Halong Bay…..

Thank You Universe for blessing me with my life! Today was serious luxury and I am laying my head on the pillow tonight in a serious space and gratitude while feeling extra lucky to be walking in my shoes. Life presents challenging times, ups/downs constantly, yet we must fully embrace the ups! These are the moments I cherish in my life and why I work ….to enjoy these experiences and fully disconnect from reality. Today was truly like living in a dream. 

The morning started early, as the Luxury 7 seater van was picking us up at 7am. Mom, you will be happy to know Rachel, calls me Audrey often when I do things that are like you. I was on a schedule, whats new…had to be upstairs before start time for breakfast, order my particular way. I got 2 different orders of eggs, my fav meal. All so yummy with a croissant today too, on vacation. Splurging at times as they eat noodles here morning, noon, and night. Driver arrives right at 7. By 7:15….. we are on our way to the new expressway to Halong Bay. Its a 2 hour ride, we got to see some fields, cemetery’s- which had little mini Pagodas near the stones…very spiritually cool in my book. The green vegetation is so lush, reminds me of Hawaii the tropicalness of the landscape. Other traffic buzzes by with the locals covered from head to toe, seriously, its hot and they are in long sleeves, hoods, face masks, jackets, all to cover and protect their skin. We even see someone driving in a onesie, all zipped up to the face mask. Its a strange look. 

We girls chatted in the back of the van, when our Chinese seat mates, show us her google translate on her phone, requesting we lower our voices. Ok, we whisper now instead….a bit comical. We had some laughs. Our van stops for a 15 min break at a Pearl Factory. We were happy as we needed to use it as a potty break and I bought us watermelon popsicles. Yummy. The interesting part to me was that a huge portrait of both the Queen of England and Hillary Clinton was on display on the wall in this place. Hmmm I never asked but I noted it, and wondered why? None the less we jump back in, headed to the boat. 

Halong Bay awaits….  As we board our luxury yacht for the day we learn some facts: Halong City has a pop. of 400K, its surrounded by water so lots of clean yet tiny beach front property. We see hotels in the distance and more construction being built. Its becoming more commercial. Yes the majestic bay is untouched and a UNESCO 7 natural wonder of the world site. We walk on with 60-70 total strangers, and surprise we have many new friends. The day starts in the main dining room, fully air conditioned, with a fancy set up. Our tour guide or steward for the day who could have been on the Love Boat, tells us the itinerary for the day. Mr. Nam is the cutest little skinny man who says “ Ladies and Gentleman” before talking…..this to me became super funny due to his pronunciation and tone of saying it. He said it ALL day before talking to get everyone attention. It was cute! After a 20 minute lecture we were let loose to claim your spot on this beautiful boat. It was more of a European style as opposed to the many other boats we passed. Of course the sun worshipper in me, we opted for the lay our lounge chais on tye outer deck staring into the beauty of the Bay all day. Yes, it was hot and the sun is strong. Thankfully I have a 50 sunscreen stick for my face. We are in awe by the large rock formations everywhere jetting out of the water, which is a very clear emerald green almost. The lighting of tye sun and sky makes the water color change at times. Rachel is snapping photos non-stop. She took 200+ pics today. I think it resembles Thailand in the Railey Beach/ Ko Phi Phi Islands area, and reminisce my Sea Urchin sting. Rach now wants to know what creatures live in these waters as she debates if she will swim….we learn maybe Jelly Fish. 

We start making friends: A group of 20 something 3 German girls, all so cute, although they smoked like chimneys the entire day, they are all covered in tattoos, which I learned all about what quotes said on their bodies- you can really learn a lot about someone from a tattoo.   One of the girls tattoos was to represent her Aunt. Awe 🙂 Than we were called down…..Ladies and Gentleman it is lunch time. A delicious 6 course lunch was served in the dining room with full blast A/C. This was a wonderful welcome after basking in the sun. We were seated with Peggy Sue and Abbie. They are from Holland and have been married 25 years, have 2 grown daughters and were a beautiful fun spirited couple to spend time getting to know. He had traveled to 100+ Countries for wk, they had decided for Peggy to stop working 5 yrs ago and enjoy life more together. True family people as they both care for their 80+ parents and had such words of wisdom to share. I truly LOVE talking to fellow travelers while on an adventure. The meal consisted of Cream of Clam soup, salad, The painted plate with a scallop(on FB), cooked Salmon which I actually loved, a squid dish(did not eat), and yummy desert …a burnt banana with gelato. The presentation of the meal was over the top and I finally felt like I ate a real meal. Stuffed, we head back to our chairs to lay some more and relax. We have had our first cocktails on this trip. Day drinking my favorite, especially in a bathing suit in the sun! Truly this day was organized so well with breaks and activities planned perfectly  while you sailed through this majestic bay. 

