Heaven on Earth is Halong Bay

After our early morning start we had a long, long drive to Halong Bay. In a short while we boarded our junk to be floated away to our heaven for the next 2 days.

And of who should we run into but 2 teachers from Newcastle. 2 lovely ladies and great fun. They really made the trip for us a whole lot more enjoyable.

The days have been out of this world. Food, wine, swimming, kayaking, motor cycling and socializing.

First we were taken to floating village, where they farm pearls and fish, they even have their own school. Next we did some kayaking somehow Margaret and I couldn't seem to go in a straight line but we managed to move at least. Dinner was delightful but we drank far too much , Margaret's theory is we become too excited on our first nights

The day began with some tai - chi on the top deck then more food. Soon we were on our way to the island of Cat-Ba to visit the village of Viet Hai Margaret and I cheated and went by motorbike while the others went by push bike

Driving through the jungle was glorious, cool and serene with wild goats and people in the village going about their business. We learnt that the area had been heavily bombed during the war and they built a 300 bed hospital in a cave. We walked around the village and saw how the people lived, simply and hard working. They farm mussels and fish with some rice and goats .

Soon it was time to head back to the boat for lunch where we had lots of seafood.

Next we went kayaking under a rock and to a little beach where we ventured into the not so pristine waters of Halong Bay. After perfecting the flop and roll method of launching our kayak we were soon on our way back to our boat for my hot stone massage.

Everyone should experience one of these sometime in their life. This tiny little girl had wonderful hands that got right into those aching and tired muscles. She found pressure points I did not know I had. Then she started with the rocks which she uses to spread the oil it is an exhilarating experience. Then you lie with the rocks placed on you she then repeats this on every limb and after all that she gives you a jolly good thumping. All in all a worthwhile experience.

Now back in Hanoi and getting ready to go to Hue. A quite one to night I think.