Thursday, November 7, 2013. Hoi An Vietnam Temp: High 85-95F and humid Hoi An provided us with just enough excitement, offering us fascinating and historic sights and experiences while still allowing for a bit of decompression time. Designated a Unesco World Heritage Site in the 1990's, Hoi An was once the most cosmopolitan port in Vietnam, attracting ships from Japan, China, the Middle East, and Portugal. The resultant mix of architecture, religions, and c...

Awoke Wednesday after a peaceful sleep, except for those lucky enough to sleep near the anchor who could hear it clanking all night. Most of us joined in a 6 a.m. tai chi class on deck as we drifted among the islands that were appearing from the morning mist. You must try balance poses on a moving ship. After coffee and three kinds of pastry (this is a cruise afterall so constant food is required) we went to a floating village of over 300 fisher folk . ...

We had a jam packed day touring the main sites of Hanoi (Ho Chi Min Mausoleum, the Ancient Temple of literature, the Ancient French Prison which was turned into the "Hanoi Hilton" as a joke where John McCain and other US bombing pilots were captured and retained for 6 years, and the Women's Museum). Whew! That alone was a lot. We had an authentic lunch in an open court restaurant with our guide. Shared several dishes. I wouldn't eat the squid! Then w...

Leaving Kent bleary-eyed at the crack of dawn, we are now in Chicago waiting to board the long, 14-hour flight to Seoul. After a layover there, we will be on to Hanoi.