Ghana. There was a lot of attention brought to Ghana with the year of return etc. Wonderful country, great people and a lot of history here. I truly enjoyed my time in this country. So, how I spent my time here. Started with a city tour where we went to W.E.B DuBois Center and Mausoleum. Then on to the National Museum. Independence square where a parade was happening-pleasant surprise. Kwame Nkrumah and his push for independence, Makols Market-which was just crazy! And ending

So my next stop in West Africa was Liberia. Beautiful, but small country. Lush green countryside and friendly people. I'm glad I stopped here. I almost bypassed it and I'm so glad I didn't! I hope you enjoy the pictures-I will say the tourism infrastructure is not really there, but I made it through due to my wonderful tour guide, Bassie, again! Now, the border crossing was chaotic! I had an evisa, because I originally planned to fly into the country. Well, they can only ta

So after leaving Freetown and the western peninsula we drove to Mikeny and Bo, where we stopped in a mining village and witnessed them mining for gold and diamonds. Then on to the border and into Liberia. We were supposed to stop in Robertsport, but the roads were washed out due to heavy rain. So we continued on to Monrovia and started the city tour. They are mining gold and diamonds. I had no idea it was so labor intensive. Like the movie Blood Diamonds, artisinal miners. T

I almost didn't come to this country-but I am so glad that I did! I had planned to stay for 1 week and then fly on to the next country. Unfortunately it's not that straight forward traveling in Africa. Sometimes you have to fly to Europe just to come back and fly into the neighboring country. I booked a one way ticket to Sierra Leone with the hopes of finding a way to get to Liberia or Ivory Coast from here-and I did! I had the hotel recommend a tour guide for a city tour as

After leaving Senegal, I headed south to The Gambia. What a wonderful little country! It's called the Smiling Coast for good reason. The people are wonderful and the country was just so lush and green. Not a lot to do, but I enjoyed my visit to the country. The highlight of the visit was the cooking class I took. They picked me up and took me to the venue and immediately had me pick out a native dress to change into. I got the entire experience and I absolutely loved it! Afte

The final photo drop from Senegal. I found a nice coffee shop with delicious food and a nice environment. I also went to the Museum of Black Civilization. The westernmost point of mainland Africa, and Sea Plaza-shopping mall right on the Atlantic Ocean. I found an Asia/African fusion restaurant there for some tasty Sushi and delicious cocktail! The coffee shop,(breakfast twice) and Sea Mall below. Westernmost Point of Mainland Africa above. Well my time in Senegal came to an

So I did the city tour and got to the Freedom statue-ironic that it was gifted from North Korea. Let that sink in. Anyway, it's a beautiful city and I enjoyed exploring...not too much going on though. We travelled via Fast Coach- the colorful van pictured below. The highlight of the past week was the jollof rice cooking class. We made the national dish and I swear, it was better than what I got in a restaurant here! I will say it took way longer than I expected- over 4 ho

I've made it back to Africa-west coast this time. First stop-Senegal! As usual I started with a food tour and literally everything I tasted was delicious. Starting with beignets, which are slightly sweet, but very good. Then Fataya(like an empanada) it's filled with meat or fish and a spicy sauce. Gnamakoudji- a ginger drink. Bissap Juice-habiscus juice, really sweet, but refreshing. Bouye Juice- made from the fruit of the baobab tree- not my favorite. Dibi which is lamb ser

My last stop on my ABC tour was Aruba. They call it the happy island with the most beautiful beaches- I would agree! Also with it being only 40 miles from Venezuela and Colombia- there was a lot of Spanish influences on the island. I was pleasantly surprised when I found a really good Colombian restaurant and bakery. I was able to get the Pandebono(cheese bread or small cheese balls). I got them 3 of the 12 days I was on the island! I also visited San Nicolas- which is the st

So as usual, my first day in town I usually take a food tour. Here's what I had. Breakfast is usually a fruit smoothie. Black eyed pea fritters or Kala. Lumpia= deep fried bean sprouts with chicken pieces- nice little snack. Oregano tea and sweet potato pancakes with honey drizzle. Then we went by the floating market to get some fresh fruit. It was all things I have had before, so I didn't take pictures. Then off for a traditional lunch/dinner at the local cafeteria. W

Bonaire is the smallest and least developed of the ABC islands. Not too much going on except for snorkling or diving. But I did find the flamingos, donkeys and a beautiful rainbow! The small white building below on the right is old slave shacks. Then there is Lionfish that are in these waters. Pretty tasty! I also got some Ahi while at the beach-yum! The donkeys roam free all the time and are really friendly.

Laos isn't as developed as the other southeast asian countries, but there is a lot of charm here and the people are very welcoming. The new Laos Chinese Railroad is open which made it very easy to get around the country. I also just took pictures around town to give you an idea of what they look like. And the pickup truck with the covered back is the local taxi. A few of the temples in Luang Prabang as well as the night market and of course food tour. And in VangViang I took

Arrival in Seam Reap and of course my first order of business is a massage and food tour on the first day. Then off to sunrise at Angkor Wat Temple. Next to the Floating Fishing Village where the water during the wet season is up to the top of the stilts. And finally to The Royal Theatre Dinner Show. I absolutely adored this city! First set of pictures is the spa, then floating village. The 2 nicer buildings are the police station and medical clinic(in the middle of the coll

First glimpse of Cambodia. First thing I did after the lengthy travel was to go to a beautiful spa and get a traditional Khmer massage. Very relaxing! And she focused on my calves and feet which was much appreciated. First view of the city at night on my way to the food tour. And as usual, I did a food tour on my first night in town. Gotta learn what's the local dishes as well as what I want to enjoy during my stay. This tour did not disappoint! Traditional noodle dishes, ba

So I left the coast and went inland to Da Lat. It's at a higher elevation, so the temperature is much cooler than Saigon. They grow a lot of flowers here and harvest coffee and strawberries in the region. You can see evidence of that below. Plus I visited a beautiful Japanese style Bonsai park. Langbiangland- an "amusement" park with tribal dancers and farm animals as well and Datanla Waterfall where you get to ride a rollercoaster up to the waterfall. While at the Bonsai

The unfortunate Vietnam War(AmericanWar)

Southern Vietnam- starting with Saigon/ Ho Chi Mihn City.

Next up is central Vietnam. Here it's a lot quieter, food is spicier and the people are still wonderful! When I saw pictures of Vietnam and the beautiful beaches, it was from central Vietnam. I was so happy to get here! From the bamboo basket boats in the coconut forest, to Hue City and DaNang city itself, I thoroughly enjoyed central Vietnam! So the first day in central Vietnam I was in DaNang and went to the beach. Then the next day Hue City, the ancient capital of Vietnam.

So I'm working my way south now. Starting in Ninh Binh at the Bai Dinh Pagoda. This is one of the most famous pagodas in Vietnam. Below...

So I couldn't be in northern Vietnam and not go to Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, including Islets of Con Vit(World Heritage Site). So I...