Seattle to Singapore to Hanoi

Surviving a 17 hour flight

This is the second time we've made this journey and I don't care how well you prepare, nothing can prepare you for 17 hours sitting in a metal tube.

At our age, we don't make those long haul trips in coach anymore.  Upgrading to Business Class is worth every penny.

Being able to lie down flat and get some sleep is priceless.

You look and feel so refreshed when you arrive.

Chiangi Airport in Singapore

Without a doubt, the best airport in the world.  You could spend an entire vacation here without ever leaving the airport.  They have an indoor butterfly park, the largest indoor waterfall in the world and food to die for!  They even have a slide for kids to go between floors.

And the view from our hotel room wasn't too shabby either.

... and now we're off to Hanoi!

Hanoi: Where Dragons Fly and Motorbikes Are King

We're returning to Hanoi after a 12 year hiatus.  So kids, let me tell you a little story about Hanoi—our first stop on this three month adventure.

 Over 1,000 years ago, a king named Lý Thái Tổ was wandering around the Red River, probably wondering if his pho' delivery was running late, when bam!—a dragon flew out of the water. Now, most people would yell “Holy $%#@!” and run. But this guy? He saw a real estate opportunity. He named the city “Thăng Long,” which means “Rising Dragon,” and declared it the capital. That’s how Hanoi got its start—thanks to a flying lizard with excellent timing. (Yes, I had to look all that up).

Fast-forward a few centuries, and the French showed up with baguettes, fancy buildings, and a love for wide sidewalks. Hanoi got a makeover—think of it like Grandma getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner. Then came wars, reunification, and finally, Hanoi became the capital of all Vietnam.Today, Hanoi is a wild mix of ancient temples, tangled power lines, and scooters that zip past like caffeinated bees. When we walk through its streets, we’re dodging motorbikes, tasting dragonfruit (no actual dragons), and maybe even finding a donut that rivals JJ’s malasada from Hawaii.

So buckle up, kids—Papa’s got stories, and Hanoi’s got history. Let’s go meet the dragon.