Station 2

Oh là!

After several days in Hanoi, Halong bay is such a delight!

Here's a photo taken from where I'm currently sitting:

Halong Bay is situated about four hours east of Hanoi on the water. The area is known for the limestone cliffs that dot the coastline (some of which you can see in the photo). Apparently there are around 2000 of them, but I haven't finished counting yet. 

I chose to take a tour of the bay despite the fact that I've historically hated guided tours, and I'm very pleased that I did. The company picked me up from my party hostel in Hanoi and bussed us out to the water. Our group of seventeen people climbed aboard a small wooden boat that then took us to our junk or small cruise boat. Our junk, like the rest in the bay, appeared extremely dangerous with the wooden panels starting to disintegrate, rust dotting the sides and a paint job that didn't hide it's age. Alas, as Simon, the only other solo traveler in our group, and I decided, we didn't care what it looked like as long as it didn't sink. 

Off to a good start, we ventured over to a massive cave and then set out for some kayaking. Strictly instructed to stay in our kayaks, Simon and I lasted all of ten minutes before "capsizing" on purpose. The water is wonderfully warm and quite deep. 

Several girls I had chatted with about Halong described to me that the bay is extremely dirty and they chose not to swim; however, all the places we have been to so far seem quite fine as there is not much trash floating around nor used needles (the main concern around here). 

We arrived today at Monkey Island where we are staying in bungalows. They are rather well equipped! So much so that I think I may extend my stay here...despite the hear. It is incredible! I have never been this hot in my life! This, combined with jet lag and rarely speaking to a native English speaker, apparetly are having a strong effect on my oral skills. I am seriously struggling to maintain my (eloquent) speaking skills! Yikes! And talk about the short term memory loss this heat is giving me! 

Although many conversations are consequently short and simple, I have had some lovely chats with the Vietnamese folk working here as well as my travel companions. For example...

Last night was a full moon. What perfect timing to be sitting on the top deck of a boat in Halong bay. The full moon, while beautiful, is also very significant in Vietnamese culture. A Vietnamese woman explained to me that the tradition in her town was to take some sort of offering (such as food) and walk around the village while repeating a chant/prayer. She would walk around the village hundreds of times. Lacking in land, we instead were offered little cakes and cookies to eat and were told to make a wish before eating them.

I have mainly noticed that Vietnamese are very tied to food, nature and family, all of which contribute to a an outlook that is simple and kind. People are mostly distant and do not offer friendship immediately, but after being with them for some time they have been very considerate and sweet to me. 

Last night, I invited one of the guys on the boat to come sit with me. With him speaking very little English and me very, very little Vietnamese, our conversation primary became a language lesson. But, I did find out that he grew up in Halong City and has never left. I later found out that it is same for most of the other men working on the boat as well. All of the men (no women workers aboard) were very sweet...thus one example that led me to my conclusion about Vietnamese character.

Loopy from the heat! Off to the water for a dip.

Bisous!