I was just lucky to have such a wonderful weather in Hanoi November last year. Bach (pronounced as Back, a Vietnamese whom I befriended when I was there, we became best of friends) told me that they just had a week of flood, over knee-high water covered the whole of Hanoi after a continuous rainfall for days. It took the cityhall almost a week to clear the debris and mud that flooded the city. Cars were damaged and so were properties.

When I arrived, it was just a week of settling down after the flood. Everything seemed normal, if I was not told of the flood, it wasn't obvious. I did notice mud on the sidewalks, but that was like some leftover debris from construction sites. I was surprised when Bach told me about nature's onslaught.

Hanoi seems to be so resilient to a lot of going-ons or had-beens. And yet so humble and hard-working. It was really relaxing sitting beside Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword) while watching so many people sitting around enjoying the peace albeit the noise of traffic around it. Everyone was doing something but I did not feel the busy-ness. Someone approached me and tried to chat me up asking questions, speaking a little English. He asked where I was from, what do I do, where do I live, what is it like in Malaysia, and finally asking if I would like to get some of his books and postcards. I often like to talk to these sales people, I like the sincerity in them, I like the way they approach a sales and I also like the way they ask questions. They were so friendly, they were really interested to know about me as I would be interested to know about them too. I will look at the products, if I want to, I will make an offer. If I do not want the products, I will just politely decline. The conversation was always smooth and no hassle. Anyway, I always welcome sales talk, I really like to just listen with an open heart, there is always something I can learn from the person who sits in front of me.

I sat at Hoan Kiem Lake overlooking the Tortoise Tower which has its remnant in the middle of the lake. The temperature stayed between a cooling 20℃ to 28℃, just perfect to sit outdoor. There were lots of willow trees all around the lake, some have bent so low, they almost touch the water. The willows take to the flow of the wind, sway softly along as if that is naturally what they are there to do - all day long, just dance to the mischievous play of the wind.

I read Somerset Maugham's "Of Human Bondage" while looking up occasionally to see people walking past and enjoying tea. Some having lunch everywhere beside the lake. I was impressed with the way Hanoi has built itself to be like a garden city where their citizens can come out to sit and play in the open. I guess we did not have that here in KL, no wonder the scene of people having food in a group at Hoan Kiem Lake fascinated me so much.

Just walking around the lake brings you to the island-temple known as Ngoc Son Temple, very picturesque footbridge. I did not go in because I was more captivated with the scenery outside the temple. It was founded in the 14th century.

Bach told me later that the Vietnamese don't actually have a religion. So, I said what are they praying in the temples here in Hanoi. He said they are just praying to the ancestors. So, their ancestors become their "god", and this is passed down through generations.

And I also learned that the people have to pay for education in Vietnam. I told Bach that in Malaysia, education is free from 7 years old onwards until we are 18 if we choose to stay on to study. Aren't we a fortunate lot to be Malaysians?

Friends were appalled when I told them I was traveling in Bali for 10 days :

"You were alone-ah? Traveling alone, good meh?"
"What did you do, having 10 days in Bali?"
"Bali very small island, what can you do there? 10 days, such a long time."

Bali is a big island compared to Pulau Pinang or Singapore. It is almost 19x the size of Penang Island and almost 9x the size of Singapore. You can find practically everything you want for a great holiday escapade in Bali : trekking, nature walks, mountains, temples, volcanoes, art, shopping, temples, food, organic stuff, temples, biking, cycling, temples, padi fields, 7-star spa resorts, temples, surfing, para-sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, temples......really, everything you want for a good time.

I have been to Honolulu, Hawaii and I was in Kuta, Bali. I would say that what Hawaii is to the West, Bali is offering it to the South Pacific, maybe minus a few G-strings and biceps. But at a fraction of the cost for Asians, Bali is always the best choice.

I like this description from one of the website about the island which many Balinese embrace Hinduism : "Bali is a society of hamlets clustered around temples. Bali as a culture organism, the villages are its vital organs, and the network of temples its nervous system."

Where did I go in Bali? You may want to follow these route too.

Kuta - south : beach resort, sun, sea, water sports, thousands of tourists, constantly jam packed with people, action place.

Ubud - central : art town, handicraft, creative stuff, organic foods, spa, spiritual activities, yoga, nature walks, great foods especially Babi Guling, Bebek Betutu and Bebek Bengil.

Mt Batur - north east : temples, Pura Penulisan, Pura Gunung Kawi (Water Temple), mountainous terrain, restaurants on side of cliffs.

Mt Agung - north east : mountain scenery, cool air, Besakih Temple, lunch en route is best.

Amed - east : beachside resorts, azure sea, hardly anyone around, beautiful beach and lovely villagers.

Mt Lempuyang - east : about 3,000 ft above sea level, a sacred Balinese once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage trek up, with more than 1,000 steps to the summit with 6 temples along the way.

Candidassa - east : beach resort, spa resort, small place but lots of beautiful eateries and restaurants.

Tanah Lot - south west : temple in the middle of the ocean, great sunset viewing point.

Uluwatu - south : temple perched on a cliff, beautiful sunset and sunrise viewing point.

Sanur, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua - all beachside resorts.

So many things to do in Bali, all alone to enjoy it. Hmmm....so in touch...

Even having breakfast on the beach under a coconut tree, banana pancake with honey, fried egg and coffee + the breeze from the idyllic sea at 7 on a bright and sunny morning, makes it all worthwhile to live.

To read more of my travelogue, login http://www.lifestyledesigners.blogspot.com