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The Grand Adventure
  • Helene Rimberg
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  • Helene Rimberg

The Grand Adventure

A bike trip with no end Read more
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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    View over Kandy
    View over KandyPretty waterfalls along the roadsideVeg marketOhiya train stationOn our walk through the forest

    UP to Ohiya

    January 31 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Make our way down our big hill and continue southward journey. Huge climbing day, topping out over 7000 feet. Not quite sure which would be more “fun”;; on a bike or our TukTuk struggling to make it up the hills. Stop in Nuwara Eliya for some lunch and continue on. Roads get smaller as we make final ascent through an evergreen forest to our large bungalow in Ohiya. Some of us go on a walk though the tiny town. Have a good dinner prepared by our hosts.Read more

  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    View of Lion Rock
    View of Lion RockSeen in a gas stationColorful temple along the roadMaddie enjoying acting like a localWalking down the hillMan made lakeInteresting way to display braceletsFun swordsWhere the Tooth resides

    Kandy

    January 30 in Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌧 26 °C

    Depart from our homestay after a different, and tasty breakfast. Another “short” drive (100 km) but the climbing is quite slow in our weighted down TukTuk. Have an additional climb into the hills around Kandy to get to our homestay. After checking in make our way into the bustling city of Kandy. Explore Kandy National Museum and Temple of the Tooth which supposedly houses one of the Buddha Teeth. Vegan dinner in town before catching a tie back up the hill.Read more

  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    A welcome mat of sortsThese stones have various inscriptions; often proclaimationsOnce held the Buddhas Tooth RelicRoyal PalaceRoyal bathMonkey picnic

    Polonnaruwa

    January 29 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Eat a fun breakfast of traditional foods based on coconut and rice. Once fully carbed up, pile in unloaded TukTuk and drive through elephant territory towards the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Explore museum fist and then meander along huge park. Similar yet different than other ancient cities we have seen. On the way back spot 2 elephants! Quick dinner at homestay before embarking on a night safari in search of elusive Lorie. Spot quite a few of the tiny monkeys as well as birds and spiders. Nice being out in the jungle at night.Read more

  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg

    Safari time

    January 28 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Up early to get into Wilpattu Park before sunrise (and other safari trucks). A bit of a queue to get tickets and enter but the crowd quickly disperses within the park. Bump along on rutted dirt road. Spot deer, monkeys, birds, water buffalos, jackals, monitor lizards and crocodiles - including a tiny one. Return to hotel and pile into our TukTuk. Head toward Sirigiya. Find our homestay nicely tucked into jungle. Next up/ hike up Pitcc Rock for views. Hit a very big jam as everyone is trying ginger through tiny passage. Make it for sunset but hazy. Nice dinner in town.Read more

  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg

    Journeying inland

    January 27 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    “Attend” a buddhist beach wedding. Two guests of the hotel opted to get married in a local manner. Grab some breakfast before heading back down the peninsula. Though we see elephant crossing signs, none are spotted. Arrive at our jungle resort and have a little walkabout. Find a nice lake to walk by - spotting a few monkeys, birds and peacocks. Eat dinner at our homestay.Read more

  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg

    Scuba day

    January 26 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Three is us (Doug has caught my cold and unable to dive) head out early for our fun dives. Get suited up and take small boats over bumpy water to first dive site. Very choppy water which makes getting in more difficult. Descend into murky water. Maddie and I are buddies and Hannah is with the other group. Do see a lot of eels, rays and nudibranches. Second dive was even murkier and a bit chaotic. More cool stuff spotted. And overall ok dive experience. Have a nice curry lunch before heading back. Take a short walk on the beach and watch sunset.Read more

  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Relatively calm water. Very nice temp1Our TukTukMangroves in tidal poolsDeserted beachSunset kitesurfingKittens!Procession comes to our resort

    Easing into vacation mode

    January 25 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    With no big plans, go with the very chill vibe around here and have a late start. Eventually head down for some breakfast and then prepare for some beach time. Relax, do puzzles and bob in the water. Eventually need to take Hannah to her dive refresher course. Maddie gets to try out driving. Drop her off and find another beach to walk on. We all meet back up at the hotel eventually and have a BBQ dinner. Major church celebration which includes a procession and fireworks.Read more

  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Awaiting our TukTukOur trusty driverDonkeys are everywhereNeighbor kittensOur beach - used to be moreUsed to be road to our place

    We are now a party of 4

    January 24 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    After 2 days of travel, including a long layover in Hong Kong, Hannah and Maddie join us in Sri Lanka. We all get some more sleep (they arrived very early in the morning) before beginning our adventures. Doug and Maddie leave to get pick up the TukTuk and get driving instructions. Turns out to be harder than anticipated. We all pile into the TukTuk and head north through city traffic. Doug manages well and we all do our best to help. Long journey to our beach destination - Surfpoint Kitesurfing resort . Check in and go off on a beach walk. Dine at our “resort’s” restaurant. Nice curries!Read more

