OK, this is about planning my first trip to Cambodia and possibly Viet Nam. I am a pretty experienced budget backpacker, but recently have had to recognize a few minor limitations. Actually its pretty much one: that is me passing my 7th decade!
I am more surprised than anyone to discover that have somehow turned 71. Friend of mine said that if he knew he was going to live that long,he'd have taken better care of himself. Well. despite having hit that number, I still have just as much of a desire to take off just to see what's at the end of the next road. And I refuse to accept the title of “senior traveler!” That's for old guys.
That being said, I do have to accept the fact that there now might be some new limitations along the way for me.. Like climbing stairs. I manage them just fine, only they take a bit longer and if there are lots of them, it can get painful. I think this is going to also mean that I will not be riding on the roofs of many buses (unless there is a secure ladder up the side) or choosing nights in a tree house that is more than 40 feet up. And there are a few of the )now) usual things about diet, but I am pretty sure that won't be much of a problem. I usually loose a couple of pounds on a trip, which beats the hell out sitting at home dieting!
Given the choice, I still opt for budget accommodations - I love meeting other travelers – but on recent trips, I found that an occasional night in an air conditioned room is lots more appealing than it used to be. Same goes for having a bathroom really near by! Have also become a good buddy of Bill W., yet another story.
As to visiting Viet Nam: I have heard some stories of guys my age visiting there and being made a bit uncomfortable in some situations. Anybody have any comments or suggestions here? I was not in the US military, but I would have 'come of age' at the time the war there was at it's worst. Actually as a professional photographer, I photographed hundreds of anti-war demonstrations and lots of my work was published here and in a number of publications around the world. It is also possible that some of my photos are in a museum in Hanoi; would love to find out for sure, but don't know if that means anything to anybody one way or another.
At this point I am planning on traveling for about 3 weeks at the end of October/beginning of November. Our wedding anniversary is just before that – 35 years with the same Lady! - and she would like me back for Thanksgiving.
So, given all in this garbled narrative, I am really up for any suggestions as to must see places, places to stay, places to avoid, routes to follow and so on. Any advice most appreciated!
My thanks in advance to all!
