Sydney, Australia

It seems as if all of Australia has come to Sydney for Christmas and New Year. I got a room for three nights and then had to move out as it was pre-booked. I may have to leave the City completely and go to the blue Mountains. Sydney is a clean, vibrant, hilly City-I can't wait to explore if I can get room at the inn.

Christmas in Singapore

No shopping restraints here in Singapore. Everyone is out spending like there's no tomorrow. Singapore is a City running on a parallel economy like many Asian Cities, so there is a massive economic difference between the service sector and the professional community. Chinese, Indians and Malays all merge to make Singapore a thriving economy second only to Japan.
Driving around you notice thousands of hi-rise apartments catering to the professional movers and shakers of Singapore.
Don't look for chewing gum stuck to the streets of Singapore or litter for that matter-it's just not allowed in Singapore. If it's anti social, immoral, illegal, fattening, or life threatening, then it's safe to assume that you can't do it in Singapore.
So, if you want order, politeness and first class facilities, then you will pay for it. $6 for a glass of beer in a regular bar is steep by most standards. Singapore is fast loosing its Asian ambiance and oriental allure. Tourists have to search for that-and that's a shame.

The Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Vietnam has long been known for its high quality rice; much of it comes from the fertile plains of the Mekong Delta. A trip to My Tho took me to the heart of this region and its people. A definite highlight was a trip by row-boat on the Thoi Son Canal. There were four of us on the boat all wearing the local conical hat, while one crew-man and a girl, paddled furiously. I almost expected a python to slither out of the canopied trees and wrap itself around me, alas it didn't happen. I did, however get to sample Cobra wine when we stopped for lunch. How was it you ask? Well it didn't taste anything like a snake or even wine, more like sake. All of this, except the wine, was provided by www.tnktravelvietnam.com
Includes A/C bus trip to My Tho (70km), several boat trips, lunch, and the return bus. Cost: $7

Revealed: Vietnam Secret Destination

The huge Port of Saigon is surely a constant exercise in collision avoidance. So, when I found myself on a Hydrofoil bound for Vung Tau, I gripped the edge of my seat and closed my eyes. About two hours later, the picturesque City of Vung Tau appeared. Scores of colorful fishing boats, with nets drying out, dotted the calm bay. No doubt their harvest of shrimps would be consumed worldwide. Just thought I'd mention that, later, I would be eating those shrimp at a price that would have you drooling. Sorry, It was my duty to tell you.

Vietnam: Secret Destination

It only took two hours to get there from Saigon; the journey, however, had to be as good as the destination. Where is it? I'm not going to tell you that...yet. Imagine sitting on a Hotel balcony, with the sun setting, a cool tropical breeze, and a Cuba Libre firmly ensconced in your hand. The drink cost less than a dollar, in fact the room only cost $7...and that was the expensive one. The cheaper ones at $4 were identical if you wanted to walk up two more floors. This seaside resort was only 5km from the main resort. I walked several blocks away and found a restaurant serving delicious meals for less than $2.
OK, the drinks were not included-what do you want for two dollars? Prawns, vegetables, rice, and one large "333" beer cost: $2.90. I forgot to mention the two hour trip from Saigon to
**** *** cost $7.

Saigon Revisited

Nha Trang to Saigon was yet another 10 hour bus trip. The drive from Nha Trang is truly memorable. Mountainous S bends bring you to the small town of Mui Ne. Unfortunately, I only spent lunchtime there. But if you're looking for bungalows on the beach, this is surely a paradise. It also caters to travellers with varying budgets. $6 t0 $50 per night.

But the main event was Saigon. Nobody calls it HCM. It had been a very long time since I was in this huge City of eight million people. What was I going to find? Would there be familiar faces or recognizable buildings? Two of the buildings I knew well had been demolished; furthermore, there were no familiar faces to reacquaint with. I suppose after all this time I shouldn't have expected to reconnect to anything or anyone. But it's part of human nature to try to put the past in some sort of perspective - it just didn't work in Saigon.

So, how is the City after the war? How have the people adjusted to re-unification? What is the future for Vietnam? These, and lots of other things will be explored during my visit to Saigon.

