The Streets Of Hanoi

Two flights and 20+ hours of travel later we found ourselves standing outside of baggage claim at Hanoi International Airport looking for our driver. We spot him with a 8x10 sheet of paper with Ian’s last name scribbled on it. We quickly exchange greetings, verbal passcodes and were on our way to Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

From the airport we drove on a quiet highway passing fields of rice paddies, going over bridges and weaving through traffic. I could tell we were getting closer to the city as more and more motorbikes appeared out of nowhere joining us in the weaving game. I was so nervous my stomach felt queasy. I tried telling myself this is normal, they drive this way everyday and then BAM! a motorbike hits our car. Our driver pulls over to check on the biker, they get into what seems like a squabble, the biker gets back on his motorbike while our driver returns to the car. He casually apologies for the delay as he puts on his seatbelt and off we went. Ian and I looked at each other with a, ‘What the hell just happened?' expression.

The car pulls up to the opposite side of the road in front of our hotel. The doorman sees us and quickly crosses the street to our rescue, grabbing our bags and ushering us through traffic. I scream while crossing the street completely embarrassing myself and Ian. While we settled in the lobby over a welcome drink and wet hand towels the concierge hands us some reading materials on Traveling Advice. My attention goes straight to the section, 'How to Cross the Road’. Step 1: Be relaxed and self-confident. Step 2: Look two ways or keep your eyes on the drivers. Step 3: Keep the speed and walk slowly. Step 4: Never step back.

We checked into your room, refreshen up and went searching for Pho. I tried to put into practice what I had just learned about crossing the road. Ian was an instant pro, me not so much. I continued my screaming while dodging motorbikes. After enjoying a bowl of Pho we stumbled upon Hoan Kiem Lake and happily learned the streets were closed off to traffic. I was able to let down my guard, relax and enjoy myself. It was Christmas Eve. Christmas music was playing all around us. Parents were watching their children (dressed up as Santa) ride battery powered Toy ATVs, Quads and Motorcycles. It was so cute! I even saw a bad Santa in tears being consoled by his dad. Teenagers gathered with their friends on the open streets. We joined the lovers walking by hand in hand on a romantic stroll. It was a perfect Christmas Eve.

As the days went by I eventually got used to walking the streets of Hanoi. It started to feel more comfortable and I shifted my focus and energy towards my photographs. Here they are: the streets of Hanoi.

Hanoi | December 2017

The Smith Tower

I was about to lose it with the short daylight, rain and gray and then the sun broke through the clouds and saved me. Seattle had the most beautiful weather this past Saturday. I had a day out with my nephews planned and the sun made it all the better. We had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, spent a few hours at Gameworks and then went for ice cream at The Smith Tower. Ian was a sweetheart and tagged along. He even joined in on our occasional shenanigans.



My nephews are pretty much my own babies. I was there hours after they were born through all the milestones up to this point in their lives. I cannot believe how quickly they’ve grown. Time is going by so fast reminding me to savor moments like these.

Since they were little I would pack them in my car and take them out for what we’ve coined, 'a fun day'. We’d go get lunch, catch a movie or go the arcade.  No fun day was complete without a stop at Toys "R" Us. I’d return them happy, exhausted and asleep. 



Visiting The Smith Tower is worth it. The 35th floor of The Smith Tower was under renovations and closed for what felt like a long time. It reopened in 2016 and is one of our favorite spots to grab a drink and watch the sunset. The observation deck has a gorgeous 360 view of Seattle. If you stand at the corner facing the Great Wheel there's a sweet spot you can see the Space Needle. That is my favorite spot to see my three favorites: the water, the Great Wheel and the Space Needle.

A Quiet Morning on HaLong Bay

I stir awake drifting out of a dream. My eyelids feels heavy as I attempt to bounce them open. I see a streak of light pouring into the room. It must be morning. I reach out to the night stand blindly searching for my phone - 6:30am. It was morning and much earlier than I thought. I put my phone down and return under the warm sheets. As I lie in bed listening to the silence, memories of the previous day starting flowing: the four hour drive from Hanoi to HaLong Bay, checking into our room, visiting the floating village, the delicious five course dinner and squid fishing in the dark. I remember seeing other cruise ships anchored around us and asked our guide about it. She mentioned in the evenings all the cruise ships are required to anchor in this specific location. Remembering this, I slid out of bed to find out if we’ve moved.

I quickly freshen up, collected my photography gear and tiptoed to our balcony. I was greeted with scattered limestone islands, cruise ships and fishing boats. In the distance, the limestone islands were covered in fog but it was surprisingly warm and so quiet. All I could hear was the humming of the engine. I discovered we were no longer anchored and cruising at a very slow speed. I sat there appreciating the moment, the silence, the view and all that was passing by before picking up my camera.

Here are my photos taken on my Hasselblad on that very first morning I woke up on HaLong Bay.