For the past two days we've been exploring outside Hanoi on a trip to Ha long Bay. Up bright and early on day one, we were meeting the coach at 8am, so it was breakfast at 7. It reminded me of an Agatha Christie story, with the cast assembling in the dining room at the beginning of the tale, as the characters were so diverse, just like they always are in a Poirot story. Not sure what parts himself and I play, but have a feeling "eccentric" and "English" feature strongly in the description.
The journey takes 3 and a half hours, but was on an air-con mini-bus and had a stop half way. The rest stops are really tourist focused, and overpriced as a result, but there is no pressure to buy and at least it was a diversion.
The boat was lovely. We'd done our research and knew that it was at the nice end of the scale, but we were pleased with the amenities and the cabin in particular. Air con, en-suite and with a window, it was lovely. After the obligatory 5 minute photocall from JP to record how lovely the cabin was, we joined the others and were off to see the Amazing cave. I'm not sure that amazing was quite the right word, but it was impressive in size and location. With three chambers, each one bigger than the last, it would have been quite a surprise to those who first found it.
It was then off to the Ti Top island, which is basically a massive limestone outcrop, with 424 steps to the top, where we all took photo's, before returning to ground again and collapsing with a cold drink. The things you do on your holidays...
Back to the boat and the entertainment schedule next had us booked in for shower time (I kid you not) before we had a spring roll cooking class. This proved to be useful since the one time we've tried to make these at home was a disaster with spring roll chaos in the kitchen. JP had a go under the supervision of the boat chef and his second attempt was excellent. Had it not had squid, pork and prawn in it, I'd be able to confirm it, but clearly not all Vietnamese food is veggie friendly.
Dinner was next on the agenda, followed by the option of watching a french film about Vietnam called "indochine" or squid fishing off the back of the boat. We gave each a go, before plumping for an early night.
Day two began equally as early as day one, as there was kayaking for those who wanted to try it. The last time I went in a canoe, I was 14 and we capsized, so not a fond memory for me, plus it had rained heavily so I could see that there would be no chance of staying dry. Instead, we lounged on the sundeck, enjoying the breaking sun which appeared later.
Lunch and then the trip back completed our adventure. Now it is time to head for dinner in Hanoi, before we catch the sleeper train to Hué...
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