All the culture you want and dream of.
OR THE PRINCESS SOFIA ART MUSEUM, ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM AND THE ANTHROPOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF MADRID
Scared like a baby to go home, this is the first time I’ve felt estranged from Europe and especially the uk. This trip has been such a forceful experience that it’s immersed me and controlled the here and now. I’ve had to think on my feet and watch my back. Now I’m back just spitting distance from home I feel truly fearful. Or reintroduced to Europe after three months of the Americas.
Going to the field, muggins here saw Mr big tusks making a beeline for me.
. This post is a reminder of why we are human and from whence we came. It’s a timely reminder from my main site of the wonder not the ugly face of these vile days.
Off South next for some snorkelling and a look at the ransacking by the Soviets of the coastline and Nha Trang, a huge change for the more Chinese influence of Hanoi.
My luggage rules are one carry on suitcase and a small under-seat rucksack for ALL trips. I will explain how to make this adjustment in your set thinking of how much to take.
OR ART AND CULTURE HEAVEN AT THE WOMEN’S MUSEUM HANOI
Alert: Although lengthy this is worth the read, these women have proven themselves in all aspects of life and the Women’s Museum is a truly spectacular exhibit and for the sister birds of all ages, a must read.
I gave myself a day for just a wafer thin mint of culture before going on a boat tour of Halong Bay, (mistake to do that Rebecca you know you hate tours) and it wasn’t enough. I walked my little trotters off and totally exhausted myself.
I decided to walk from my hotel to the Women’s Museum. Mistake. It was far and in Hanoi you always have to add extra time for all those bloody scooters nipping in and out and whizzing round corners with piles of whatever they were selling that day usually impairing their vision. I was kinda tired when I got there and limped around a truly lovely historic foray of women’s role in Vietnam past and present. Small but ferocious, they impressed and entranced me in their many guises. You gotta give it to them they rock.
Winnie the Poo is banned for fucks sake.
Now in the time of this terrible Chinese virus, one wonders when tourists will again have access. I’m so glad I persevered in going there, for it is indeed a magnificent sight to see. I’m also glad I travelled so much in the last few years………………..
So now my friends I have a bright and bold bathroom floor. I was anxious at the beginning it would be too much, especially with all the crisis hangovers, but I love it.
As awful as my train arrival (initiation by fire) had been and my crying into my t-shirt covered filthy pillow the previous night, nothing could have prepared me for the onslaught of rabid Chinese tourists and misery of the Forbidden City. (
Old Bird Travels Solo! 