Vietnam: The Journey South

The 1700 km journey from Hanoi to Saigon can be done the easy way by plane, or the more adventurous way by bus. I chose the A/C bus. This involved a twelve hour trip by night in a sleeper coach and arriving in the City of Hue. I spent the day touring the local Temples and Citadel before finishing up on the Perfume River. By this time I was ready to sleep for twelve hours. How convenient: My next trip to Hoi An took twelve hours. This time I got to see the country side sometimes mountains, sometimes just rice-paddies. Several times I saw farmers standing on top of their water buffalos-never figured that one out. Could they have just been giving them a Vietnamese back massage?

I had a six hour stopover in Hoi An. Just enough time to get a cultural appreciation of this small resort town. Read that as a foot massage and a cold beer. If you like a small laid back touristy town, then you'll fit right in.

Next was Nha Trang. This is a seaside resort in the true sense. Still unspoiled by over development and hoardes of tourists, Nha Trang is a vibrant city with wide beaches, a fishing port and lots of affordable places to stay. $6 per night.

Ha Long Bay Vietnam

A visit to Vietnam would be incomplete without including Ha Long Bay. Glowing recommendations from fellow travellers, encouraged me to take a three hour mini-bus trip to the North of the Country-it's so far North that it's practically in China. Our group of twelve boarded a boat for an overnight trip to the bay islands. Later, we saw scores of boats silhouetted against a setting sun. Small Islands with sheer wall faces surrounded our boat as the Captain navigated his way through. The region is also well known for its large caves which we later explored. The climb by steep steps is definitely not for the couch potato brigade.

Boat accommodation, dinner, breakfast and lunch ashore was included with the overnight boat trip, as was kayaking and swimming for those inclined. Cost: $27 (not a misprint)

War Museum, Hanoi, Vietnam

Now called the "Military History Museum"-has a much nicer ring to it. Walk down Dien Bien Phu Street, past large French Colonial houses set back from the wide boulevard, and you'll find the Museum. According to the brochure: "the Viet Nam Military History Museum lively and attractively reflects the history of founding and defending the nation against foreign invaders of the Vietnamese people" - took the words right out of my mouth. Various U.S Military aircraft, weapons and Military vehicles are on display-some intact, some destroyed.

Thoughts On Hanoi, Vietnam

The casual visitor to Hanoi, Vietnam, could easily be unaware that a huge war had taken place. No one talks about it, least of all the young majority. There are no battle scars to see, no horrific photos to shock and no one to lecture you on the war itself. Hanoi, Vietnam wants the world to know that the past has been carefully put out of sight, lest the visiting tourists become offended. The POW Hanoi Compound wasn't even on the places to visit- I had to find it myself.
Also, you'd be hard pressed to view Vietnam as a Communist State; Police and Military presence is scant.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Despite a rapidly growing economy, Hanoi has somehow managed to avoid the huge development seen by other Asian Capitals. This can only be good for the visitor who merely wants to experience the Orient/Asia he or she has imagined. It's still possible, though, to get lost in a maze of French Colonial streets with merchants of every description. This is not to say you won't find "brand name" stores catering to the super rich, but they're in the minority and haven't taken over this charming City.

Map Of Thailand

http://www.amazing-thailand.com/Map.html

Hua Hin Thailand

Once in a while, you come across a gem of a place that you wish you had all to yourself - Hua Hin is that kind of place. A three hour air-conditioned bus ride will get you to the southern coastal town of Hua Hin. With its narrow streets best navigated by scooter or motorbike, there's no lack of seafood restaurants or bars. I chose the "Fish Restaurant" one of about six located on their own piers. You sit out there at night, with the waves lapping away at the breakers, eating your lobster which was alive twenty minutes ago. Cool coastal breezes make this place very livable. Quite a few Danes, Swedes, Norwegians and British, live semi permanently in Hua Hin. If golf is your thing, then you'll be in sandpit heaven.
I stayed at "The Captain's Inn" Guest House run by Steve Ketteringham a British ex-military Captain and his wife Tum. As you'd expect, it was clean, tidy and well run. All of this for around 600bt...breakfast was good too. http://www.ketteringham.com/

Overbite in Bangkok

Just had my teeth cleaned and polished at Sukhumvit Plaza. Dentist said he doesn't normally deal with "iguanas", but would do so if I came back after dark. $30...great price.
Bunditkosol Polydental clinic.

