It is interesting that the houses and shops at Hanoi are built so closely to each other and so narrowly. I wonder how they can feel comfortable! I mean, I am used to having a lot of horizontal space but vertical?
Hoan Kiem lake at night is lovely. Soothing. Calm. Romantic. Never mind the fat rats that scurry about crazily.
Here’s what it looks like in the day.
Ok fine. Day 2 at Hanoi. Blasted Handphone alarm. =( I am so not done with sleeping yet!! Hanoi time: 6.45am
Time for breakfast. Shuttle bus that brings us to Halong Bay will arrive at 8am.
The floor was freaking cold. USD 25 didn’t allow for bathroom mats. I did what I always do. I let the tap run with hot water to heat the room up.
Well, the only thing is, I forgot the simple fact that hot water could run out. Uh. Stupid me. I had to shower in water that must have been 15 degrees. T_T I remember fondly of a similar experience in Rome where my travel partner cursed me vehemently for what I did. :P Poor Roman, my current room mate, he probably showered shivering. =/
OOOOOOO Breakfast! It wasn’t a buffet but it was filling! I finally met Manager Trung and he is so nice! =) We had chicken Pho, baguettes (Super soft and crispy), coffee and omelettes. I wanted a sunny side up and the guy didn’t understand me. My other travelling companions nagged me to order something simpler like omelette but I was determined. I thought for awhile and came up with “Fried Egg”. He got it immediately! I thought that was rather clever of me :P
I tried on the new earrings I bought at Dong Xuan Night Market the day before and I’m mighty pleased with them. Korean style one wor! 75,000 Dong for 2 pairs – too damn expensive if you ask me.
Gah! Bad hair day.
The ride to Halong takes 3 hours. Omg. On the way we passed by acres and acres of paddy fields. Always a pleasure to see them rice growing so happily.
Do cows eat ALL grass? ANY grass? I just passed a cow and he didn’t look too choosey about his lunch! Oh yea and cows that lie to rest are so endearing. Funny how I never saw one doing that before.
There were 3 Iranians, 2 Germans, 2 French, 4 Australians and Us 4 (2 Singaporeans and 2 Malaysians) on the tour. Interesting mix though I am quite disappointed there aren’t any young people onboard looking like they are wild. Ah well. Looks can be deceiving.
ALS is a pig. How can he sleep after a cup of coffee?? Nvm the fact that I’m biased against all regular coffee drinkers since 1 drop is all it takes to make me spring off walls.
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We were served lunch immediately. It was quite a sumptous Vietnamese meal. Rice always came last. I have no idea why.
If only it would stop raining!
Look at how Kerk looks. Definitely nothing like the web designer he is and every bit a fisherman who didn’t quite catch a fish.
Off we go! Itinerary for the day is a visit to the “Amazing Cave” (a name definitely designed for puns), Titop Island and then dinner before anchoring for the night.
Another post for another day. :)
The cruise ship sure look nicer from the inside compare to its outer appearance
ya its vv nice! at night its even nicer! u only hear sounds of the waves splashing against the boat. :)
Ju juuu this looks so so awesome! next time we go vietnam u b my tourguide ok? :)
woah….thanks for being so detail!! Great pics!!!
Evo: steady~
Chrisau: Thanks! :)