Bia Hoi

Hanoi enjoys almost four seasons, so we enjoyed the fall-ish temperatures and the wonderful "Bia Hoi" culture - Bia Hoi means fresh beer in Vietnamese, and it is served, ice-cold, at sidewalk cafes. The beer is fresh-brewed every day and the light lager costs around 50 cents for a glass. Sitting for as long as you like, people come to catch up with one another, enjoy some pre-dinner snacks and literally, watch the world go by.

Postcards from Hanoi

Erik and I travelled to Hanoi for the weekend, sans children, and enjoyed exploring the capital city together - cooler temperatures, wonderful people, beautiful streets designed for roaming. It was a chance to visit with friends, reconnect and explore more of this amazing country. Below are scenes from our walks - Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, changing of the guard at Ho Chi Minh's tomb, colonial homes.

235th Marine Corps Birthday Ball - Hanoi

All U.S. Embassies across the world are guarded by a Marine contingent, and each November, on the anniversary of the Marine's birthday, a ball is held to celebrate and remember the hard work and sacrifice of the corp in their unwaivering protection of the members of the Embassy families. This was my first Marine Ball and it was a fabulous evening full of wonderful people, handsome soldiers, beautiful fashion, delicious cake, lots of wine and dancing until you drop. I brought the bagpiper.