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Halong Bay is simply a stunning part of the world. 1969 islands in the bay and just beautiful. The boat we have been on is called Glory Luxury and it has been really nice and comfortable with great food. We also have been very lucky with the group we have been on and had some great laughs last night with them all.
Yesterday was spent visiting Vien Veung floating fishing village on our day tripper boat followed by a visit to a private beach that you had to access by kayak. Problem was that they didn't have enough kayaks so Pat and I had to swim from the boat to shore. We stayed there for 1 1/2hrs and then had lunch back on board as we made our way back to our normal boat.
The fishing village was very interesting as they join their houses in little groups . Quite civilised with colourbond roofs too and so peaceful . The women do all the work while the men fish . Quite amazed by the strength of the Vietnamese women that you see carrying all sorts of things. They have a pretty hard life really.
There are so many boats here on the bay that must run into a thousand at least. Every time you look out you can easily see 10 close by . Some look dodgy like they are about to sink. I think it was worthwhile paying the bit extra to get a good boat with Glory cruises .
The worst thing is that you still get people on little row boats coming alongside wanting to sell you stuff. As we are on the first floor they can see us easily in our room. Our cabin has double sliding doors that you can open and get fresh air but as soon as you do you hear this voice saying "excuse me you buy something from me"
Yesterday when we got back from. Our full day out we had 2 of them right outside our door so we couldn't keep the door open as they don't go away if they can see you.
What I thought was funny was one of them was sitting there talking on her mobile phone . Such a contrast but looks like everyone has a mobile no matter how poor you are .
The food on the boat has been incredible . I think I have already put on about 5 kgs from all the food. Dinner and lunch the last 2 days has comprised about 6+ courses. God knows how I am going to lose all of this weight when we get home .
We are heading back to the marina this morning and 4 he bus trip back to Hanoi to the craziness there. Halong bay is so peaceful even with all the boats and such a great asset for Vietnam . We hope they look after it though it's already getting polluted with lots of plastic bags and bottles. UNESCO declared it a world heritage site a fews back and really need to step in and help the Vietnamese look after it. I think in 5- 10 years this could be a very different place unfortunately if they don't .
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