Hello again. Well since I last wrote we have been to Halong Bay (east of Hanoi) and Sapa (north of Hanoi). First we took an organised trip down to Halong Bay, where we would stay 2 nights, one on the boat and the other on Cat Ba island. The journey was an adventure on it's own. The vehicles seem to have free reign toovertake when ever they like just as long as they beep their horn loud enough. Weaving in and out of the traffic in a 52 seater was scary, so best just to lie back and close my eyes, Zo didn't dare look up from her book. Once there we visited a cave on one of the island which was spectacular but unfortunately crammed full with tourists so took a bit away from it. We also took a small boat through some water level caves and then had the opportunity to swim. However, the water wasn't quite as nice as described by the guide, we didn't really fancy swimming amoungst dead fish the fishermen had disposed of. In the evening plenty of photo opportunities with a stunning sun set.

The following day we walked up one of the mountains on Cat Ba, was a tiring walk up there but totally worth it for the view. However Zo's words when getting back to the bottom were "I am not doing any more bloody treking...next has to be the beach!". We were left to our own devices in the afternoonso had a stroll round Cat Ba and went to Cat Co beach 2,much to Zo's delight. Very quiet and peaceful, we were 2 of around 10 on the beach. We tried one of the bars recommended in the Lonely Planet for the evening. What it failed to mention was there is a rat that lives in one of the outside walls, it actually scattered about 1 foot pass by seat...Zo is in the process of writing her letter of complaint as we speak, it's taken until now for her to stop shaking. The following day started with kayaking around Halong Bay, a peaceful ride back to the main land and the trip back to Hanoi.