Feeling like we’re on holiday

This trip to Halong Bay really made us feel like we were on holiday!

See photos at http://web.mac.com/erinfearn/iWeb/SE%20Asia/Halong%20Bay.html

Even though part of the sell from the hotel man was that we would spend one night on the island (with Keith and Caroline) and one night on the boat (when they went back to Hanoi), and even though it was not so, and we parted ways on the first afternoon, we had an excellent time.

And we arranged to have dinner with Keith and Caroline upon our return to Hanoi.

The boat ride was amazing. And we swam in the ocean for the first time since we left Sydney. We hiked, we kayaked, we visited caves, and we made friends with other people on the tour!

It was just heavenly, on the roof of the boat, cruising through the limestone cliffs around us, passing small fishing boats, junkets, and floating villages.

The hike was at a steady pace, all straight up (actually climbing at some points), and was in the middle of the day in the sweltering heat. The trip up was exhausting, and we needed (well, Erin needed) a little rest (without any shade) before climbing the tower at the top of the mountain. Climbing down was far easier ☺ and the cool well-water poured over our heads (free of charge!) by a kind little man at the bottom was well appreciated.

Kayaking was excellent fun, and we decided that we want to buy one (when we return to living in a warm climate!). We kayaked with the group to a sandy beach and swam there for a bit before kayaking back to the boat, and heading back to the hotel.

During the trip we made particular friends with Peter and Ann (from Belgium) and Vee (British), who were also going to Sapa upon their return from Halong Bay, and who had also decided against the organised tour.