Feb 5th – 7th: This was our fastest ever movement through the Toronto airport. There were few people in Terminal 3 when we arrived at 11:00 a.m., no line-up for check-in and we were actually the only people going through security. Our Cathay Pacific flight, on a large airbus, was less than 1/4 full so boarding was very quick. The 15 hour flight went by fairly quickly (5 movies, 2 meals and a bit of sleep). When we arrived in Hong Kong the impact of the coronavirus was very evident – there were no line-ups for customs/passport control and there were few people in the airport and even fewer at Novotel. At hotel check-in they did a “temperature check” and this was also done at the entrance to the restaurants. Most people (including us) wore masks (thank you Rich for the masks).
When we arrived at the Hong Kong airport for our flight to Da Nang, they were only allowing passengers to enter the airport (no family/friends to see people off). A temperature check was done at entry to the airport and again at security. Also, many announcements on the coronavirus. We’re glad to see these precautionary measures and glad we are flying to Vietnam today.
Our flight to Da Nang and transfer to La Siesta, Hoi An worked out well. It was so nice to be “welcomed home” with a note on our bed and a special drink at diner. It is 18C so we enjoyed a lovely meal outside. Lois/Phil, Don/Deb, Sherry/Glen, you will recognize the pictures taken around the hotel this evening (we are 12 hours ahead).
We met Hien and Phuong in 2018. What a wonderful surprise to see them again. Hien was just starting at The Temple Restaurant when we met her in 2018. She was very shy and we spent time chatting with her so she could practice her English. She remembered us right away and she took such good care of us (including giving us a gift when we left).
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Looks beautiful! The photos give your wonderful informative messages even more meaning. Thanks for sharing. As we’ll never get to these places, and as we’ve travelled with you, we know how thorough you are. We appreciate travelling with you, even if it is vicariously.
Hugs, Donna
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Thanks Donna. It was so nice arriving here today after a long time in transit.
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It’s been a few years since I did a 15 hr flight- so impressed that you handle so easily! Looking foward to ‘going on’ this adventure with you both! Great pics, as always.
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Your airport experiences remind us of our going to Singapore during the SARS scare and being the only people seemingly in the airport. And, also, the flight there had plenty of space.
Lots of love,
Aud and David
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Happy and relieved that you made it safe and sound. It looks like a beautiful evening. Enjoy paradise! and all that wonderful food!
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Interesting to hear all the Coronavirus precautions. We remember the hotel well – enjoy
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It feels like -30 here today! Even Q is too cold to bother to go out!!! Enjoy the heat and comfy sleep. Deb
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Glad we’re missing -30. Weather is in the mid 20s here. So nice to reconnect with some the staff we enjoyed last time we were here. They really have made us feel welcome. Poor Q – what a time to be almost hairless. She will want to cuddle today.
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What an adventure you are embarking on. The remote parts will be so exciting. We loved the hotel – food and staff were wonderful. Looking forward to next report. FYI, -29 in Huntsville this am.
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Glad we’re missing the cold. The temperature is 25 today which is perfect to walking around town. This is a nice place to start before the more adventurous part of our trip.
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