Hi guys,

So its now Monday evening and very tired due to a fun filled few days and lack of sleep.

Saturday 9th May, Hanoi

Today we headed out to explore Hanoi Old Quarter with Lex, Gareth, Keith, Natalie and Sarah. We all decided to do the walking tour of Hanoi according to the Lonely Planet guide. It started at St Joseph's cathedral but prior to that we also had a look around the Pagoda around the corner from the hostel. Interesting and colourful but generally they all seem to be the same. Although this one did have a white unicorn to pray too!! We didn't go inside the cathedral but did take some photos of the outside. The rain had also started by this point, although not as heavy as the day before. From here we headed to the Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the restored sword). The lake is at the centre of the old quarter and a good map point-especially when getting lost in the back streets!!! Legend has it that in the mid 15th century, heaven gave Emperor Ly Thai To a magical sword that he used to drive the Chinese out of Vietnam. One day after the war whilst out boating, he came upon a golden tortoise, the creature grabbed the sword and disappered into the depths of the water. It is said that the tortoise then returned the sword to its divine owners. Although a bit grey due to the rain it was a lovely few around the lake with a couple of islands in the middle. One of these islands has the Ngoc San Temple on it so we took a look at that. It contains a giant sculpture of a golden tortoise which was very popular. From here we then took to the back streets of the Old Quarter, all the streets are named by region. So you have the shoe street, literally a street full of shoe stalls/shops, there's jewellery street, food street, rope street etc etc. Interesting but to us putting shop after shop of the same things next door to each other seems a no brainer!!!! We also passed by the Memorial house and the old gate of Hanoi-the east side. We then payed a visit to the biggest market in Vietnam-3000 stalls on three levels. Pick pocket heaven, so we didn't stay long!! Just walking along the side streets was really interseting watching the locals go about their daily routine. We also saw our first dead dog today-for sale on a food market!! No we didn't try any!!! Its jaw was still clenched so it obviously was not a happy bunny when it was killed!!!

By now it was the afternoon so all feeling in need of a drink and some food we went to this little coffee shop on a rooftop. You have to walk through a couple of shops to get there and you wouldn't know it was there if we hadn't been told. We had egg coffee and some spring rolls. Very nice! And with views over the lake included!! After this we seperated out and Caroline treated herself too a manicure and pedicure-all for the bargain price of 4 quid!!! Whilst I waited I had a wonder about including getting a little lost!! Its really easy too loose your bearings in all the back streets!!

At night after happy hour and a bit of food we all went to the Municpial Water Puppet Theatre. It originated in Northern Vietnam by farmers. It was really good and all the puppets are manovered by people behing screens, so not computerised!! There were people and animal puppets and it all told a bit of a story. Glad we went!!

Sunday 10th and Monday 11th May, Halong Bay

The eight of us had decided on Saturday that we all go to Halong Bay together on one of the tours. Halong bay is about 3 hours away from Hanoi by bus. We left the hostel about 8am and then bussed it down to Halong Bay. We arrived about 12 as we had stopped on the way and also other pick ups. Once in Halong Bay we boarded our boat and got stuck straight into lunch. Good spread including fresh prawns and fish. We set sail and then basically sailed around the islands in the bay. Most of the islands are inhabital (?) and the whole area was made by an earthquake many many years ago. Our first stop was to an island which housed some amazing caves. So after climbing up we spent some time in there trying to work out which granites looked like what!! From here we then had some sunbathing time on the boat before some kayacting and swimming in the sea!! Yippee first time for bikinis and sea!!! Whilst kayacting we tried to go into some of the caves, although crashing into rock surfaces was a problem!! We also had an explore around one of the water villages. Basically wooden shacks in the sea. How and why were not sure!! But they appeared to have stood the test of the time. The evening was spent eating and drinking. It got dark at 7pm so what else to do except play cards (some drinking games), dancing and lots of music. Late night!!

Monday morning started at 7:30!! So early and with a fussy head. After a bit of breakfast and a trickle of a shower we sat up on deck and soaked up the morning rays whilst watching the scenery. The boat had to drop the 3 day people off at Cat Ba Island before we started to head back to Halong city. We did stop for a swim on the way and I managed to beat my fear and jumped from the boat (3 floors up) in to the sea. Get me!!

Once back in Halong city we had lunch and then headed back to Hanoi. Once back and very sticky and salty it was time for cold shower time!! Not intentionally!! From here it was happy hour and then chicken Noodle soup on the street. Very tasty. A few beers later were now back and ready for bed!!!

Just to let you know were heading to Ninh Binh tomorrow evening before starting to make our way south. We've bought a 6 stop bus ticket all the way down to Saigon so bus travel whilst in Vietnam. Also sorry about spelling mistakes along the way, some my terrible spelling and some fast typing without checking!!!!