Bai Tu Long (aka Halong Bay), Vietnam

Feb 8 to 10

Hanoi is the launching point for many Northern Vietnam adventures. Most notably, Halong Bay, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. We booked a three day cruise to explore this unique galapagos of limestone outcrops scattered about a large bay. Apparently there are 1969 islands, which happens to be the year that Uncle Ho died. This is an entirely made up number, but is close enough to the truth.

Unfortunately the weather probably took some of the luster away from this adventure. It was decidedly cold and gloomy, preventing us from taking advantage of the beaches and the outdoor rooftop deck. But the silver lining was the limited crowds, and mysterious mood it created as the layers of small rocky islands faded in to the distance.

We met a wonderful retired couple (Ken* and Victoria) from Toronto that we chatted with for nearly the entire time. I was particularly happy with how much Autumn, Zane, and Bryce engaged in the conversations (thanks in part to Ken and Victoria's genuine interest in their stories). While some changes are not so apparent, I can say that the three of them have definitely become more comfortable in talking with new people.

Our three days on the boat was a series of kayaking, caves, and visiting some of the local floating villages. It was all quite scripted, but that's just the way it is out there.

The "Poop Deck", as I liked to call it. 

Sometimes Nicole just wants a little peace and quiet. Too bad the kids don't realize that.

Kayaking for Autumn and I. Sampan riding for Nicole and the boys.

It's too bad it was so cold. Otherwise we would have been in the water.

Autumn and I got a solid 45 minutes of volleyball in. Good times.

Apparently a rare sighting according to the host - The sun at sunset.

Sunset party

Zane's interpretation of a pineapple crown. A note on the food - They served WAY too much. We were stuffed by the end of course #3. The last 5 courses basically went untouched and got tossed in the garbage. What a waste. We found out that it goes to feed livestock.

Our ship on top. Lower right is one of the many accompanying vessels on the water.

A floating fishing village. Up until 2 years ago, the fisher-people lived on these flotillas full time. The government has relocated the inhabitants to the main land with only day trips to tend to the fish.

Cool cave in the middle of nowhere. The advantage of the 2 night cruise is getting to see places all by yourself. The other cave was packed with other tourists. 

This is how I spent a three hour break in activities. 

It's official. Bryce is the luckiest fisherman on the planet. The host said that people can try to catch a squid, but it's next to impossible this time of year. No joke, within one minute of fishing, Bryce snagged one. The next night, the host was fishing for these little green fish called Opp-Opp, and within 30 minutes, Bryce had caught three. (They're called Opp-Opp from the sound they make when they are suffocating to death out of water)

Love... I think.

Spring roll cooking class. Zane's favorite meal on the boat.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the other thing that disappointed us about visiting one of the most unique and beautiful places on the planet, the garbage floating about the water. I can understand an occasional bit of rubbish inadvertently catching wind and finding it's way in to the bay, but it seems the local population has little regard for keeping the environment happy. As we headed back in, I sat there glassy eyed with resentment over the river of plastic bags and styrofoam making its way out to sea. I'm sure the populace have more pressing survival needs, and I hope that the growing tourism industry will find a way to create a positive conservation trend. Time will tell...

All for now... Next Post, Hanoi Wrap up and final thoughts on Southeast Asia

* His full name was Ken Lung. How funny is that? Made it easy to remember.