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I thought it's about time to fill you guys in on my adventures in Hanoi. I've been here for 6 days and met some amazing people! After my first night things mellowed a little and the Asian rush passed me by which was wonderful, anyone familiar with Asia will know how hectic it can be.
On the morning of the 14th, I was up bright and early to get the bus to Ha Long Bay (Aerial View), a world heritage site comprising of limestone karsts and islands. I met up with Cheryl who introduced me to Amy and Lynzie, they had all travelled together. We hopped onto the mini-bus where we got talking to Charlotte and Michelle - two South Africans working/studying in London. The bus journey was fairly painless, we were dropped off in Ha Long city where we boarded a small boat which ferried us to our junk.
On the morning of the 14th, I was up bright and early to get the bus to Ha Long Bay (Aerial View), a world heritage site comprising of limestone karsts and islands. I met up with Cheryl who introduced me to Amy and Lynzie, they had all travelled together. We hopped onto the mini-bus where we got talking to Charlotte and Michelle - two South Africans working/studying in London. The bus journey was fairly painless, we were dropped off in Ha Long city where we boarded a small boat which ferried us to our junk.
Michelle on the red carpet to the ferry!
Our Junk!
Once we had boarded, we sat on the top deck chatting and getting to know one another. We were all slightly despondent because the weather although warm wasn't great, a light mist had rolled into the bay but it added a sense of mystery. As the junk cruised through the bay, striking rock formations crept into view, it was all very Pirates of the Caribbean - a notion which was added to by Mexican Dave, our guide (see photo below!)
A view of the bay.
Mexican Dave aka Captain Jack!
We were fed and watered and the boat anchored up for us to go for a swim, there was less swimming, more jumping. Most of us took a go at jumping off the top deck into the icy water, I wasn't particularly thrilled at the idea due to the height but it was great fun! Refreshed and exhilarated it was back on the boat to get in our kayaks. Now they were clever to do things this way round because we kayaked through some of the most disgusting water I have ever seen. The lagoons and sheltered coves where tidal flows and the action of the wind was restricted acted as collection points for anything and everything that floated, a scummy film sat on the water and it smelt vile! I don't think anyone would have gone swimming had they seen that first!
Cheryl and I buddied up and they guided us to a cave system which led through to a beautiful lake, the caves were quite pretty but at the end of the day they are just holes in the ground! This one was quite strange because there were huge speakers set up inside and rave music blaring out...with nobody there except a seedy Vietnamese man! I was quite gutted because I couldn't take my camera on account of mine and Cheryl's complete lack of kayaking ability, although we didn't sink we did get very wet!
The South African Olympic kayak team!
We had a boat party which went on into the small hours of the morning. I ended up sharing a room with Cheryl, Linzie and Amy and it's strange because before bed we were all just chatting and you really feel like you've known people for years and in some cases it's just a matter of hours!
The next morning we transferred onto a smaller boat which was to take us to 'Castaway Island', we chugged along for about 2 hours and everyone was a little worse for wear so it was a fairly sombre affair. Upon arrival people perked up, we were shown to our beds - a roof and a deck with a mosquito net. It was actually quite cozy. We had a disappointing lunch and people were still quite subdued but we got an absolute result, cue the sun, cue the mayhem!
Approaching the island.
Our hut!
Around 3 o'clock Michelle and I went tubing which due to the sights from yesterday I was reluctant to go back in the water but I'm so glad I did, we had an amazing time! Slightly battered and bruised with a complimentary colonic we chilled out on the beach for a while. Confusingly eager to get back in the water, Cheryl and I buddied up for Kayaking again, along with Michelle, Charlotte, Amy and Dutch Richard we paddled across the bay to watch some people rock climbing. En route some of the others were wake boarding which was interrupted by the arrival of a huge jellyfish, it was about the size of a dustbin lid! They stupidly charged us with disposing of the monster which took a phenomenally long time on account of it weighing an epic amount.
Liquid Force!
Thoroughly bored by the rock climbers exploits we left that island to find the South Africans kayak drifting away whilst I attempted some retarded gymnastics on the algae covered rocks whilst pushing our kayak back to sea. More bruises obtained, we paddled into the middle of a bay to watch the sunset, it was at this point that Cheryl and I actually confirmed that our kayak was indeed sinking! Bored of the sunset and worried by the fact we were taking on water and the thought of swimming with the monster of the deep, we attempted to bail water out using our 'kayak beers'. Thoroughly unsuccessful, we head back to the island missing the sunset on every occasion!
That night we partied on the island, again into the small hours after a gorgeous BBQ and a little fire show from Dave! As the night progressed we moved to the sea where I saw one of the most beautiful things I think I have ever experienced. As we swam through the water, with every movement we made, hundreds of tiny flashes of light appeared. The light lasted only for a moment but the effect was beautiful as the water glittered.
Dave and his flaming stick!
Australians always seem to be so rowdy...
The end of another fantastic day ended in our little hut, good times! We reversed our journey back to Hanoi and arrived back about 4.30 p.m.; tired, dirty but with some fantastic memories. The 16th was a day of rest in anticipation of the 17th or St. Paddy's Day! Now I'm not Irish, not even a little and for that reason I have never celebrated nor even wanted to celebrate St Patrick's Day but the hostel made a big song and dance about it so I thought I'd get involved!
Me and Caroline with our shamrocks!
Things started slowly but definitely spiraled out of control pretty rapidly when the green paint fell into the wrong hands (not mine I hasten to add!). We ended up in "Finnegans", an Irish bar near the hostel. From here, we ended up on a bar tour of Hanoi - all of which were empty so we left fairly sharpish!
Hmmmm?
The night drew to a close following multiple taxis, motobike rides and finally an epic walk. I had a wicked time though!
In the words of Porky Pig, "That's all for now folks!"
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