Pantip Plaza Bangkok

A must see for computer hardware, software, cameras and everything in between. Prices don't appear significantly lower than US outlets, but if you need to buy in Bangkok, this would be a good place to start. If you're buying a laptop, you're probably wise to buy from one of several large outlets within the mall.... this has more to do with getting genuine software and international warranties, than price. http://www.into-asia.com/bangkok/shopping/pantip.php

Getting Drilled In Bangkok

Open wide - those dreaded words. Now, in Bangkok, the experience may be similar, but the speed of treatment and price doesn't have to be. Often, visitors come to Thailand just to get their teeth whitened, have crowns, or undergo major dental surgery. The discount received may even cover your trip and expenses. Definitely worth looking into. Here's a typical clinic offering services on the web. http://www.bangkokdentalhospital.com/dental_clinic/price.html

Grasshoppers

How do you like yours cooked? Rare, perhaps medium or well done? Last night was Halloween and I was confronted with these choices. Pretend to eat them and, when no one is looking, ditch them. I hate that crunchy sound when their legs snap. Hint: Flush with lots of Thai beer.

The World's Biggest Jewelry Store

I'd heard so much about the quality of Burmese Rubies that I had to find out for myself. But I was in Bangkok, Thailand, home of the largest Jewelry Store in the World (so they claim).
I was politely informed that Thai Rubies were better in color and quality. Not being an expert, who was I to disagree. For me, they look great wherever they come from. Their website, however, does seem to acknowledge that Burmese Rubies are superior.

"The most valuable rubies come from Myanmar (formerly Burma), but they are mined throughout Southeast Asia. Good quality stones come from Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. Kenya and Tanzania also are becoming more important as mining sources for ruby. But while the color of the stones from East Africa rivals the world's best rubies, most of these stones are fraught with inclusions that diminish their transparency and value. However, the East African stones are displayed to full advantage in cabochon cuts and have done well in the mass jewelry market. Meanwhile, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Russia have all produced occasional top-quality rubies, but the rough terrain in these areas has made mining difficult."
http://www.gems-gallery.com/home/

Temples of Bangkok

A journey to the Traimitwitthayaram Temple will leave you in awe as you look upon the the Golden Buddha. More than 700 years old, it is made of pure gold and weighs approximately 5 tons. It represents all that is Buddhism and of course Thailand. Originally, the Golden Buddha was covered in plaster to foil enemy invaders. It was only in 1955, when the plaster covering broke, that the underlying gold was discovered. Now, it has been revealed for its spiritual, historical, artistic, and cultural value.
http://student.educ.umu.se/~maslun00/uit02h04/webbplats/tempel4.html

Bangkok's Super Mall - MBK Centre

I've seen malls worldwide, and worn out lots of shoes in the process, but MBK Bangkok is one of the best for variety and sheer number of stores-3000. You can expect hundreds of mobile phone stores in an indoor flea market to multi-level department stores. All of this covers seven floors which seem to stretch forever. Should an elephant step on your mobile phone, you're sure to find someone who can piece it all back together.
And every floor is jam packed with locals and tourists alike - always a good sign that you're in the right spot. Prices can usually be negotiated in the smaller stores.
http://www.mbk-center.com/en/index.asp

English Pub In Bangkok

Now I'm not known for frequenting ex pat bars or restaurants in exotic places, but The Pickled Liver British Pub and Restaurant was right next to where I was staying on Suk 11; so I was willing to make an exception. Run by an affable chap called Brian Walker from Wolverhampton, Brian told me me that he's been dishing out British nosh to ex pats and all comers for nine straight years... must be doing something right. http://thepickledliver.com/

The Full Thai Body Oil Massage

I thought by now that I should introduce some culture to this blog: Thai massage is embedded into Thai culture...right? So, I'm ushered into this very dimly lit cubicle, partitioned by pieces of cloth masquerading as curtains. I'm told to go full monty and await my fate. A lithe young Thai girl slithers onto the mattress and vigorously works on the lower back part of my legs. After all of my daily walking, the feeling is intense, and I start making strange growling sounds. I can hear some girls outside giggling and realise that they can also see me from a dome video right above the bed...so much for privacy. During the course of one hour, I'm elbowed, walked on, twisted, bent, sat on, pulled....well, you get the idea. Liberal amounts of tiger balm are applied to 99% of my body and I walk out of there $12 lighter and feeling like a million dollars.

