Vietnam Part 3

After taking the train back from Sapa and CatCat to Ha Noi, we met our driver for the what turned out to be 4 hour trek to Ha Long Bay. I thought the drive would be closer to 2-2 1/2 hours. We had just spent the night on the train again and were beat. About half way thru the drive, our driver said we'd stop for a 'break'. That break turned out to be at a nice touristy trap. We walked into the building and our first sight is a mini sweat shop. About 35-40 asian women hunched over embroidery tables furiously sewing away. Just past them were the finished products. Guilt to buy? Perhaps. Past them, there were silks, jade carvings, food... all sorts of souvenirs. We decided to not buy anything and were glad later when we found the same items in Ha Noi for 50%-75% off!
We finally made it to Ha Long and I have to say, it was worth the wait. It is absolutely gorgeous there. The next 2 days went by way too fast! After boarding our boat and cleaning up, we took small boats to a floating village about a 30 min. row away. They had a school house, shops, and several homes moored to the rocks. Although I'd miss Target, I think I could get used to living on the water.

Day 2 on the boat took us to a cave the French found in the 1600's (I think) It was pretty cool and unlike most other caves/caverns I've been in.

The next day, we drove down to Tam Coc which I think means 3 Caves. There is an entire village that lives on the banks of this very long and winding river. The locals fished and caught snails for bait. Did you know that snail eggs look like pink or red chewing gum stuck on a rock? Well, now you do.

We rowed thru 3 caves. The Vietnamese would strategize in the caves during their war with France as it was near impossible for the French to spy. This picture is about half way thru one of the three caves. They were pretty low to the water and we did have to duck a few times.

While we were in Vietnam, Ha Noi celebrated it's 1000 year anniversary. When you consider that the USA has only been a country for just over 230 years, it's pretty impressive. Our second to last day took us to Hoa Lu which was the capitol and home to the Dinh adn Le Dynasty's from about 968-1009. It was amazing to see places with a history that went back that far, and trying to tie in what was happening in the rest of the world.

It was an amazing adventure and we can't wait to do something like this again. Bary made a quick vid that glosses over the highlights of the trip. If you're interested...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Tqx128Cfhc