This will not be a lengthy comment as I’m awaiting the departure of a flight from Hanoi airport to Da Nang tonight.
Just spent a delightful time on Halong Bay…there were only ten (10) of us on the “junk” even though they had room for fifty (50) so we were well-served. Pampered would probably be a better description.

We left Hanoi after a huge breakfast and a bit more site-seeing of some the old city. The drive to Halong Bay was about four (4) hours. Now I’m not sure how far it is in kms but the experience was interesting. There are no lane markings ezcept on the portion of the route that is the main super-highway (the quality of that particular road would be the eqivalent of Route 40 outside of Quebec City). The mix of vehicles range from bicycles to Freightliners pulling large containers and everything in between. As was the case in Hanoi itself, motor scooters dominate but buses/vans prevail. Passing is an art form and does not require a lack of on-coming traffic; of course, if there are no scooters in the bike lane, passing on the right also can be carried out. Horns are only used when patience has run out re a small car poking along in the middle of the road, and usually the first to sound it is either a full-sized bus or a semi on a mission!!
Flashing one’s headlights is usually reserved for the moment when one is facing a passing vehicle coming in the opposite direction and you’re not sure he’s seen you. Oh, and don’t ask about what happens at junctions or when going through villages and someone wants either to merge or cross through…instead, go to Commonwealth Stadium on an Eskimos’ game day via the LRT and try to make your way down the non-operational escalators and through Stadium Station — but don’t touch anyone in the process!!

I should mention that I have been to Sri Lanka and Vietnam is light years ahead in terms of traffic control — for one thing, tbere are no elephants on the roadway and there is seldom even one (1) pedestrian. So, while it was not a quick drive, it was pleasant and the sites seen made for an educational journey.

Upon arrival at the dock we were greeted with face towels and fruit juice while they got our luggage to the “junk” — by the way, whatever is in your mind when I say, junk, will unlikely resemble what these sea-craft actually are like. They are much classier than the BC Ferries, perhaps think a junior size Queen Mary. Lots of wood and linen, good food and quick service. Each cabin has its own balcony and the ship has its own well-powered “tender” to ferry passengers to the various spots of interest we were to explore.

Anyway, shortly after arriving we were escorted to the tender and out to the Junk. After checking into our cabin and getting settled, we were immediately invited to a delightful lunch…

The test of the day was spent travelling among a number of the spectacular islands (think Hopewell Rocks in NB or the “flower pots” near Sept Isle in QC). One (1) major spot was the exploration of a mammoth cave carved by ocean and groundwater under towering limestone cliffs. The stalactites and stalagmites (or whatever those creations are called: remember I haven’t taken a geology course since my UofT days) are really impressive. While there is considerable climbing, the walkways and stairways are wide and reasonably well lit. It was a fascinating hour or so.

We then went to another island to climb to a lookout to view the many islands and outcroppings throughout the bay…over 600 steps, but the views were worth it even though it was cloudy & misty! In between these Island stops we observed kytes (a very black eagle that often acts like an Osprey) occasionally snaring fish in their talons. There were a number of old-style fishing boats working their trade ( actually it were the fishermen on these boats who were doing the fishing…)

the day concluded with a cooking demo (making Vietnamese Spring Rolls even though it is late Autumn) and dinner. I opted not to try squid fishing and also skipped the evening movie. since I’d been up since 4:00 am, an early “lights out” seemed wise…and it led to a great sleep of at least eight (8) hours…

— to be continued —