Next stop was the caves, Ladies and Gentleman- time to board a small fishing boat rowed by a tiny yet strong Vietnamese guy with the biggest smile on his face, but does not speak English. We board this boat with 4 other passengers, all put on a life vest and straw hat with the point. No english translation for the proper name of hat. He rows us out to these unreal caves with Staglamite rock formations hanging down in jagged ways, bats flew by, you can see through to the other side so no claustrophobia for me. It looked like a pirates of the Caribbean/ Indiana Jones  experience yet 5000 times better, and very peaceful. We came out the other side and cruised around. He gave people opportunities to try to row. A guy tried and than my counter part jumped up there eager to give it a row. Rachel did very well and was super funny while trying. A – for effort as I was not getting up. We took in the beauty up close and personal being able to feel the warmth of this water and touch the rock. This water is SO calm and while we slowly make our way back  to the ship we take it all in….the calmness of this body of water and the unreal scenery in our sight.

Another chance to lay down with cocktail in hand resting. What a change from yesterday in Hanoi. Next stop is an area we will park for an hour for your choice to swim or kayak. We opted to swim. We watched from our chairs many people get in kayaks and row away to explore on their own. We than jumped in…..they had huge big raft beds to hang on to and float. We chatted with Peggy Sue, yes I did share with her I was Laurie Sue :-). We meet another girl Amelia, she is Polish but living in North Carolina now via Connecticut prior. What a fascinating story she has….. she just passed her boards and is a Vascular/General Surgeon. Having traveled straight for 88 days with her boyfriend a few months ago before taking the job in NC. She shared her travels with us and so much more. She had been stuck in the US unable to go anywhere without serious headache and money for 9 years due to being here on a Visa. She told us she got her green card, one day before Trump became president and is now free to travel easily. Crazy how much this immigration and politics truly effect so many peoples livelihood.  She was a Libra and her Birthday is in 2 days. Rach and her exchanged info as they really chatted and connected. Such nice friendly people we are meeting. 🙂

We all rinse off and get back in our spots for the next arranged activity…..people learned how to make spring rolls, music was playing it was 2 for 1 happy hour on board for the Sunset Party. We opted to watch and wait for the food to be served. OMG, best spring rolls, yummy crispy rice cakes, little desserts, fresh fruits, and breads. We eat again, get dressed back in regular clothes as this dreamy day on the bay comes to a close. Everyone settles up their bills for the day, what an organized system they had going here. Mr Nam ….Ladies and Gentleman….one person is missing, we were on lockdown in dining room for payment, it was funny. 

We exited the boat, please note the way you say EXIT in vietnamese is Loi Re, my linguistics travel partner seriously always makes me laugh so hard with her talk. It is pronounced Low Ree…so yes could sound like my name. This has become the running joke and is freaking hysterical…..we find our driver and get in the van. We had been picked up last on way so we are last row in the van. My seat is broken and the chair does not stay back. Constant bouncing…..another Mini Audrey moment. I am not happy with my seat, Rachel is speaking Vietnamese and we go into a hysterical fit in the back of bus. She starts singing the song “ Everyone Wang Chung Tonight” from the 80’s is using the EXIT word in full effects and a bit of delirious has set in……ok, deep breath we get a grip and try to rest for the drive home. I had to take Advil for my neck, lol. We again decided to forgo the Obama/Bourdain restaurant as we are tired and Rachel has a bit of her cold back…. Our hotel lady suggested a restaurant across the street.  I had my best noodle soup yet and Rach had the specialty of the place Bun Cha, another noodle soup dish. We enjoyed our meal for $4.31. Crazy if you stick to street food its yummy and SO cheap. 

Home sweet home for an early bed time after a day of perfection! 

Until tomorrow….

Love Laurie Sue