Halong Bay - hurray!

You may know it as the Golf of Tonkin, or alternatively as the place that the dragon descended into the sea, but we're calling it Halong Bay, where we spent 3 glorious if foggy days cruising around a few of the thousands of limestone islands. Highlights included:

1) Fancy wooden boat called the Pinta (we are explorers!), where we had freshly blended welcome drinks three times. They were very welcoming.

2) Giant cave called Surprise Cave that included stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes, including a turtle and a penis.

3) Jumping into the rather cold waters of the bay from the top deck of the boat. The water was so calm we forgot it was going to be salt water, which it was.

4) Kayaking through an empty part of the bay that included caves, lagoons, and perfect green water.




5) Just as we were about to close our eyes and fall into well deserved sleep, the dulcet sounds of 4 Australians and the Vietnamese crew doing karaoke. Hits included "Dancing Queen," "Tears in Heaven," and our personal favorite, "He Ain't Heavy - He's My Brother." It was alternately hilarious and painful as the walls of our headboards abutted the speakers through a very thin boat wall. At least we could sing along.

6) Mountain biking from a small harbor into a village on Cat Ba Island, through green fields and rice paddies. We learned a little about village life, like all the dogs look oddly the same and the Vietnamese government builds giant schools, even if there are only 30 kids in the village to attend it.

7) The Parents Piper-Smyer, still footing the bill and classying us up, sprang for massages during our one night stay on Cat Ba island. Who knew that a 4'10", hundred pound Vietnamese lady could pummel us so vigorously. The highlight may have been when she leaped on the table and danced on our backs. It felt great - afterwards. PS: This was Casselman's first massage ever - she lives a deprived life.

8) Much squid eating. For some reason, the folks of Halong Bay have taken to serving squid with every meal. We have taken to requesting no more food. They have taken to not understanding our requests to stop the squidfest. Squid has taken to remaining on the table.

After our aquatic adventures, we returned via high speed ferry and minibus to Hanoi, for the piece de resistance of our sojourn in fancyville: the Metropole. We were like country bumpkins seeing the bright lights of the city for the first time, as we jumped on the bed and lounged in the slippers and robes so thoughtfully provided by the concierge. Watching a begloved bellboy carry our filthy packs was a dream come true. None of the colonial-black-tie-clad staff could understand that we were actually going to carry the packs ourselves as we walked to a bus. Surely we had a driver? Sadly, not anymore. We said goodbye to the Parents Piper-Smyer in the lobby, sure that we had but a few minutes to get the hell out before we were escorted from the premises for failing to meet their dress code.