So, overall impressions of Hanoi? Well there are a few ways of looking at this. It is, if you will, a city of two tales. On the one hand I would have to say that it is definitely the place on earth that I've visited that has most made me lose the will to live. On the other hand I have never ever been so grateful that I grew up on such a lovely island with lovely people with great opportunities. (Okay, okay, I love to exagerate- it's really not that bad, but it's...

Poem I wrote inspired by the Rivers in Laos...I am a working River.I am burdened everyday.I carry hers and his for freebut a heavy price I pay. When I began up by the skies,I flowed so pure and free.but no resent I feel, alas;they can but ride on me. To move from A to B, you see,all must travel on their way.While some will sleep or work, heads down,some converse, and fish and play. Days of wander be embraced, as never a soul in historyhas ever avoided The Riv...