Halong Bay 2

Asia Trip Sept / October 2019

October 1st

I fell asleep quite quickly but with the dreams did not sleep soundly during the night. I finally got up when LaTrice did around 645.

We’re are ready to go in time for breakfast – eggs, muffins, fruit, juice, toast

We boarded the taxi and made her way to the marina where we would catch our small boats, six people each, to the bright cave.

They wore the typical Vietnamese hats on board and we all decided to go for it. The Australian couple, electrician, joined us so we all have fun with the hats. Lots of picture taking. Surroundings quite serene and picturesque… Moments to think and embrace. On the way there was a break in the karst that resembles a throat and uvula... many boats cruising through

We continued on and soon we were entering the bright cave. It was a couple hundred yards in length and maybe a hundred yards wide. We did see a bat while passing through. Once through we made a quick turn around headed back through. It was a quick trip but certainly worth the time as it was quite picturesque. On the way back I asked if I could navigate and row the oars. She let me take over and for a short distance, I was the captain. I’ve done this several times in a few places and really enjoyed the experience. Doing this in Slovakia was quite a fun memory… On a log raft. I would add this to that.

We return to the boat and had about 45 minutes to get things together before the others would have brunch and we would set off for Cat Ba island. We had enough time for LaTrice to do it that’s a brunch with the others before eating to leave. It was about a 30 minute water taxi ride to the island. Once there we shared a taxi with another couple crossing the island. I had already paid so they handed me 100,000 dong as their share of the taxi ride.

Oasis bungalows was just as pictured on booking.com. It’s quite an inviting yet simple place that is frequented by many fellow travelers. There are many trees that shade tables, cabanas here and there and the pool with cool water on such a hot fall day.

We were shown to our room which was up several flights of stairs to the High Point in the bungalow complex. We had a balcony with commanding view of the property and across the harbor. The attendant had carried our luggage up the stairs and turned on the air-conditioning for us. I gave him a small tip as that was quite a trek up the stairs. We settled in and took a few moments to enjoy the air conditioning as we were both very hot and sweaty from this sweltering sunny day.

We went out on a hunt for some dresses and a swim suit for Latrice as the clothing purchased at the night market seemed to be single use and tote or was coming apart quickly. After negotiation of two dresses and a swimsuits for the equivalent of $20, we returned to Oasis. We decided to lounge around and enjoy the property. We were down to the pool and cool off for a bit before heading over to one of the cabanas to hang out.

It was a white fluffy dog that was guarding the entrance to the cabana… A bit in the way but he was friendly so we didn’t bother him and he didn’t bother us.

LaTrice had ordered some food and had a Mojito and I decided to order a mango daiquiri but that was a huge mistake as it was honestly… Disgusting. I went to the bartender and shared my displeasure and was able to order a Mojito like LaTrice had. It was quite nice.

After her food we decided to order a fun bucket of Mojito‘s as for about twice the price of one we got easily 2 each out of the bucket…known as the bucket of fun.

Early evening starting to set in, we had it back to the room briefly before setting out for some additional essentials that LaTrice needed. At the pharmacy an American had taken a bad fall from a scooter and his knee was a mess. The pharmacist was acting as make shift dr. He was in great pain from her help but he needed it.

On the walk back she decided to stop and get a one hour massage for the equivalent of $10. I headed back to oasis and wrote a bit about the day and relaxed in the air-conditioning.

Feet in pool relaxing while the restaurant was hopping what a great atmosphere. Low lights friends with drinks. New friends being made. Special times

Dinner was really bad garlic toast and cheese and French fries

Packed and relax didn’t sleep well for third night