear your impressions.

We went to Singapore as part of a 35th anniversary celebration and stayed at the original Raffles.  What a place.  Each guest has his own personal valet.  When we had mentioned that we were there for our anniversary, when we returned to our rooms there was a bottle of champagne and high-end chocolates and our bed was covered in rose petals.  Everyday life, right?  We had the obligatory Singapore Sling at the Long Bar -- bet you did too -- too sweet for me, but when in Rome etc.  The hotel is like a living museum.  Talk about a place for everything and everything in its place -- that's Singapore for sure.  You said it reminded you of Seoul, which to my shame I have never visited -- man, if it resembles Singapore I need to get there.  Lucky you to have family there.  I also remember going to the quite moving Changi prison camp where the Japanese kept British and local Chinese prisoners under less than humane conditions.  Very much remembered by the Singaporeans.

Glad you got to Chang Mai.  What a wonderful region.  I remember the night markets and taking boats on the Mekong River (or was that from Chang Rai?  Can't remember.)  I remember getting to the Bridge over the River Kwai and having an urge to whistle!  Did you make it to Bangkok?  It's been awhile for me, but I remember thinking that even by Asian standards the traffic was horrific.  Still, an amazing city with so many hospitable people, beautiful temples and again great food out the wazoo.

Too much prattling from me.  I'd love to get more of your impressions, and congrats for making such a trip.  Long and exhausting as I don't have to tell you.  We've used Qatar Airways and Singapore Airways for getting there -- both far superior to US or European airlines.  They actually care about customer service, imagine that!!  All thoughts most appreciated.

Aww Kaybli thanks for honoring DoMe with the name change.  He is an inspiration to us for the way he has lived life full speed ahead.  I hope he knows that, and I hope he is still reading this forum.  You're the man DoMe!!