Halong Bay with Indochina Sails

A lovely three day stay in Halong Bay .... met up with a couple from Calgary of all places, Bruce and Jeannette and a sweet Spanish couple from Madrid, Pepe and Ana who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary aboard ship..... we kind of hit it off right from the start and enjoyed each other's company .... Pepe kept us in stitches .... a non-stop chatterbox with humor to spare (speaks roughly six languages he "figures" ... he thought he might have another tucked away somewhere !!) .... they are without a doubt, the first Spanish couple I have ever met who spend six months of winter in Naples, Florida!! ... and here I thought Spain enjoys mild winters :)

Pepe (red shirt) "sharing some insights" with Bruce about cruising, as we approach Halong harbour after a wonderful three days exploring the labyrinth of islands, limestone and dolomite outcrops, grottos, caves, and sandy coves that make up Halong Bay ..... another designated UNESCO World Heritage site measuring 1,500 square km. We sailed and chug chugged along on beautiful Indochina Sails .... luxury plus .... I had a double bed to sleep in which is a big plus for me, traveling solo as I do ... mostly they designate an impossibly tiny single bed for those traveling on their own!! I slept like a baby the whole time .... just so peaceful on the water.

Ana on left, Jeannette on right

Tai Chi in the mornings .... me at very back with Jeannette

I got up one morning before everyone else (15 on our boat) and enjoyed the peace of the bay with a cup of coffee ... morning mist was still in the air .... just stunning!

Stop at a floating pearl market

Floating 7-11's :)

Kayaking into a gorgeous bay .... pictures just do not capture the beauty but will have to suffice; it was just the Spaniards, Canadians and I and my Vietnamese guide :)

Another floating village .... they live here year round .... prime waterfront!