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Published: December 13th 2010
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My last day in Hue was wet and rainy. I slept straight through the morning activities which including a cyclo ride (where you get pushed by a bicycle in a little cart – like a stroller). Marley came back with a soaked and dirty ass. I am sure it was fun, but being warm and cozy in a soft bed was more my thing.
Before our afternoon flight to Hanoi, we stopped at Tu Duc Mausoleum. I have few words to describe this place as I was simply in awe. It was one of the most peaceful and beautiful places I have ever visited. I ignored the rain and took many pictures. I believe the rain actually made the place even more magical and mystical. I tuned our local guide out and wondered around… I knew that this place was special without learning every little detail.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, we see the SUN! Yes, the sun. Immediate smiles and sighs of relief came across the entire group. We had a free night so our group split up. I ended up going with the more ‘sophisticated’ of the bunch. We ate a fancy restaurant with delicious food. The one
thing that we all learn in Vietnam is patience! It took about 40 minutes to get our bill and pay. As it was late, we headed back to the hotel but of course I see my crush and gang in the street. Before I know it I am at a loud clubby type place. I last 15 minutes before I decide its time to split.
The following day we get up early for our drive to Halong Bay. It is about 4 hours to get there – it is mass chaos upon arrival. Our new local guide, Leo directs us to our little boat which brings us to our home for the night. Our boat was more than I ever expected. Our rooms even had air conditioning. Unfortunately, our room was next to the generator so we it vibrated 24 hours a day. The boat starts with a seafood lunch FEAST of clams, crab, fish, shrimp – it was delightful. We relaxed a bit on the sundeck on the lounge chairs. The little boats arrived to take us to some of the most incredible caves I have ever been in. They were phenomenal. Of course I had to test
my singing skills as the echo was fantastic. My group started joining in before some weird looks and then people proceeded to tell me they were embarrassed. We are in a freakin cave in Vietnam people! Enjoy and have some fun.
The day was finished off with either beach time or jumping off the boat. I swam for a bit before showering and returning back to the roof to watch the sun set. It was one of the best days in a long time. Dinner was another feast; however the booze hounds came out. I started with beer, followed by wine, followed by some whiskey. By 1am my hangover already started! My room was under the dining area/night club. Even with ear plugs I was ready to cry as it was so loud. Marley slept like a champ. I woke up to take Tylenol repeatedly and drink water.
The morning was short on people as so many slept in. I joined about half our group for our boat ride to see some monkeys! It was great! We got to a small rowboat that took us to a place where we were able to feed (I mean throw) bananas
at these amazing creatures. It was wonderful.
This chapter is over. The only strange news is that my guide, Dean for this trip is also my guide on my next trip. He is a funny guy – majorly inappropriate. One of the girls has a shot of his privates after his pants mysteriously fell down? I showed him the camera as if it was mine and reminded him how I paid more for a single room my next tour. I asked for the rooms with the views – he got the hint.
More to come on my wrap up of Vietnam. I need to catch up on some sleep, rehydrate (as I drank for the past few nights). As much as I love Marley, I need my QT time and private time. I really couldn’t have asked for a better roommate! She was the bomb and definitely was never part of the drama. She calls me crazy woman with a smile every morning. Love it!
I head to Bangkok tomorrow for 4 days before my next tour begins.
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