Ha Long Bay

The only way I can describe Ha Long Bay to try to capture how spectacular it is (and I use this word out of context): a cacophony of beauty.  Such a great day exploring these majestic islands on a junk boat.

Lunch on the Junk boat:

  
Following lunch we went kayaking:

 

Hanoi

I much prefer Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh city.  Even for a capital city with a population of 6 million, it feels quite intimate with its narrow streets, French colonial buildings, the friendliness of the people and a relaxed atmosphere.

Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum:

(Social Republic of Vietnam forever)

Presidential Palace:

Ho Chi Minh's House:

One Pillar Pagoda:

Temple of Literature:

Hoa Lo Prison:

Cot Co Flag Tower:

Over looking Hoan Kiem Lake:

Den Ngoc Son:

Tortoise Tower:

The Ceramic Wall stretches for 4k through the east side of the city and was commissioned as part of Hanoi's 1000 year celebrations in 2010.  We only had to cross a motorway to get to it!

Cool pictures of Hanoi:

The Water Puppet Theater:

Early morning exercise - Vietnam style:

Opera House:

St. Joseph's Cathedral:

 

 

Night train: Hue to Ha Long Bay via Hanoi

Our last night train together as a group and we were somewhat calm and quiet through sheer tiredness and the heat of the day:

Unfortunately, on the train we were too late to 'shotgun' the speakers from a neighbouring cabin to listen to our iPod.  Luckily, Kate remembered an article she had read where someone had blown up a balloon and placed their headphones over the balloon and the vibrating air within the balloon created a speaker.  However, we were without a balloon.  Being the ever resourceful teacher I thought of the next best thing - birth control:

Verdict: there are much better uses for a condom!