Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

WOW! I had to start with a picture because this place is beyond words!



Upon arrival to Ha Long City, we hopped on a junk and set out for a 5 hour cruise on the Bay. Getting to the junk was an adventure in itself. The junks all raft up together at the main terminal our junk was about 10 boats out. Hopping from junk to junk was a blast, at one point we cut through the galley where someone was preparing food with a BIG knife. It felt like some adventure movie. Fun!

Here's a picture of someone else's junk. Ours was very similar...a big boat for the three of us!


After a short tour of some of the islands and stepping off to explore a huge cave, they anchored the boat to serve us a great seafood lunch!!! YUM!



After lunch we went for a swim in the Gulf of Tonkin!!! This was so much fun! We were jumping off the bow like we were little kids. This was definitely a highlight!

Back on land, we decided to go for some refreshments and I got to sample my first Bia Hoi! Bia Hoi is "Fresh Beer" that is brewed just a few days prior and has no preservatives or additives. Refreshing!



For dinner we stepped into this restaurant that was totally empty. The place was obviously set up for a private party, so we turned around to leave. They insisted that we stay and directed us to a table. Somewhere during dinner a hundred or so Vietnamese come through the door and take their seats. Speeches and toasts were given, and there we were, three white people on the edge of their party. This was very strange, but fun all at the same time. It gave me a glimpse of the culture in a way I could not have otherwise seen. The videographer even came to our table and we gave a toast.



A walk back home through the night market brought us more local culture including an outdoor karaoke bar...this was very fun to watch.

The following day we stopped back down to the beach one last time. I met some friends while Julie and I were trying to do a self picture. Next thing I know I am in the middle of 4 new friends.



Back in Hanoi, we went out for Richard's birthday diner at one of his favorite spots. The food was fantastic and the atmosphere was frenetic. There is so much energy here...it is great!