Halong Bay - Kayakking in the Morning & The Infamous Snake Wine !!!

Continued from Halong Bay - Of Caves, Grottoes, and ALMOST Frost-bitten ....

1) Who cares if the bench is worn, weathered a storm, or battered?

2) Awaken 'forcefully' at 6.30am (7.30am Malaysian time) for some "Rowing Exercise" ...

The night was spent on the boat, a very chilly sleep, yet very fruitful and comforting. Electricity was shut down in the middle of the night, until the next morning. There was simply no place for fans or air-conds, as the temperature was really low.

When all the lights were off, hindrance came in the form of toilet break in the middle of the night. Whoops. Amidst the pitch black atmosphere, one can only wander around aimlessly .....

3) Breakfast on boat - The soft, fluffy bread was a pleasant surprise

Kayakking was on our itinerary, whereby we were ferried to an enclave of sorts, a plank housing boats for that morning's activity. Two to a boat, in case you're wondering.

No picture was taken during the wandering part, as for fear of being wet, I left my camera in the boat. But the supposedly one hour odyssey took a bit longer than expected, no thanks to the energy-less ones (we have yet to take our breakfast), and lack of directions from the guide. We rowed to the opposite end before realising we were off the track. Hmm .... Highlights include kayakking through a cave of sorts, to a secluded 'lake' where we rested for a few minutes and soaked in the cool morning breeze, and calm waters.

4) Where the 'transaction' took place .... or more like 'trafficking'


5) A mess? Clash of the Junks.

After breakfast, we were hurried to pack up, and 'check-out' from our rooms. Though lunch was still some hours away, they had to clean the rooms, and prepare for the next batch of guests. It was a rush, especially when the water pressure was low, and showering was tedious.

Then we waited at the common area, while our boat proceeded to a station when tourists who stayed on land (those who chose to stay at the village, instead of on the boats) hitchhiked on our boat, travelling back to the pier together.

6) One destination, one goal.

7) That interesting cleavage.

8) The foggy weather + Numbing wind = Only the Brave on the Deck

9) The sheer number of boats was staggering

10) The Hungry Travellers



11) Lunch @ Thang Long Restaurant - Where ALL the other tourists on boats or land ate in a jubilant mood, a sense of camaraderie in the air when we shared tables, and dishes. Drinks NOT included, btw.

12) Dare Me to Drink? - Ingredients include snakes, birds (+feathers!), lizards, etc

13) Eyeballs gauged, and skins intact .... do you have a Heart of Steel?

14) Goodbye Halong Bay ......

to be continued ..... (for the very last chapter, I promise !!!)