Halong Bay
We took a 3 hour bus ride from Hanoi to Halong Bay. The sun was shining and it was HOT and humid. We boarded a junk boat and LOVED it. We were a bit worried because of the name. The wood boat was charming and the food was exceptional. In China, we ate a ton of fast food because so much of the food was questionable. In Vietnam, we have had nothing but deliciousness.
Departing to Halong Bay
Lime Stone
Halong Bay is just lovely. We intend to come back with a group of our own peeps. We walked through limestone caves that were so interesting and naturally occurring. Our tour guide pointed out various shapes in the ceiling.
View from the Caves
Cave One
Cave Two
Look Out
After the tour, Marc and I got into kayaks and went for a 2 hour kayak through Halong bay. The movie Indochine was filmed here. We were thrilled. The tsunami that took place a few weeks before left the water quite dirty. We didn’t see the cow head floating in the water. If we did, we would have probably rethought our great idea to go for a swim around the boat.
Kayaking
So Much Fun
The meals we had on the boat were the best we have had in weeks–some dishes get the title of best ever. We had prawns that were so fresh and delicious at every meal. We loved the dipping sauce–a little pile of sea salt and a wedge of lime. We will recreate this in YYZ.
Excellent Food
The issue I encountered, is that prawns still had eyeballs and legs when they were served. I didn’t even know that is what shrimp look like. I of course was frightened on them and since I have the greatest husband who ever walked the face of the earth, he removed the prawn’s head and legs for me and placed a shrimp that looked like it came from Pusateri’s on my plate. I heart Marc Bernard.
Our dinner companions were still so jet lagged, so they skipped dinner. We gladly ate their stuffed crab and prawns. We felt like we won the jackpot.
I bought a lovely pearl necklace in Halong bay. A girl from Australia said I looked just like Audrey Hepburn when I tried them on. Obviously they were sold after that.
New Pearls
Vietnam is officially kicking China’s ass.
Captain
November 17th, 2009 at 11:44
I don’t know but I could not see those pics earlier when I was in Chicago. Just now they show up on my computer and I am thrilled. I am sure I would love this place too and the foods sounds out of this world. Always loved Vietnamese food and I hope you bring home a lot of good recipes!!!! Go for more classes and teach your “old world” mother how to fix it. How about some German dishes in return???
Thanks for your wonderful pics. I love that you share them with me.
I love you both, Mami