Hanoi to Halong Bay

On the Road to Halong Bay

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The cover of Scott's journal reads, it is the journey, not the destination.  We have had quite a journey to and from Halong Bay.  While we have never taken a organized overnight tour, this seemed to simplest way to travel with the kids.  Our destination was Halong Bay, a world heritage site, with over 3000 limestone islands.  The journey included 5 bus rides and 4 boat rides maneuvering in and out of the islands with our newfound friends, all twelve of them.  We found them delightful and a great distraction for Sonja and Daniel. I have never met so many well traveled and adventurous people.  One couple has been 'on the road' for 6 months and has several months left on their round the world tour. 

It was nice to have a tour guide to navigate our way around.  No hassling and bargaining for fares along the way.  Qui had a lot of questions for us about our life in America and we were also had the opportunity to ask her many candid questions.  She was particularly interested in our school systems and the fact that our schools are free for all people.  This is not the case in Vietnam where schools are expensive and most children go to work with their parents and do not attend school.  She thought that child care was very expensive at 400,000 dong per month per child.  This equates to $24 USD.  She is fortunate to have her mother inlaw to watch her 9 month old daughter while she is away from home for work-often for 3 days at  at time.  Her husband is studying law, but like most young people, has little opportunity for a job in his schooled profession.  He will most  likely become a tour guide after his graduation.  When they retire from work in the city of Hanoi, they will retire to his village where his parents have a modest home. 

Very Hot Dan and River Boat Captain

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Halong Bay was very enchanting with its emerald green waters and numerous  islands.  We spent the first day touring on a Chinese style junk-swimming off the boat and touring limestone caves.  Truthfully, the Lewis and Clark Caverns near Yellowstone are more spectacular as these have been looted and damaged through the years.  Only recently has preservation become a focus.

The day ended with a spectacular feast on the boat-soup, squid, spring rolls, fresh fish, rice, pineapple.  Scott and I tucked the kids to bed and watched the stars from the deck.  A very peaceful evening on a calm bay. 

I was especially pleased to note that there were no rats on the boat.  We heard through friends who previously traveled the bay that they woke to the beady eyes of several rats in their cabin.  As anxious as I was at bed time, I took a sleeping pill to let me sleep through the night!  Qui convinced me that the three inch cockroach in our room was harmless.  They only fly and do not bite.  I am truly learning to lower my standards!