I would say today is the highlight of my trip. The main reason I came to Hanoi was due to Halong Bay, supposedly one of the new 7 wonders of the world and a protected site by the UN
Initially intended to stay a night at Halong Bay, but opinions from my friends convinced me against it. Moreover, I'm not done with the city tour, and would like to spend the last day relaxing a little. (Btw, I heard that Ho Chi Minh mausoleum is closed tmr. I guess I dun have fate with Mr Ho)
The day started off in the worst possible way. While picking up the passengers, there was a slight mix up and numbers did not tally. Once the Malaysian came onboard, he shouted at the tour guide, pointing his finger at him. His family had to get him to calm down. Seriously, it's called not missing the big picture. Flaring up during a tour is missing the big picture of traveling. But thankfully, everything when smoothly after that.
Well, perhaps not that smoothly. Midway through, we were informed that it was raining heavily at the bay. Lunch was on the ferry, where I got well acquainted with a trio from Shenzhen, who were here on official business and touring vietnam after that. These trio really made my day with their friendliness, keep asking me to eat more as I'm a young guy, taking pictures for me and promised to email me the pictures. Kinda tag along them for the rest of the day. Best day ever!
I was actually quite apprehensive abt kayaking at the bay. I did kayaking in secondary sch before but I rmb I wasn't too good with it. Moreover, I'm kayaking alone in a 2-man kayak. Nonetheless, I got in and started to peddle. A pity that I didn't bring my phone to the kayak (no pictures...boohoo). Being alone on the kayak is rather boring, so I went around disturbing and chatting up the other kayakers and tourist (maybe there's a slight casanova jn my blood after all). Spoke to 4 Malaysians and 2 Canadians and some from other nationality
The tour ending with an extended ride all the way to the jetty, where we can enjoy Halong bay in all its grandeur. It's not abt the individual island, it's abt how they all make up such landscape
Was really late by the time they drop me at the hostel, so just went out to grab a bite and call it a day. Tmr shall be half a day of museum tour followed by half a day of pampering myself! It's nearing the end :(
Mark
Making acquaintances from all around the world
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