We have hit a bit of a break in the action. We spent two days in Phnom Penh. It was crazy busy there, the streets were almost unwalkable with young children due to congestion and traffic, and it was extremely westernized. Thus we did stuff like this:
And, if you were wondering what happened to those other donuts you see in the box, rest assured that they did not make it out of the mall.
Following our two days in a very busy city, we travelled by express and very bumpy van, To San Monurom in Mondulkuri province. This is the staging point for us to head to elephant camp. And before we get there, we are spending one more for slack day doing this:
Don’t worry, it hasn’t been all Netflix, Hil and I have spent a good part of the day making onwards travel plans and deciding where we will go and what we will do once we arrive in Vietnam.
There is no cell reception or Internet connection available at elephant camp. Thus we will be off-line and out of touch until February 11, 2017.
Thanks to everyone for reading, love to all, more stories to follow.
3 Ginger Snaps 
A vacation from your Vacation?
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Hi Drew. I’ve been following your (The Ginger Snaps and their parental units) your journey and it has been incredible so far. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Hil and I went to GBC together, although she attended for many more years than me.
I lived in Hanoi, Vietnam for three years (2012-2015) with my family. We travelled to a number of places while there: Sapa, Lao Cai province, Mai Chau, Ha Long, Hue, Da Lat, Danang, Hoi An, HcMC, Can Tho, Phu Quoc. We don’t know everything about these places, but we could give some helpful tips. Family Medical Practices and SOS Clinics in Hanoi, Danang and HCMC are very good for healthcare services. Be sure to eat at Quan An Ngon in Hanoi. Like Cambodians, Vietnamese people are warm, helpful and hard working, and they adore children.
Enjoy your time in VietNam.
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Jennifer,
Thanks so much for following and for writing with this helpful information. Much appreciated!
We are just nailing down or plans for Vietnam now. We are planning to visit:
HCMC – 2 nights
Hoi An – 3 nights city, 3 nights beach
Hue – 3 nights
Phong Ba National Park – 3 nights
Cat Ba National Park (Halong Bay Area) 3 nights
Hanoi – 5 nights
Wish I could do a whole other month in Vietnam though. It looks amazing and we are very excited. I am going to try and visit at least one school in the area as we are thinking about future teaching possibilities for me. Any suggestions?
Drew
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Hi. Sorry for the delay in responding. I just read your reply.
Yes, most travellers, including my in-laws, I know say hat about Vietnam. There is so much to see and to eat!! and the people are wonderful.
That’s tough because I have a major bias. Number one is the United Nations International School Hanoi or UNIS Hanoi. It’s fantastic and there are a lot of great, passionate teachers and administrators working there. I worked there for two years as Assistant to the Board and really enjoyed my time working closely with Dr. Barder the current but outgoing head of school. The 18 month search for his replacement has started and will be rigorous. During my outgoing year, th school increased its budget to hire another counsellor, a full time Psychologist, a second Deputy Elementary Principal and more. We were also writing the next 5 year Strategic Plan and the board approved the campus development plan. The school will be transformed for the better by 2020. I can’t say enough positive things about UNIS. Dr. Barder and the Principals may still be hiring. If you are interested, send an email to hos@unishanoi.org.
Danang is rapidly growing. People are moving there, including my friends and my Matilda’s favourite pediatrician, the airport has expanded, the economy is growing so there may be a school there of interest. The best international school in HCMC is ISHCMC (International school HCMC) because it is on par with UNIS. Mother Tongue programmes, IB programme, etc.
I still have friends and former collègues working at UNIS. If you have any questions about it, I’d be happy to put you in touch with them.
Gotta run. Swim class is ending.
All of the best to you all.
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A day much deserved !! Krispy creame in Thailand ?? Now that’s donut industry !! No timmies I guess YET !! Can’t wait to hear about the 🐘🐘🐘🐘 ‘S you are all so fortunate to be doing this now with your kids .. ” fearless ” leader Drew but I am sure there has to have been a moment you were not fearless !! Tremendous responsibility but doing an amazing job !! Bravo
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Love reading about your travels. Have fun at the elephant sanctuary. I can’t wait to see the pictures. Miss you guys.
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So excited to see your stuff. We are from Collingwood and just connected through a friend (Dale McIntosh and Jessica White). Heading to Vietnam and Thailand on April 1st and possibly Cambodia….
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