Asia Getaway

First Stop: Hanoi

Before jet lag hit (and it hits me harder than Lorne, go figure!), we acclimated in Hanoi where Lorne's brother lives. The Feldman's are ultimately about family and Lorne wouldn't think of going to Asia without meaningful family time.

Oh, did we mention that "family" foremost means canines? This sort of bonding occurred long before jet lag set in -- say, an hour after arriving.

Next Up: Cambodia

A big motivation to our heading to the other hemisphere was to tour Angkor Wat with Charly and Michael -- Lorne's neice and nephew. It was big fun and spectacular.

Michael had a great time, especially when coaxed to smile!

Charly was our gratis tour guide (apart from Cha Cha, our paid guide) -- expounding her illuminations about art and history. And she is a kick-butt photog (this image is hers)!



We both love traveling together ... increasingly asking "excuse me, can you take a picture of us?" Lorne likes that because everyone else is quicker with the shutter than me taking photos.

We couldn't have imagined how spectacular the temples were -- even after experiencing Machu Picchu. Iconic familiarity but, nevertheless, breathtaking!

We kept realizing that we were standing amidst architectural wonders from 800 A.D.!

When we cycled to a distant compound of temples on our third day, we witnessed heartbreaking poverty. Few homes had electricity or running water. We spotted a few signs that appeared next to wells that proclaimed that the water supply was made possible by a personal donation from someone stateside.

Cha Cha, upon hearing that we were moved by such generosity, casually told us about his village where he volunteers to teach elementary-aged children. We subsequently learned that his parents were killed during the Pol Pot regime and that he was raised by Buddhist monks. He created this "school" because there was no other source to educate the kids. During our last hours in Cambodia we were taken into the woods where they reside, met dozens of kids (on a Sunday -- where school isn't really in-session) and felt an enormous rush of privilege based on our fortune to live the way we do. We pledged to donate a pump well to the village so that the kids could have water.

Thailand R&R

The contrast between the poverty in Siem Reap and the lush pampering we sought in Koh Samui, Thailand was beyond conception. However, once we got past the indulgence, we relished the chance to relax!

Our villa was bigger than most NYC apartments, and certainly set apart by virtue of our own affinity pool overlooking the ocean! Having an iPod docking station and surround sound also helped so we could blast out own tunes at will. The cicadas, however, took some getting used to. When we first heard them, we thought about calling the main office to ask what all the noise was. They were unlike anything we have heard before -- but we quickly became immuned.

The Four Seasons food was the best we have ever experienced at a hotel/resort. The consistency was incredible ... the chef was Italian, but the food was unmistakenly Thai. However, if we deprive ourselves of prawns for another few months upon returning home, our diet will not suffer!

The spectacular interior design and views were unrelenting. The so-called "buggies" (electric carts) were, however, a bit challenging. Our friends and new acquaintances were forever chastizing the prolonged waits.

The Thais really are all about gentility, smiles and service. Our last night on the island was bittersweet. We mentally prepared ourselves for the change from curry to egg rolls.

No, Lorne didn't settle on a lotus tattoo.

Last Stop: Hong Kong

We don't travel passively. After a week of vegetating, 48 hours of non-stop running. The views from our hotel were among the most incredible urban skylines we have ever seen (and that despite living in New York and Chicago!). The shopping culture was the most immersive we have ever experienced. And, did we mention the Peking Duck and dim sum?

First stop, Bathing Ape. Lorne in search of shoes. Amazing store! And then, despite 10 different Adidas store visits, no further pictures because I was getting tired.