Halong Bay

6pm Saturday night and we're in Halong Bay, in a lovely hotel, with beautiful views over the harbour. Was an early, but not too early, start this morning. 3 hour bus trip to Halong City from Hanoi. Once in Halong City, a short walk then a short wait, then we were on one of many of the "junks". Cruised for about 40 minutes towards the islands and limestone masses, before stopping at a floating town. The town has about 150 residents and if I remember correctly, 2 schools. Were allowed off to look at the 'shops'... Mostly boats that row over as a boat approaches, plying their wares. Bought some bananas and a coconut for the milk. Bananas delicious, as all have been so far, but the coconut was a bit bitter. After that, back on the boat, and lunch was served. Absolutely superb. Fish, squid, vegetables, rice noodle spring rolls, omlette, rice, and far too much of all of it!! Moved off in time, and made our way toward the best cave in Halong Bay - pretty amazing!! It has been set up really well as a tourist attraction. The best so far. Onwards from the cave, after swapping boats, to Cat Ba Island, after just cruising for a few hours. We bought a bottle of wine, because it was essential, but it was so sour and wrong! Same Dalat wine I've had a few times, and every other time it's been bearable. It was also a massive rip off, but yeah, it happens! Downed it anyway, and soon the taste was not too noticeable. Arrived at Cat Ba Island, LONG wait til the bus arrived to take us to hotel, but it eventually did. Long and winding trip to the hotel, through a different world, until eventually we stumbled along a town! It's so hidden, so unreal! So isolated, but so part of the world! We check out of here tomorrow, don't need to until 12, then we need to get the hydrofoil - speedboat, to Haiphong, from where we will get a bus to Ninh Binh, before the overnight sleeper train to Hue`. Will enjoy a good sleep tonight, because tomorrow night will be pretty crappy indeed!! Don't have to be at breakfast until it turns off at 9, so decent sleep for sure.

Photos not too possible here, about to try just a few, but otherwise, as I said, Saigon will do.

Hard to believe I've only been away for a week. In such a different world, so incredibly removed from home. It truly is beautiful.