Hanoi part II

And while a whole lot of things continue to change by the speed of light and new buildings and fancy shops and cafes keep poping up everywhere, some things just stay the same.

Best breakfast ever. Pho Bo at Xuan Dieu.

 Flower vendors at Xuan Dieu, Tay ho.

 Hana somewhere at Xuan Dieu, best street ever (did I mention we lived on this street...)

Guess the street...

Happy in Hanoi

Last week we went on a small Asian tour, first checking in to Hanoi for a few days and then continuing to Japan to hang out with cousins and grannies in Kobe and Osaka.

After a brief extra stop at some airport in southern China, waiting for a thunderstorm to pass Hanoi, we arrived late Friday evening, May 17, just in time for the first real heat wave of the year and, seriously, there is nothing that compares with Hanoian heat. Then we spent four lovely days catching up with good old friends and reliving loads of great memories from this truly magical place that Hanoi is.

Holiday mood. Breakfast at the hotel, getting ready for the day.


The tree. As majestic as ever.

Going for a stroll with Nemo and Leo.

Preparing for sleepover at Hosea and Toto's. While parents preparing for a night out.

Hanging out at Joma, eating gigantic chocolate cake and with free access to all gadgets - while mummy catching up with friends. But apparently forgot to take pictures of any of them. Looked as gorgeous as ever though.

Best friends forever. Heading for the pool, walking the same streets as always.


Happy in Hanoi. Just like the good old days. Thanks to all of you who made it great. It was a lovely visit. Be back soon.

Montemar Yoga on the Beach Drama

1. Finally, boys calming down.

2. Little sister spotting them, determined to destroy the calm and re-create some chaos (bound to succeed).

3."Get him! Get him!"

4. The kiss.

 5. The chaos.

Or - did it all happen in a completely different order?

Montemar beach weekend

On Sunday morning we threw swimsuits and some beach toys and a change of clothes in a bag and took off for a couple of days at Montemar Beach Club in Bataan. Another lovely weekend escape with good friends, less than a three hour easy drive from home. Totally love how easy it is to make these kind of breakfast decisions here. It IS more fun in the Philippines!

Yes, the beach is a sandy place. Should've had that magic towel now...

Looking for fish at low tide. Alex, Kai, Hana, Bella, Siena.

 And, seriously... what is it with boys and sticks. Or maybe this one should rather be called a pole.

Then we dug them down. Or, actually, then Keisuke and Jason dug them down (a little bit too deep).

Bonfire pizza dinner. Double happiness.
With Keisuke, Jason, Siena, Hana, Bella, Noelle, Alex, Kai, Michelle, Sam.

 Great tree house.

 And Noelle was there as well. Keisuke making sure she wont fall down.

Best friends. Hana, Bella, Siena.

Only bad thing - it all ended too fast. Have to repeat soon.

Hana 5 years. Happy Birthday!

Incredible but true, my little baby girl turned five this Saturday. We started with celebrations in school on Friday, then the traditional morning singing and cake in bed and loads of presents on Saturday morning, followed by a complete "princesses and pirates treasure hunt" birthday party during the day. Afterwards we all just passed out.

 Friday morning, cake in school.

 Saturday morning, cake in bed.

 Preparing for treasure hunt in the very dry Valle Verde II park.

 Go get the treasure! Before the big fat purple monster gets it! Or gets you!

 Walking back to Hana's house in the bright midday sun.

And cake, again.

Happy 5th birthday, Hana!

Good Stuff Philippines

For those of you living in Manila or elsewhere in the Philippines, take a look at my other blog, about GOOD STUFF in the Philippines.

Good Stuff Philippines wants to help promote local socially and environmentally conscious companies, people, places, initiatives, events, you name it, of high quality by creating a meeting place where information about all this is easily accessible for all of us eager to make the effort of supporting local GOOD STUFF and hopefully that way contribute if only just a tiny bit to making this world a better and happier place.

http://goodstuffphilippines.blogspot.com/

Good Stuff Philippines is also on Facebook. Like and get regular updates and tips on good stuff in Manila and the Philippines.

https://www.facebook.com/GOODSTUFFPhilippines

BK Valley Mountain Lodge

Just a month after our last visit, we went back to Dion and his friends at the BK Valley Mountain Lodge which also hosts the perfect camp site. This time we went with a bunch of friends, making it all even better. It was a great weekend - again!

On our way.

Setting up camp.

The campers.

With Milan. Hana just never left his side...

In the kitchen. Little red riding hood, Milan and Maripa. Preparing breakfast.

The view.

Happy happy happiness.

The whole crew. Keisuke, Bela, Tim, Maripa, Booker, Marianne, Kai, me, Aaron, Hana, Milan, Luca.
And then came the rain...

Horseback riding. Barefoot and in pouring rain. Who cares!

The buko bus / coconut jeepney. Heading home. But again, be back soon!