Novotel Ha Long Bay Halong Bay

... drinking as it was 1 pound for a jug of beer, later someone piped up they had some vodka left from the boat so it was naturally back to the beach, to consume said vodka (needless to say i have felt better than i did the morning after!)<br> <br>we got back to hanoi and organised a open bus ticket all the way south so we can hop off and on when we like, so we are currently in hue, and that brings you all up to date.<br><br>Till next time ....

... br><br>I like the meals severed by the staff on board and a lunch made by the woman on the island when we trek to Viet Hai village. This trip is very funny with our great guide and other members. <br> <br><br> <br><br> <br><br> <br><br> <br><br> <br><br> <br><br> <br><br> <br><br> <br><br> <br><br> <br><br> <br><br>

... 8217;s appeal spent the rest of the time chatting to Miriam (doing some final catching up before she left) and David our Mexican tour guide who&#8217;s living in Hanoi and said he&#8217;s introduce me to his friend teaching English in Hanoi when we got back. There was also a possibility of getting a job on the boat but however attractive a proposition it was thought teaching English would be a more rewarding experience for various reasons. Mainly culturally and also financially. <br ...

... Halong Bay, and not primarily for business gain. I have traveled to many places. I can tell you that there are 'tourist villages" I have been to where the goal is to have a"poor village with needy children" to show the tourists. Mr. Dung and his employees truly care about the families in the Vung Vieng Village. I have seen this with my own eyes! I hope that many visitors will consider the Indochina Junk tours of Halong Bay, not only to support this ...

... We then took the bike with a German girl we met up to another beach about 25km north, one single windy road all the way up, having a bike is such a great way, the best way, to see Vietnam's beautiful country side. We have said that every place we go to now we will hire bikes, as its so easy and cheap and go off exploring, as the public transport network here is nowhere near as good as china, so getting to remote places is hard.<br><br>Returning to our hotel for dinner to find ...

The Halong Bay was scheduled for two days on the boat. Unfortunately another Taifun was on the way to north Vietnam. So we went only for one day on the sea. The boat drove through the islands of the bay, including one stop on an island with a bright lighted cave.<br>

... and do some fishing. They have small dinkies in which they sell " everything" for the tourist. Beers-Crisp-Softdrinks-Siggies.....you name it. The only thing missing is a Plasma Screen. " Who needs anything else in the world?"<br><br>We had a great dinner in the dining room, and watched the sunset. Just look at the pictures....it tells more than I try to write...!! A couple of more drinks and we went off to bed. The next morning we had to be up at 6 am !! For some kayaking ...

... of schedule in my<br>mind would lead to burn out &#8211; and it does. There is a lot of<br>turnover in Vietnamese businesses but that's expected and not seen as<br>a big deal. I guess they figure there is always someone else who will<br>do the job...(sounds like Bell Multicultural!)<br><br>The drive back to<br>Ha Noi was interesting (going there we slept most of the way). We<br>passed by tons of factories. We recognized the names of some of the<br ...

Bonjour a tous,<br>apres avoir ete cherche Sylvie a Hanoi, nous sommes repartis le lendemain pour Halong Bay avec Mat et Jason. On n avait pas pris de tour organise, preferant essayer d organiser qqch de notre cote comme on l avait fait a Sapa. On a trouve un bateau qui nous a amene jusqu a Cat Ba Harbour, une ile se situant au sud de la baie, en s arretant en chemin a une grotte (kitch et tres touristique). Ils y avaient d autres touristes sur la bateau faisant ...

... you how many times I've almost been hit! Also saw a famous waterpuppet show. It was interesting to say the least..the stories were cute but some of the puppets were pretty funny! I guess it is quite a famous thing to see.<br><br>Now we are in Halong Bay, Cat Ba island. Tonight is the last group dinner, and then we end the trip in Hanoi...then I'm off to Japan Monday! Can't believe how fast everything went, esp. this trip. <br><br>More updates later...possibly from Japan...<br>Michelle <br>