Yes, after months of the usual anticipation, detailed research and numerous posts on Fodor's, we are finally departing for Hanoi. The New York Times has further prepared us with a "36 Hours" article today, creating some last minute confusion at least, on Hanoi restaurants. We'll see (and report back). I have not tagged this as a trip report as I will do my usual comprehensive recounting of our adventures when we return. However, I will try to report "live" when possible to make up for those who otherwise are not posting here due to the new format.

Craig, I'm sure you and Jeanne will have a wonderful trip! I look forward to your updates from the road.

Have a great trip!

We know you will be a fiathful reporter. No penalties for hartford. when you return, the Yankees will be 2 1/2 games out of first and Burnett will be on the disabled list. have a great time.

I am particularly interested in your opinions of Viet Nam and anxiously await your reports. Have a good time, I know you've been planning this one for a while!

Aloha!

Kathie, absolut, HT - thanks for the kind words.

Andy, perhaps you're just jealous that your team couldn't land Teixeira. So the RS are the same team essentially as last year. We look forward to beating up on Wakefield (why is he still on the team?) - I'm sure you guys can't wait til 42 year-old Smoltz gets healthy - your best hope may be Buckholz though he's in the minors. So it's CC, AJ, Wang, Pettite, Joba versus a very strong Beckett, Lester and Dice-K + whoever. Catchers both old - Posada by far the better hitter if he stays healthy. Closers and set-up for both teams look great. Youk may not be as good as Manny but should provide adequate protection for Big Papi. The absence of the A-Rod distraction will only help the team from the Bronx.

No more baseball discussion 'til I get back - I promise. After all, I wouldn't want this thread to end up in the dreaded (and somewhat scary) "Lounge".

>>>No more baseball discussion 'til I get back<<<


(Thank you - and I promise not to mention certain Scottish clubs.)

Now, understand you're once again staying at one of my all-time cherished Bangkok business travel hotels, the Peninsula. (And not such a bad place to share tender times, with a loved one.) If so, please give my best to my favourite Bangkok 'Lobby Hostess' and the affable 'GM' who is most consistent with 'welcome home' greetings, upon arrival. (Will always, always cherish the Peninsula's warmth - and discretion - 1998, to present.)

Must confess, one purpose for post is to urge you to consider SQ F for next year's holiday. (It's not impossible to book two SQ F award tix; persistence and creativity, to be sure.)

Savour your Asian times. ... (And don't forget those late-night, in-room massage treatments.)

macintosh (robert)


... "Khun Robert! Welcome back to Bangkok! What's your room number?!" ...

(Peninsula, 200_)

Have a fantastic trip. Can't wait to hear all about it and I must now start planning my own trip in earnest for July.

Bon Voyage!

Have a safe flight Craig and be prepare it's hot and it's raining everyday in Bangkok, not usual for the hot and dry season, at the moment!

as i wrote to you directly...bopn voyage...

bon

Bravo you two. Travel safely and well. Like all of us I'll be looking forward to your reports. Just as you fly IN to Asia, I'm sailing OUT. Your gain - my loss.

Next time: Papua New Guinea, eh?

Bon voyage, Craig and Jeanne.

After settling into the Metropole, if you want to relax in a cafe outside your beautiful hotel, consider the Au Lac Cafe right across the street. The seating is outdoors, the ambiance casual. (I like some of the predictable favorites such as bananaflower salad, lime drink, and sweet VN iced coffee.) It is a good place to review guidebooks, make plans. With a very good ATM around the corner, it could make for a good way to launch your first foray into town.

I have walked around Hoan Kiem (Lake) at several different times of day but the early (for me) morning walk when all the different groups are exercising is the most fun. Next best was an afternoon walk followed by sampling several different types of ice cream (ginger, cinnamon, even durian) at Fanny's.

There are many lovely restaurants in Hanoi for a splurge. I still think Wild Lotus in the candle-lit evening is magical. Just in case you are out in the Westlake area, Vine is excellent; on a nice evening if you need some serenity, I'd consider a drink at the Intercon's sunset bar (built out over Westlake), followed by a walk through the neighborhood to Vine, then cab back to the Metropole. My husband just got back from Hanoi and reports that he had an excellent meal at Brothers on this trip.

Oh, my, this is obviously unnecessary since you have prepared so well -- I am just getting carried away with enthusiasm. Have a very wonderful trip!

Have a pho-tastic time! Can't wait for the trip report.

Have a great trip. Jean I can't wait to see your photos...There are many opportunities over there. Look at the pottery. I got some very nice pieces when we were there. We will catch up when you get home as we are not taking a lap top this trip. Enjoy and stay safe

marya - Wild Lotus is already on our list, as is Fanny's (which is closed until April 15th). Au Lac Cafe sounds like a great spot and we will definitely check it out.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Have a great time! I know you've been planning this one for a long time!

Brad leaves Tuesday as well, but for BKK. I'll be on my way over there on the 20th. I'm back in Zurich today, and will be heading home on Wednesday.

I do wish you could attend "the" big birthday party in BKK, but we will understand. Maybe another time...

Anyway, have a super-dooper time!

Carol

can't wait to hear all about it am i the beginning stages of booking my own trip to Vietnam so really will really look forward to hearing all
Bon Voyage