A Hot Time in the Old Quarter.

We have a hotel! We decided to splurge ($65 per night instead of $30-$40 that we originally targeted) at the Hanoi Old Quarter Hotel and get a king-sized bed. Apparently a double bed is standard size and it's pretty difficult to find anything larger. But jet lag calls for king size. So we've booked it for two nights and then we will find something less pricey when we can actually see it in person. Lots of bad stories about people booking economy rooms on the internet, then finding they have no windows or are damp and moldy. So we'll do our research the old fashioned way--feets on the streets.

Yesterday we went to a going-away party with Ophelia's side of the family: two of her sisters, various nephews, nieces, and cousins. We had a great time, with great food and conversation and many teary farewells. It really reminded us that the hardest part of this journey will be the separation from family and friends.

Next week we'll have a combination going-away party with Peter's family and 94th birthday party for Phyllis. She continues to do well and we hope to stage a bigger party for her 95th next year.