Fishing around in Hanoi

Happy Birthday (a little late) Ed.
Thought of you when we spotted people fishing on Westlake here in Hanoi.

Not like fishing on a BASS BOAT in the Delta.

Bamboo poles and NO BAIT. Just hooks.

We saw plenty of people with fish, although I'm not sure if I'd knowingly eat fish from this particular lake. It's pretty polluted. Garbage seems to be a bit of a problem here and people seem to have no problem with just throwing things into the water.

We found a fishing supply store in town.

These are the types of fishing reels they use.

Then there are these vegetables, or are they fruit?

And finally, a dental office in town. At least we think it's a dental office.

Market Day in Hong Kong

Our last full day together before most of the group headed home.

Auntie May ended up in the hospital overnight but Sabrina sent us out on our planned itinerary for the day.

So we spent the day visiting the Kowloon Markets while worrying about Auntie May's condition.

Our first stop was the Kowloon shoreline once again.

Then it was off to the Jade Market.

Needless to say, purchases were made.

Not all Jade of course, we bought a Mah-Jong set.

Then after lunch at an authentic Won Ton place, if there is such a thing in Hong Kong, we strolled and shopped on Lady's Street. Don't' know why it received that particular label but it's a typical tourist oriented market with all the same items tourists are looking for.

There is actually a Men's Street Market as well where the same general items are for sale. Only it's a much smaller market.

Next up, Goldfish Street Market.

Even if you're not into raising tropical fish, and you should be if you have any Chinese blood in you, you'll be amused on Goldfish Street. All the poor little fish are displayed for sale in small plastic bags hanging on a rack.

The variety is enormous, not to mention colorful.

Then a stroll through the Flower Market on our way to our final stop. The Bird Market.

Lindsay stopping for a quick drink.

Needless to say, Dina bought bird cages.

All in all, it was a busy day of strolling the markets.

Most of our group went home late the next day. The morning and afternoon spent visiting the Bird Sanctuary and The Big Buddha on Lantau Island.

Faye, Sylvia, and Sabrina delayed their trip back by a week. They're all safely home as I make this posting.

Alan and I spent a few more days in Hong Kong recovering from our incredible trip through China and Hong Kong with the group.

Will + Family + Grad + Dinner + Baked Cod

Congratulations to William!

We all wish him the best in whatever he chooses to do.

Glad we could all help him celebrate.

The best thing about R & G, besides seeing and being with all the family, is the baked Cod. Although I don't believe I've had anything but a seafood heavy menu there, I'm sure everything else is good as well.

It's always a great setting but you have to wonder about those three couples sitting and eating at the top of the stairs with the hordes of people parading past them.

Back on the beach

We spent the last month on the beach on Phuket. Most of the tourists are gone and beach chairs are only lined two deep along the beach.

A monk and his students on the beach.

Lunch on the beach.

Thai kids on the beach.

It's not unusual too see Thais go into the water with all their clothes on, bluejeans and all.

Muslims on the beach.

Fish in the water on the beach.

Europeans on the beach.

Unfortunately there is a lot of this.

Merchants on the beach.

Dogs on the beach.

More Chaing Mai

Grilled fish

Assorted seafood

Motorbike delivery.

Chedis at a Wat in Chaing Mai

Beef noodle soup for about 80 cents a bowl. We've been here less than a week and this is fast becoming our favorite place for lunch.

More pictures on the travel blog: hermanandalan.blogspot.com

back to dreams of fishing

Here's a picture of Alan's best day of fishing. Sure it was cold out on the water, even freezing at times, but some things make up for all the unpleasantries of fishing during striper season.

Shall we keep it?
Answer: NO

Who says "the worst day fishing is still better than the best day working"? I guess it depends on where you're working, or even if you enjoy fishing at all.