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Hello again everyone,
Now about to embark upon my 3rd journal entry of the day so please excuse me if the quality wanes a little!
Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island was a three day excursion from Hanoi, and Ha Long Bay was a place I particularly wanted to go to from when I was in England. I had a picture of the place up at work to motivate me, not that I didn't enjoy every minute of temping, don't get me wrong! It is a World Heritage Site which consists of nearly 3000 islands in the sea.
We took a boat out to the islands and had the extreme misfortune of a very grey and misty day which severely inhibited the view. The photos accordingly suffered but it did give the place a very eerie feel and was lovely all the same. There was also a large number of eagles soaring around the islands which really added to the beauty.
We visited a cave and were also meant to go kayaking and swimming but were unable to due to the weather, I can safely say I wasn't too gutted to miss out on the latter! Our accommodation for the night was the boat we were riding on which was really good fun except for the fact that I couldn't find the light switch to the room for a good number of hours!
The next day we disembarked at Cat Ba Island and immediately went for a trek up a hill. Once again the views would have been fantastic had it not been for the weather but it was great to actually get out walking as you get to exercise surprisingly little on buses and taxis!
Again, due to the weather, we were unable to go to a place called Monkey Island which was ashame. Instead, our guide put together a far superior itinerary involving table tennis and home made banana and grass beer! I found the table tennis partner I have been dreaming of, an elderly Dutch woman, and together we conquered all before us! I have to say I was a little embarrassed by how remorselessy she smashed shots down on her husband but won't be ditching her as we have one eye on London 2012, watch this space!
For a time it look like the weather may leave us stranded on the island but again our guide came up trumps and organised us a bus and ferry back to the main land so that we could get back to Hanoi.
Right, that is all I have left in me for now,
Hope everyone is well and enjoying themselves, it is lovely to hear what you are all up to,
Take care,
Graeme
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