  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Fun waterways
    Fun waterwaysSleepy pussycatInteresting hiding spotI bet that's tastyVery windy and roughDrying all sorts of fish

    Wandering around Negombo

    January 23 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Spend the morning organizing what would be needed for our Sri Lanka vacation. Took an Uber into Negombo and wandered around a bit. Did a bit of shopping before returning to our apartment to make dinner. Impressions thus far: Sri Lankans seem friendly and relaxed. Genuinely interested in being helpful.Read more

  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Lounge #1. Had to travel in business class to get baggage allowance
    Lounge #1. Had to travel in business class to get baggage allowanceDoug relieving travel stress in massage chairWhen they offer Champage it's hard to say noOur place

    Goodbye Vietnam. Hello Sri Lanka!

    January 22 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    After 2 months, it is time to leave Vietnam. Though there have been some high points, I found it a particularly difficult country. The roads weren’t great, the drivers were atrocious and the language barrier was significant everywhere except the tourist spots. We travelled through a lot of cities which generally were less pleasant. It was also the country where I felt the most out of place and at times not very welcome. Regardless, I am glad we went but not keen to return anytime soon. Managed to navigate 2 separate flights and kept baggage weight within limits. Arrived with our gear and caught a van to our apartment. Settled in and went to bed. Long day of travel.Read more

  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    So tasty. Even plain milk in our coffee
    So tasty. Even plain milk in our coffeeThere were quite alot of nice old treesScaffolded. CathedralGarden outside Opera HouseLike everywhere else, rows of motorbikes parked outside Opera HouseScaffolded Opera HouseOne of the prettier buildings in the cityAn almost finished new buildingKing CobraCrazy flowersThe peahens were not impressed

    Exploring Saigon

    January 20 in Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Head out to explore the city as I am feeling a bit better. Start off with terrific French pastries. Take a Grab to avoid the busy and unpleasant streets. Wander around District 1, passing a few notable buildings. In general, it seems like a generic busy city. Wind up spending a few hours in the Zoo and Botanical Gardens. A rather large selection of animas from around the world. Head back to the hotel where we reman for the rest of the evening.Read more

  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    No idea why the gave us extra ice
    No idea why the gave us extra iceThis was a very common scene across VietnamWaterway totally filled with plantsThe white in the trees is the pre- wrapped fruitAnother short ferryOur landing portNice pagoda as we come into SaigonA rare quiet streetThere are alot of rivers throughout SaigonDiverse architecture

    Onto Saigon

    January 18 in Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Less than 40 miles to go to end our cycling journey through Vietnam. Get some coffee (sweet of course) and breakfast and head out on small roads through the countryside. Ride through a few market towns and fish markets. Take a small ferry and begin our journey through Saigon. Lots of motorbikes but it seems less hectic than Hanoi. Perhaps we have gotten better at riding in the flow. Arrive at our hotel safely. Do some packing prep and walk towards main part of the city for dinner. Very hectic. After finding gelato, take a Grab back.Read more

  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Amongst the canal
    Amongst the canalLemongrass?Argh! This was actually bigger than what came beforeSunset over pineapple fields

    It’s pretty but …

    January 17 in Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    small canal paths take forever. Though we start nice and early, another high mileage day keeps us riding all day long. Find ourselves on single track paths amongst the rice fields. This is followed by a 7 mile stretch on a “motorbike superhighway” where we seem to be going against the flow of traffic. Pull up to intended hotel just as it gets dark to find it full. Manage to find a fine hotel a few kilometers back. Pretty good seafood dinner.Read more

  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Cycling amongst the rice fieldsOne of few kids that actually wear a helmetBig boat full of grain I thinkSu setting while we are on ferry #2Our landing pointNight watch cats

    Back through the canals

    January 16 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Get an early start as we have a big day ahead. Retrace our “steps”, and the small paths and steep little bridges are still slow going. It’s also quite toasty. After lunch, my derailleur has a little tizzy and stops working. Stuck in the lowest gear. All the little hills become giant. Miraculously find a bike mechanic on our route who is able to quickly fix it but we lost a lot of time. Pick up the pace, cross two waterways on ferries and race to beat the sunset as we cycle through another area full of fruit. Last few kilometers are in the dark. Find our hotel, check in and wander down the road in search of food. Manage to have a good meal, thankfully.Read more

  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Streets of Ong Lang
    Streets of Ong LangBeachfront at Rach Gia

    A less hectic return to the mainland

    January 15 in Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Pack up and spend a bit of time at the beach before riding across the island to the fort. Buy our tickets, wait in line with the motorbikes and board. Land back in Rach Gia, grab our bikes and ride the short distance to the hotel. Explore the MegaMart and opt for a big salad for dinner. Watch a movie as well, just like normal people.Read more

  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Salted coffee
    Salted coffeeTuckered out from studying and divingWee little fishies in there

    Last beach day

    January 14 in Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Doug left early for final day of dive training. Futzed around in the morning before heading to the beach. Water a bit rougher today but still quite lovely. Watched the sunset.

