Last weekend Ben and I went to Ha Long Bay. The pictures we posted below are a small sampling of the beauty we enjoyed. The constant honking of horns and pollution in Hanoi were not missed as we sat atop a junk and enjoyed the scenery. The weather was rainy and cloudy, which might seem like a bummer considering we were on a boat for two days, but it was really quite nice. The rain here brings the temperature down significantly, which would have otherwise been miserably hot. We went kayaking in the rain, a wonderful experience, because the rain isn’t cold here; it is tropical and cool.
Our meals were set up in a dining room that also served as sleeping quarters for the crew. They were not sheepish to sleep when they were not serving us, and when night came they were comfortable enough to strip down to their boxers and lounge.
The rooms we stayed in were fairly nice. We had a bathroom to ourselves, and fans to keep us cool throughout the night, but things were still a little odd. As often is the case with this country, the bathroom doubles as a shower. There is no partition, and the water runs all over the floor and toilet. Removing the toilet paper is an important thing to remember, as the water from the sink also spills onto the floor.
All in all, it was a beautiful trip. The break from the city was much needed, and the refreshing scenery--limestone rock formations--reminded us, ever so slightly, of home. On the three hour bus ride back we were able to see the numerous rice patties that Vietnam is known for, but sadly, we soon re-entered the city, and the non-stop incessant honking of Hanoi.
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