Bangkok Babes Meet Their Match

Watch these short videos for an eye opening view of the "Thai Bride"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=or5HBFCmnBc

What to do in Bangkok

Well, you could sit on a bar stool and drink beer until you fell off the stool ... saw it with my own bloodshot eyes. Sukhumvit Road/ Soi 4 has lots of bars where you can nurse a cool one and watch the show. Crusty old men, with weathered faces, walk hand- in- hand with Thai girls half their age...their outfits so tight that they must have been poured into them.
Try walking into "Pharaohs" or "Spankys" without getting hit on - not gonna happen. But there are other serious pursuits....such as the full Thai body massage. More about that later.

Ride the Skytrain

The Skytrain is not that extensive-it doesn't go to the new Airport (yet). But what it lacks in coverage, it makes up in speed, comfort (AC), price and cleanliness. A short ride (ten minutes) will cost about 20 US cents.

Chow time in Bangkok

If you go hungry in Bangkok, then you're probably stuck in your room watching TV, and soaking up the AC. The place is crawling with Thai, Indian, Chinese, Fast food joints. Expect to pay about $3 excluding drinks.

Bedtime in Bangkok

There comes a time when even the most intrepid traveller has to hit the sack.
You'll find most of the hot spots run parallel with the overhead "Skytrain"; more about Skytrain later. Depending on your budget and number of people, you can find guesthouses in Bangkok from $18 per night to $27 per night 600bt - 900bt. Or, if you plan to stay longer, you can find apartments for $200 per month. I chose the Sukhumvit Road Soi 11 area, located next to the Skytrain station "Nana".

Bangkok Foot Massage

I know, you've heard the stories, seen the TV clips, and wish you could've been here yourself. Never have I seen so many massage "joints" catering to an endless supply of unsupple clients. I average about 10 miles a day walking the cities I visit, so a foot massage really hit the spot. Reclined in a chair, my feet are first washed, then kneaded, pummeled, twisted, stretched, and oh yes, massaged. After an hour, I walked out of that place feeling like an Olympic pole vaulter ready to tackle new heights. And there was a bonus too (not what you're thinking), my head, arms, hands and shoulders were included for the princely sum of $7.50.
There's a strong possibility I may return.

Bangkok Beckons

Bangkok: lots of fresh water here...Iguana finally gets to shed some loose scales. As I approached BK from the ultra-modern airport, I thought, um mm-looks very much like Miami with multi colored hi-rise buildings, wide spotlessly clean boulevards canopied with banyan trees.
Best of all, my arrival wasn't marred by thousands of beggars constantly pawing and blocking my path. ; sidewalk sleepers were conspicuously absent also.

The starting point

Travelling to India is like going back in a time machine to the 1950's. You first notice the old decaying buildings which appear to have been untouched by paint since they were built. Original power and telephone lines straddle the neighborhoods like giant cobwebs. And clothes hang from every residential building. India is also a land of social and economic contrasts. New luxury cars zoom past countless people sleeping on the street at night.

If you like to be surrounded by thousands of people, you'll love India. If you're even slightly bothered by pollution, then you won't. Want an adrenaline rush, try crossing a major street in Mumbai. Despite the traffic chaos, there are few accidents because the locals are good at dodging each other.

You've survived the street, now you're ready for some "Indian food". All restaurants have menus in English and they're usually open until midnight. I went to the "Leapold Cafe" on Colaba and ordered Tandoori chicken with rice for one person. Two enormous plates emerged from the kitchen which would have been enough to feed four hungry diners, chased down with an equally large Kingfisher beer. This came to about $4. Fresh vegetables and exotic fruits are readily available.

After you've eaten, a browse through the street market will bring out the bargain hunter in you. When you're ready to get your email and internet fix in an A/C room, you'll see signs on most streets. One hour will set you back rs 20-40. Some also offer Skype when you have to see the other person or they have to see you.

Hotels are really quite interesting. Unless you're staying at an expensive one, they often present a challenge. I stayed at one in Pune about four hours bus ride from Mumbai, and had no water one day, and no hot water another day. Of course there wasn't any soap, towel or toilet paper either...picky, picky.

Mumbai India

Very shortly you'll hear about Ïguana's travels through India, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand. You'll read about the good, bad and sometimes the ugly. For example,
my hotel in Mumbai was Volga 11 but I renamed it vulgar too. So, fasten your seatbelts and enjoy
the ride.
Iguana