Halong Bay

On Saturday we headed north east out of Hanoi to Halong Bay.  Took approx. 4 hrs. by car which is a very stressful drive.  Driving in this area is just crazy and you wouldn't believe it unless you were here.  We boarded our boat the Viking Star and were quickly assigned to our cabin.  Very nice.  Lovely shower.  Little balcony with two chairs.  There are about 40 people on board and we were served a great lunch. After lunch we boarded the tender and went to an island where they loaded us into small boats holding 4 people and the fellow doing the rowing. He rowed us around the floating village which consisted of quite a few very rustic "houseboats". They even had a school!  The weather cleared up so it was beautiful out.  Back on board we got ready for supper which was a nice meal of seafood (prawns, fish, mussels).  Marlene and I decided to share a bottle of white wine but I think after several attempts I will wait until I get home to drink wine. $35 for the cheapest wine and it wasn't very good.  The local beer is good though and a whole lot cheaper.

Sitting out on deck in the evening was wonderful. Had torrential rain through the night and when Marlene and I woke up we didn't think we'd be going anywhere. It cleared up though and we were tendered to another island to explore this huge cave. As folklore has it the dragon lived in this cave. It was amazing but lots of steps in and out.  Checked out and were picked up by our driver and guide for the 4 hr.  drive to the airport for our flight to Hue.  Hue is a smaller town and shouldn't be as crazy as Hanoi (let's hope!).