Travelogue
Golfin’, Gulpin’, Goofin’ in Hanoi
by Ed Abon
Avid Beta Sigmans hied off to Hanoi on 6-12 March, 2024 for golf, gulp and
goofin’. Throw in also their personal yearnings for shopping and culinary
adventure which made the time in Hanoi complete and memorable for Sis Lani
Espinola and brods Eddie Jose, Lakan Fonacier, Dyun Manalansan, Nilo Punzalan ,
Ron Ibañez and Ed Abon.
Our red-eye flight from Manila arrived ahead of
time and after buying Vietnamese Dong at the airport, we were transformed into
instant millionnaires with million Dongs for our spending sprees. The
psychedelic bus that met us at the airport was equipped with a swimming pool. Of
course, that is an exaggeration but that is just to describe how huge it was and
we had it to ourselves.
The jump-off point for our adventures was O’
Gallery Hotel, a boutique, clean and comfortable lodging right in the heart of
old quarter Hanoi surrounded by eateries, shops, spas and bustling with locals
and tourists alike amidst a near chaotic display of rick shaws, cars, vans and
motorcycles which moved and navigated the streets in all directions seemingly
without regard to any traffic rules and oblivious to pedestrians traffic. It was
a sight to see especially during the morning and nighttime rush hours.
Our short time was so spaced that we were able to do comfortably what we came to
Hanoi for which were to play golf primarily in a Baguio-like climate and to
satiate our cravings for traditional Vietnamese foods and drinks and our innate
desire for a good foot massage and body spa.
We played the Thanh Lanh
Valley and Hilltop Valley Golf Courses nestled in adjoining mountainous regions
and relaxedly sailed in a boat all to ourselves around and in between the
islands in the world-famous Ha Long Bay. The rest of our time was spent shopping
for real imitation items of prestige brands and enjoying the sights and sounds
of Hanoi.
Everybody had so much fun that another golf, gulp and goofin’
tour is planned to Zhuhai, China or to Chiang Mai, Thailand, the next stop for
our golf and culinary adventures.
Next stop: Zhuhai or Chiang Mai.
Fore!! Early reservation anyone?