A Word from Vicky Ann

Here’s a note from Vicky Ann, written in her little black book on Saturday.

Dear Me,

Nothing electronic can replace an adventure like this, and thanks to my friend, Tim, it is all possible.


I’ve climbed more steps on my way to temples and pagodas, crouched through two adjoining Vinh Moc war tunnels, paddled in and out of nine water caves, seen amazing sea creatures, and met some of the hardest working people in my life.


Only day 13 of a 29-day trip!  Overnight train tonight and, soon, on to Cambodia, if all goes as planned.

I’m writing this poolside as Vicky Ann swims in the frigid hotel pool with two Russian women.  She’s yelling to me about our plans to swim in the ocean this afternoon and making new friends, even though they don’t speak a word of English.  Every day is an adventure!

Here are a few shots from our recent travels.

She’s starting to venture out on her own
We both loved Da Nang, home of the dragon bridge
Another view of the bridge
Fishing boat in Da Nang
Women watering plants for the upcoming New Year festival
Offerings left on the side of the road
Some college kids taught us how to take selfies on the beach
Vicky Ann went on a barber adventure with me
We really did crouch our way through the tunnels
Some parts were very steep
Villagers hid here during bombing raids
Making a friend in the coffee shop
We always stop to take pictures of chickens and roosters
Vicky Ann bargaining in the market
Crossing the bridge just for fun
What should I order?
Which way, Vicky Ann?
She said my shirt matched the wall
Another friend from Canada
We survived the overnight train (not as comfortable as it looks)
Kids on another train
Vicky Ann trying to get their attention
Our selfie teachers
We’re rich!

Comments (23):

  1. Lori Liguori

    January 23, 2017 at 05:54

    What a fabulous adventure, Vicky Ann!!!! So glad you have company, Tim!!!

    Reply
    • Tim Flanagan

      January 23, 2017 at 08:19

      Couldn’t ask for a better travel companion.

      Reply
  2. Paula Agins

    January 23, 2017 at 05:58

    What an adventure!!! Monday morning……..off to school 🙂

    Reply
    • Tim Flanagan

      January 23, 2017 at 08:20

      Is it Monday? Funny, how I lose track of the days. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Rosie

    January 23, 2017 at 06:17

    Tim,
    Your sense of adventure is so inspiring! You opened the world to all of us! And Vicky Ann, retirement has opened this door to a new adventure. There will be lots to share. You are having a most interesting tour.
    Staying tuned to what is next!
    Be safe and enjoy!

    Reply
    • Tim Flanagan

      January 23, 2017 at 08:21

      Glad you’re coming along for the adventure. We’ll have to get together when I return for the stories left out of the blog!

      Reply
  4. Stacie

    January 23, 2017 at 06:26

    Thanks for the smiles on a Monday morning! I can only imagine the adventures the two of you are having with all the laughs. Thank you for sharing. Can’t wait to read about and see pictures of the next adventure!!!

    Reply
    • Tim Flanagan

      January 23, 2017 at 08:22

      We’re already working on it!

      Reply
  5. Cindy J Cassidy

    January 23, 2017 at 06:46

    Glad VickyAnn is in such good hands…can you imagine the havoc she would wreak if she were on her own?!? Keep sending me texts/videos. These pop up messages on my phone ALWAYS bring a smile to my face! Love you both!! Cindy

    Reply
    • Tim Flanagan

      January 23, 2017 at 08:23

      She gets so excited every time a text goes through – the wonders of technology!

      Reply
  6. LInda A Wight

    January 23, 2017 at 07:21

    I like Vicky Ann! What a great travelling companion. Super pictures. These are things I wouldn’t get to see. TIm, in that side view picture, getting a haircut, you look so much like your dad! Love the dragon bridge, and all the bridges, train. Caves, not so much. Looking forward to next stop on your incredible journey. Stay safe, much love, Linda

    Reply
    • Tim Flanagan

      January 23, 2017 at 08:24

      She is a great traveling companion! I told her I looked like my dad in that picture and said I expected Kathy or Anne to notice, but you commented first!

      Reply
  7. anne

    January 23, 2017 at 07:30

    Love it love it love it!!! You guys have no idea how much we’re all enjoying this! Anytime I see a post I feel like a little kid opening up a Christmas present!! Keep them coming.

    Reply
    • Tim Flanagan

      January 23, 2017 at 08:25

      If only I could remember all the little things she says during the day – that would be a great post.

      Reply
  8. Bruce Yarnall

    January 24, 2017 at 13:08

    Looks awesome Tim. I think not speaking the same language might actually help Deledda make friends. Tell her I said hello. I need to hear about these adventures at the Malted Barley on the back deck.

    Reply
    • Tim Flanagan

      January 24, 2017 at 20:30

      We’ll have to invite Vicky Ann – her stories are always more interesting than mine!

      Reply
  9. Millie

    January 24, 2017 at 18:10

    Hi Vicky Ann! So happy to read about all the fun you two are having. Cousin Linda is correct…photo you took at the barber, looks just like our Dad. What she didn’t say is that he is dressing like him too! Ha ha.
    Waiting for the next post from Cambodia!

    Reply
    • Tim Flanagan

      January 24, 2017 at 20:35

      I’m so glad I can tell you the true stories about your brother and keep up with his daily travels. (Vicky Ann)

      Reply
  10. Karen Champ

    January 25, 2017 at 11:51

    So glad you guys are having a great time together. Love the pics! Love the selfies! Tell Vicky Ann I said Hi.

    Reply
    • Tim Flanagan

      January 28, 2017 at 08:51

      Vicky Ann is so excited that you’re following along!

      Reply
  11. Donald

    January 26, 2017 at 18:44

    Thanks so much for sharing your adventure. We miss you but so glad you are there and not here. Enjoy every moment. They go by so fast.
    love you. Your favorite brother inlaw.

    Reply
  12. Karen Ferraro

    February 3, 2017 at 11:38

    The kids of 110, Jan and I all say Hello! We are loving following your adventures!!

    Reply
    • Tim Flanagan

      February 9, 2017 at 10:41

      Say hello to the kids in 110 for us. Happy snow day!

      Reply

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