We started off with lunch, which happened to be a 7-course meal of fruit, vegetables, and fish. We were fed constantly and well – the food was amazing & fresh. We then took the boat to our first stop: a big cave to “hike” through. Now, in New Zealand, easy beach walk translated to 9-hour arduous mountain trek. Here “hike” meant a long stroll through a cave with 900 of your closest friends. Although stalagmites and stalactites are cool, it is not something recommended for those with claustrophobia. We then cruised over to a floating fishing village and took kayaks through the fishing village. This part of the day was way too short, or maybe it was the stopping every 2 minutes for another photo, but whichever way, wish we spent more time kayaking. This part was only complicated when Leann and Thao Linh never returned. 30 minutes after everyone had returned, they finally paddled up. Glad we were not going to have to explain a disappearance at sea to the rest of the team!

We then returned to the boat and were able to swim in aqua blue water before sunset drinks, dinner, and entertainment. The night is worthy of a whole blog post on its own.

Sunday morning, we awoke to Vietnamese coffee and breakfast overlooking the bay – a 5 course breakfast in one of the most beautiful spots on earth, not too bad for a quick weekend trip. We then went to a pearl farm, a dedicated UNESCO heritage site, which was truly beautiful and interesting. All this was followed by a lesson in making spring rolls. Then a 10-course lunch. We keep trying to convince ourselves that the food is healthy (which is easy to do when you’re not sure what it is).

Leaving the bay was fairly uneventful, although not a one of us was looking forward to the trip ahead. Lemme explain: 3.5-hour bumpy ride to Hanoi in tour van + 45 minute hot cab ride to Hanoi airport + 1 hour plane ride to Da Nang + 2-3 hour rollercoaster trip through mountains to Hue. What do the kids say these days? YOLO?
The trip back was complicated when we boarded the plane. A tour group of excited Vietnamese mamma-sahns (older ladies) nearly trampled me, Margaret , to death in a rush to get a seat. It became evident that this was in fact their first plane ride when they all pulled down the trays immediately to set their purses on. The one sitting next to me then grabs me and pulls me in for a picture, complete with peace signs. BTW, they were all wearing matching hats.