Train transportation in Taiwan is excellent and inexpensive. Today I took a two hour train ride from Taipei Central Station to Xincheng station, closest to Taroko (Gorge) National Park, for $14. Train reservations are easy in Taiwan. I went online, and in an English version of the website, was able to fairly easily book and…

Taiwan is a mountainous island located about 120 miles east of southeastern China. It is where the nationalist “Republic of China” forces who were losing the war to Mao fled. It is currently an independent nation, though it may eventually merge with the mainland. It is my next destination. Taiwan is a bit smaller than Switzerland, and…

On March 19th, I departed Hanoi for a two night cruise on Halong Bay. First, a four hour van transfer from Hanoi, not scenic. I listened to 4 hours of “Down the River” by Edward Abbey. Along the way, we stopped for a break and chance to buy souvenirs. I don’t buy souvenirs these days,…

Judy and I had booked a trip to Vietnam, but when her health declined, we had to cancel. Now, I am returning to make that exploration, this time of Hanoi and northern Vietnam. Judy and I both strongly opposed the USA war in Vietnam. In 1970, young Americans were being drafted and forced to serve in…

On March 12, I took the ‘Reunification Express’ train back from Ninh Binh to Hanoi in the evening, and connected with the Fansipan Express overnight train north to Sapa.    Arrived in Hanoi to rain! This is the ‘dry’ season! Yet, in 12 days so far in northern Vietnam, I have not seen the sun…