Hanoi - the view from the bike taxi

My trustworthy, nerves of steel, driver Chew who has no fear of pulling in front of any moving vehicle in any lane going any direction. A bit like biking with Linda!

Hanoi Vietnam - a whole new adventure in motorbikes

So green and lush. As you drive in from the airport you pass miles and miles of farms and then there are parks and so many tree lined streets when you get into the heart of the city.

I am staying next to the Opera House and very close to a large lake in the middle of the city. Very easy to wander and roam. I walked and walked but at about 90 and totally sticky I finally jumped aboard a bike taxi and took in more of the sights.

The cars, trucks, motorbikes, bikes and bike taxis all share the road together. There are few rules and everyone seems to just zoom around everyone else. It often felt like we were going to hit or be hit. They all seem to know what they are doing - not sure as any of us would survive driving any vehicle around here.

A very entreprenurial spot as well. Everybody is selling something and they all have the best deal I would ever see..........it works in a communist country as well!

Jakarta - electric and motorbikes everywhere

It's good to be back. I have found Indonesians to be very friendly and happy - it is very easy to be around them. And the motorbikes on the roads make it always an adventure as we hop from meeting to meeting.

Some great new food as well..........new recipes for dinner parties!!

Singapore - order and calm

Wow! After you roam around ASEAN a bit this is like showing up at a true foreign country. Most of the spots I have been here are electric, chaotic and full of energy. Singapore is calm, elegant, organized and has a very nice calmness. May get boring after awhile, but a very nice spot to land - unfortunately not long enough to explore and get a better sense. The good news..............I will be back soon.

Manila by way of Seoul

It is always great to arrive early. But when you already have a 3 hour layover the goodness dimishes fast. Enjoying the layover - as airports go, a nice place to hangout. Seems if you are young, Asian and coupled you have to wear matching outfits - sometimes down to the shoes. Missed way to many photo opportunities...........hopefully, I will be back.

Arrive in Manila late Sunday night. And then off to the races for the next couple weeks in SE Asia.

And now, back in Manila. Staying in the Makita City Area this time - a different neighborhood from the last time. In the business area and easier to get to my appointments. Across from a great open courtyard shopping/dining area. Always have great food here.

The airport - my real home away from home

Sharm el Sheikh - the bike path!

Along resort row they are constructing a bike path. Still plenty of work to get it completed and ready to go. The good news - the weather achieves Carly's age and a bit more everyday so always good biking weather. It is about 85 - however, the wind could blow me over the last couple days.

Sharm el Sheikh Egypt

We are staying along "resort row" - they start at the airport and just keep going and going........Wading in the Red Sea, building sandcastles, karaoke on the beach. We have had lots of meetings and activities. Warm, sunny and windy - but good for a late night dancing around the pool.

And then there was the Cairo Airport coming and going - how can that much chaos and confusion exist in one place.

Cerritos - again - the beach babes

What more can I say - Millie and Greg riding the waves.........................

Saint Paul - The MAC guys

I have had the great pleasure of being a host family at Macalester College over the last 4 years. And had the honor to share my bit of Minnesota, my family and friends with a great group of young men. In the last couple weeks we found the time for two great dinners filled with so many great laughs and memorable conversation.