Picture of Marble Mountains

Picture from Hoi An

Thursday Jan 28- Danang

We went to Marble Mountain. We learned about the five elements. They are fire, water, metal, earth and air. There was a great view of China Beach and Danang. Then we went to a marble factory. We saw a bunch of statues. Then we went to the Cham museum. I am getting ready to pack for a new adventure. Bye!

- Cole

Wed Jan 27- Danang, Hoi An

We went to Hoi An to see the Cham sea port. I got handmade shoes and they are green and yellow and they have my name on them. We are staying at the beach. I played tennis with my mom and it was fun. It was our first dinner not going out. I hope everyone is feeling good. Bye!

- Cole

Tues Jan 26- Danang, Furama Hotel

I drove from Hue to Danang. I went to the Citadel in Hue. There were buildings that were bombed and they are getting rebuilt. I saw a giant elephant and it was walking everywhere. We are now in Danang. My dad's first step into Danang was an explosion!

That's it for now. Stay tuned!

- Cole

Pictures...

This is at the base in Khe Sanh, and the entry gate to Mai Loc.

Mon Jan 25- Hue, Saigon Morin Hotel

I went to where my dad was 42 years ago. I went to a military base at Khe Sanh. I went to Mai Loc where my dad did security. Can you imagine driving on mud roads? That is what my dad did. How would you like to dig a fox hole every night and not sleep in it? Imagine eating canned food everyday! It was a long day!

Bye!

Cole

Sun, Jan 24- Hue

I went on a dragon boat ride on the Perfume River. I got off the boat and went to a pagoda that was built in 1601. There were a lot of monks who spent years training. Imagine sleeping on a table, because that is what they do. Imagine being quiet and not talking all day long? I tried five new foods and they were good. Bye!

- Cole

P.S. Here is a picture of the dragon boats, and one of the monks at work.

More Pictures from Halong Bay

Sat Jan 23- Hue

I went under a water cave in a boat. We saw monkeys and a family of them were having fun. Then, we traveled from Halong Bay to Hue by airplane. We are staying at a hotel built in 1901 on the Perfume River. We have been playing lots of cards. I like Kings in the Corner and Oh Hell. I hope you are having a good time.

- Cole

P.S. Here is a picture of the monkeys!

Halong Bay- Friday Jan 22

Hi, it's Cole. I am here to say I went to a cool cave and went squid fishing. All of the rocks here are limestone. We saw sea eagles and a fish farm. We went kayaking in the rain. Right now we are getting ready to leave Halong Bay and fly to Hue (that's pronounced "way"). I am getting ready for a new adventure. Bye!

- Cole

Halong Bay- Thursday Jan 21

Hi, it's Cole! I am here to say right now I am on a really cool boat in Halong Bay. On our way there, we saw a cow on the back of a motorbike! Also some chickens on another one! On the boat, we saw a water village. It is a bunch of boats on water and a school too. Can you imagine going to school on water? Well, it's time to go, bye.

- Cole

P.S. Here's a picture of the floating school.

Me at Ho Chi Minh complex and with the turtle!

A Long Day

Yesterday, I saw the tomb of Ho Chi Minh. Ho Chi Minh was the leader of Vietnam. He had a bullet proof car. I went to the Temple of Literature. There were many stone turtles and legend says that if you rub a turtle's head you will have good and be successful in your studies.

I have a story I want to share. A farmer found a sword handle and then he went fishing and caught the blade. When he put them together, they fit perfectly. While he was celebrating, a giant turtle came up and said "that is my sword, may I have it back?" The farmer gave him the sword.

Last night I saw a very advanced water puppet show.

Today we're leaving Hanoi and going Halong Bay. I'll tell you about it soon.

Bye!

- Cole

Chao!

That means "hello" in Vietnamese. I just wanted to say hi, and I'm having a really great time right now.

Guess how many motorbikes there are in Vietnam? ....... 25 million!

Yesterday, we went on a cyclo-ride. It was very loud and crowded. If you think Mission Street is busy, don't go to Vietnam! There were people driving everywhere, and nobody follows the signs. Here's a video.

Right now we're getting ready for a day of sight-seeing in Hanoi, and we're going to see temples and other things.

I'll get back to you with more soon. Bye!

- Cole

Take Off!

Right now we're getting ready to take off. If you're reading this, we're probably in the air, or we have landed. I'll update you soon. Thanks! Bye!

- Cole