3 years ago my wife and I went around the world for our 50th wedding anniversary, on our own, no reservations. 10 countries we hadn't otherwise seen including Burma which was next to last. It was our favorite for a lot of reasons primarily because it was so authentic. It was about a year after the military allowed elections (hadn't happened yet) and just after the US and Burma finished a financial agreement. (credit cards OK, etc.). We too weren't in disputed areas and felt as safe as anywhere else we went. I understand the negative sides for not going but in SE Asia it would be hard to find a gov't not doing something bad to somebody. It's probably already changed tourist infrastructure wise but I'm guessing it's still pretty genuine. We loved it and never felt threatened.

Agree with all the positive comments. No one mentioned the mountains around Sapa, up from Hanoi. Rice paddies, local cultures very different from cities. Agree about trains but it is an adventure. Never felt threatened. Try to be there for the Chinese New Year period.

You just tipped me into the just look category after weeks of contemplating how I was going manage the photos and my bride of 54 years. thanks.

Thanks again, everybody. At this point I'm not sure exactly what I want to photograph because this short stay became my responsibility not a tour company. That's OK but I've just started thinking of it that way. I'm thinking one day for touring probably by rental car and one day in town. Only have 2 days because it's sort of a stop over on the way to Norway. Have to find out about rentals because I'm over 80 and not everybody will rent to me. I'll figure it out. Thanks for the help.

Again, thanks for the help. I'm relieved 2 days can be good.

Thanks all for your comments/recommendations. Got an idea what to do now. Appreciate it.

I have 2 days in Iceland in June I hadn't planned on and would appreciate recommendations on photo ops. Not sure how I'm getting around at this point but I'll do something to get where I should be. Thanks much for your usual great advice.

Jokes and pranks always have a victim. Why don't you figure out a way to get to into her room while you're all away and what a good surprise when she gets back. Positive vibes and memories instead of confusion/angst.

Thanks again, folks. Every word adds another dimension to my learning curve. An Apple store is about an hour away in Delaware with no sales tax and my bride can shop in a decent mall. I will look into Macsales for the extras. And I will keep the old one around for awhile.

As a new day unfolds your suggestions are great and are perfectly fleshing out my decision path. Here's my likely direction, the basic 27" and add at least 8GB RAM and hook up an external hard drive. $$$'s aren't a deal breaker at around 2 grand. I'd like to stay with Apple as a comfort factor as all my kids have them so I have some built in coaching. 20 years ago I might have built up from scratch and I appreciate how much I could save with better performance new gadgets don't fold in as well as earlier. Very helpful and thanks again.

That's interesting and I will find out if my local tech company can do those things or somebody close by. I live in a rural area in a small town but maybe within an hour or so it can be done. Thanks

It's nearing days end here and I want to thank all of you for your responses. i knew there was/is a pony in there. I'm thinking the basic $1799 version plus 8GB RAM. When I get there I may tumble for the fusion for another $200 and eat at McDonalds. Thanks again.

Need some advice on updating my 7 year old 22" I Mac. I'm over 80 and don't have a good vocabulary so maybe you can help break the tie between their $1799 version vs the $1999. I know it has to do with memory and speed stuff but either will be significantly better than my current one. I'm not a gamer, have about 25000 images now, no PS but likely to get Luminar (?), probably by most standards a lite user. Otherwise it's e mail, web searching, Amazon/other on line purchasing. I know your comments will be very helpful. Thanks.

I have an RX 10 in for damage repair at the Precision Camera Repair entity but it took a lot of internet looking to determine where to send camera (out of warranty) vs lens. Kinda like their menus. Had to call to make sure based on the unclear who does what to whom Sony sites and verbiage. I'll advise if I get a form letter.

Visited a couple years ago and found it cheap compared to Australia, no problem with street photography, pay attention to all remarks about crossing streets no matter what the light says. We were there (Hanoi plus) during their Chinese New Year Holiday with throngs of people everywhere. At a crowded Temple a guy bumped into me a couple times and I was suspicious but had my camera in my hand and on strap and nothing in my pockets worthy of theft. Later I noticed my belt pack a little open and sure enough a filter was gone, the only thing in there worth anything. Pretty skilled guy so beware being close in crowds. Otherwise loved VN, no evidence of anti American feeling anywhere we were.