Serendipity Smiles

     Every now and then the planets align.  I don't need a Mayan calendar to predict that this is my year.  Serendipity smiles while we make the final adjustments to an adventure to rival all others.  It's a prodigious event rivalled only by the entrance of a first grandchild.  As a matter of fact, even the grand daughter can't help but smile for this kind of karma.  

     

     It began with the death of a paternal Uncle and a prime piece of real estate in B.C.  It continued with a mother's love for her kids and an inheritance trickled down.  The small windfall sat nestled in our bank account, awaiting an important purpose.

     Serendipity unfolded with a daughter with a huge heart deciding to put her career aspirations on hold to make a difference in the lives of orphans on the other side of the planet.  (A somewhat selfish endeavor, albeit, as she plans to come home changed).

     Southeast Asia had never been on our bucket list ... but somehow as the planets aligned it all seemed to make sense.  We don't need to wait 3 long months to hear of our daughter's adventures.  We can go to her.  And so Cambodia became the focal point for a one month tour.  

     This trip of a lifetime will include 4 countries, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand and, after a short wrestle with an itinerary, the plan will look like this: 

                                        Beijing, China - 5 days

Walking the Great Wall of China

Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square

Hanoi City, Vietnam - 2 days

Halong Bay, Veitnam - 2 days

Touring a UNESCO site and one of the 7 Wonders of Nature...

sailing on an overnight Junk cruise.

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam (Saigon) - 2 days

Vistiting the Mekong Delta, the rice bowl of Vietnam.

Siem Reap, Cambodia - 5 days

Connecting with Alexa at a Cambodian orphanage

Experiencing Cambodian New Years celebrations

Witnessing the wonder of the ancient Cambodian temples.

Bangkok, Thailand - 4 days

A day trip by boat through the Floating Market followed by a trip to a Thai village for a traditional wedding, Thai dancing and an elephant show.  

A visit to the Grand Palace to see the Emerald Buddha

And a walking tour of the many Buddhist Temples.

And, finally, the perfect end to a power holiday...

Ko Phangan Island, Thailand - 7 days

In a Seaflower Bungalow 

Playing with the locals.

     The month of April, for us, will be witnessed through eyes on the other side of the planet.  Who knew 2014 would be such a momentous year?

     Thank you, Uncle Henry.  We'll take a part of you with us as we go.  Thanks, Mom, for sharing what was yours.  Thanks, Alexa, for opening our eyes to possibility.  

     Time to start packing...