  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Line up of scuba gear
    Line up of scuba gearIslands off the southern tip of Phu QuocUnfortunately cloudy. Gondola in the distanceFaux ItalyLunch timeGondola overheadMackerel and Squid

    Scuba Day

    January 13 in Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Today we both catch an early van to go scuba diving. Doug goes off with his little group to complete required skills while I have my refresher dive. Though we did a few skills, mostly reminded myself how to manage to stay buoyant and not float away. First dive was very murky and not very scenic. Second dive was over a nice coral wlll and much nicer. Had lunch on the boat after our dives and returned to shore. Van ride back to hotel where I relaxed by the pool. Nice seafood dinner.Read more

  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Lots of little rocky coves. Hard to walk especially at high tide
    Lots of little rocky coves. Hard to walk especially at high tideMangrovesLooks nice but part of a resort

    Ong Long Beach Day

    January 12 in Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Doug started his Open Water Diving course today. I spent a good part of the day hanging at Ong Long Beach - nicest one yet on this island. Not much room to walk but the water is clear and not too crowded. Did a bit of snorkeling; seeing only a few fish. Thai food for dinner for a change.Read more

  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Leaving the land of boutique hotels
    Leaving the land of boutique hotelsArrive at our new digsNice vibe!Looks better than it tastedLots of restaurants and services

    Ong Lang

    January 11 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    Day to transition to our bungalow for the remainder of our time. Do a bit of beach yoga and frolic in the calm sea. Pack up and head north. Enjoy a quiet promenade for a bit before hitting the chaos of Duong Dong, the main town. Manage to clear the town unscathed and continue north. Pull off the main road and enter a more green and quieter side of the island. Small village of Ong Lang is definitely touristy but in a manner that honors where it’s at. Check in and chill by the pool. Out for disappointing pizza.Read more

  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Well maintained beach
    Well maintained beachBeach full of sunburned RussiansRemains of our dinnerBusy night market selling lots of seafoodQuiet resorts

    Hectic day to Phu Quoc

    January 9 in Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Allow ourselves plenty of time to ride the 3 miles to the ferry dock. Manage to secure tickets but seems all bank machines are on the fritz. Doug finally finds one that is operational, pay, and race to the dock. Quite the chaotic scene with multiple ferries unloading and loading. Our bikes go on with the motorbikes and we settle into our seats for 3 hour ride. Arrive at Phu Quoc and reverse the process. Ride across the island and find our hotel amongst a series of boutique hotels. Walk a short ways and check out the beach. Head to night market for seafood dinner.Read more

  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    They tend to make their bridges rather artsy
    They tend to make their bridges rather artsyA larger "road"People live all along these waterwaysOne of many steep little bridgesBig boats and little boats cruising alongDid not go over that oneWe rode along this channel for many milesBizarre type of topography

    Deep into the delta to Rach Gia

    January 8 in Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Long day planned to get us to Rach Gia where we will catch the ferry to the island of Phu Quoc. Spend most of the day on very small paths alongside the channels. Lots of branches, meaning lots of steep little bridges. Though it’s scenic, it’s also slow going. Stop in a park for some lunch and continue along. Fortunately days are getting longer but we still get to Rach Gia as it is getting dark. Find out hotel and too tired to venture out. Order in and listen to rocking festival nearby.Read more

  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Interesting fishing netA wee little ferry to cross the canalVery jungly.A stretch of new pavement

    Can Tho

    January 7 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    A day of small roads amongst fruit trees. So many different kinds; bananas, coconuts, dragon fruit, pomelos, oranges, jackfruit, limes and likely more. Huge bridge to cross to get to Can Tho, the biggest city in the delta. Found ourselves a very good Italian meal.Read more

  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Lovely 'road' almost all to ourselves
    Lovely 'road' almost all to ourselvesNew rice cropMore dragon fruitChinese pagodaLoved the gnarly basesTemple was surrounded by a moatMonks robes dryingIt looks so happyHardly anyone aroundVery busy, with all the statues and structuresTurtle represents perseverance

    Tra Vinh

    January 6 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Short ride to Vila Basi, a nice homestay within a beautiful garden. Rode into Tra Vinh and checked out a few Buddhist temples. Quite reminiscent of the Wats of Thailand. Picked up dinner food at the supermarket. Made a simple salad for dinner.Read more