Halong Bay & a visit with a traditional family(rice wine included)

Left the bustling city early Saturday am and headed for the north and towards Halong Bay.  Stopped to see how rice is planted and harvested, this appears to be back breaking labor to me as much of it is still done by hand. The fields are often not far from the big road with motorbikes and other traffic rushing by.  We had a roadside fruit snack of passion fruit and pineapple, seated on the ubiquitous plastic chairs.

On arrival(finally, after a lot of traffic) at Halong Bay, we were warmly greeted by the lovely staff of the Halong Jasmine, a luxurious yacht, serving 48 passengers, and newly built in 2007.  After settling in to our gorgeous cabins, we enjoyed a huge seafood lunch. The bay is truly impossible to describe, the pictures will tell the story of this magical place with enormous rock "towers" and islands throughout as far as the eye can see.  There are many beautiful boats, large and small, dotting the scene.  After lunch we took the launches to the floating fishing villages, where we transferred to a sampan and were rowed around the village by a native woman.  These villages are quite unique:  the houses and the schools are all floating, the life is completely on the water.  The "mini" grocery boat shows up daily, featuring oreos and other necessary items.  On return from the tour, we enjoyed a quick swim off the yacht in the very salty water of the bay.

A delicious BBQ dinner on board was followed by star gazing and then to bed.  This morning we rose early, for tai chi on the upper deck, then headed for a visit to a very large, 3 room cavern high on one of the hills.  The requisite stalagtites and stalagmites were amazing.  The return to the boat featured a quick shower, and wonderful brunch buffet with the best pho we've had yet. A peaceful sail returned us to the Halong Bay harbor, where our guide and driver were waiting for us.

The drive back to Hanoi featured some more shopping(hand painted pottery and silk ) and then a visit to Mr Han and his family in their home, with rice wine and a fresh pear. The Hans  were friendly and welcoming, we were able to tour their small home(complete with chickens and a pig) as well as the beautiful village church that he is caretaker for.  This Catholic church was built with monies donated by a supporter from San Fransisco.

The return drive to Hanoi featured a view of the beautiful mosaic wall that lines one of the main streets of Hanoi, developed for the 100th year celebration, and constructed by artists over a 2 year period.  A magnificent display of creativity.  We were welcomed back to the hotel by staff and our fellow Global volunteers, ready to restart our work at the University tomorrow. A lovely weekend respite from the heat and hustle bustle of Hanoi,

Barbara