We awoke once more to the beautiful scenery of Halong Bay.
The mornings are spectacular with the haze making everything look so magical.
We had an early breakfast and headed off to tour a huge cave. We waited with
many other tourists while Tung purchased our tickets and soon were on our way.
Up, up, up the stairs. There must have been at least 100. Ok, I was dying. But
I made it to the top and into the cave. There were 3 caves actually, and they
were amazing. There was a stone pathway (and more stairs) throughout, but it
was worth every step! We rubbed our money on the lucky turtle rock formation
and were soon through the last cave. At the exit was a gift shop and there were
also a few women in boats selling fresh fish. It was a very interesting side
trip and very worth the time.
Back on the boat it was time to pack up and get ready to
head back to Hanoi. The kids were ready to be back to the land of wi-fi and I
think the adults were as well. I spent some time talking to one of the crew
members, the very underworked bartender. He was young with a wife and baby girl
at home and he told me about his job and his family. We had one last lunch
aboard the boat and returned to the harbor.
Back in the van and on the road, I sat up front with the
driver. You really see some crazy things and some even crazier driving! Our
driver was very patient and never honked, which I think is rare in Vietnam! We
stopped at another rest stop and all had ice cream before hitting the road
again. The trip back to Hanoi took less time and we were soon back at the Green
Diamond Hotel and were greeted by Mrs. Gam. We said goodbye to Tung, and made
plans to go out with him in the evening. Up to our rooms for some rest and
wi-fi and everyone was happy. I hitched a scooter ride from the bellman to a
camera store. I was hoping I only needed new batteries for my (brand new)
camera and that was the case. Back to the hotel in less than 10 minutes and I
can start taking pictures again!!
Tung returned at 5:00 and we set out to see more of the Old
Quarter. I’m sure we were quite a site – 10 of us trailing along behind our
guide. We crossed many streets and wound our way further and further into the
city. We finally arrived at our first stop, a tiny restaurant in a tiny alley
between 2 buildings. Tung ordered up 2 dishes for us to choose from – pho (Vietnamese
rice noodle soup) or a glass noodle bowl with chicken and pork meatballs. Grace
had the pho (of course) and I tried the glass noodles. The lady came and fixed
mine for me, adding fresh lime juice and chili sauce and mixed the heck out of
those noodles with my chopsticks! The food was fantastic and very spicy and I
was really wishing for some water or something to drink!! Our first experience
with street food was fun and quite exciting and I look forward to doing it
again soon!
We paid our bills – ours was $3!! – and we were off to a
cell phone store to buy selfie sticks. Tung had one on the boat and all the
kids wanted one. Then we headed back to our hotel and said goodbye to Tung. He
is such a nice young man and a wonderful guide. We hope to stay in touch and
see him again someday.
We grabbed some dessert before turning in for the night. We
all have travel days tomorrow – Grace and I are heading to Saigon while the
rest of our group is traveling by car to visit Jeremi’s birthmother. I’m
praying for Jeremi and both of his moms. It’s going to be an emotional day for
them all.
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