On 24 DEC, Christmas Eve, we travelled by bus from Hanoi
to Halong Bay and boarded a junk to sail out into a magical
wonderland.
The scenery at Halong Bay seems surreal. There are thousands
of limestone mountains dotting the seascape. The multiple
layering and shades of the islets gave a feeling that we
were living within a PHOTOSHOP creation. It's simply heavenly!
Ha Long literally means descending dragon(s) and according
to local myth, the story goes as follows: Long ago when
their forefathers were fighting foreign invaders from the
north, the gods from heaven sent a family of dragons to
help defend their land. This family of dragons descended
upon what is now Ha Long bay and began spitting out jewels
and jade. Upon hitting the sea, these jewels turned into
the various islands and islets dotting the seascape and
formed a formidable fortress against the invaders. The locals
were able to keep their land safe and formed what is now
the country of Vietnam.
Halong Bay has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site
and is often touted by proud Vietnamese as the world's Eighth
wonder. And we agree!
It's been a mighty great choice to spend Christmas on a
junk afloat in the middle of nowhere in Halong Bay!
The Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace) Grotto was our first stop.
This is one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay.
According to legend, a beautiful young lady named May (cloud)
caught the eye of the Dragon Prince and he fell in love
with her. They were betrothed and got married in the very
center of the grotto. All of the scenes of their wedding,
which lasted for seven days and seven nights, have been
seemingly fossilized in the grotto.
This was our sleeping cabin onboard the junk. A little
cramp but comfortable.
The water in the bay was so calm that we didn't feel
that we were floating in the sea nor did we hear any wave
slapping on our junk.
Silent night on Christmas Eve...
Peace and tranquility on Christmas Day...
25 DEC
06 - Christmas Day
Merry Christmas from Alvin and Jin!
Merry Christmas from
Robyn!
These Vietnamese boatgirls were not only
highly skilled at handling their boats, they were also highly
enthusiastic little entrepreneurs.
We stopped by to visit a floating
fish farm, akin to our "kelong". They offered
us seafood and our chef onboard would cook for us. But
no one was game enough to purchase any.
We met many wonderful fellow travellers,
heard many fascinating tales and learnt many new things.
Travelling and sharing add depth, width and colors to our
life!
Anti-clockwise:
(1) Robyn with Ryan & Dee, newly grads from Sydney,
Australia.
(2) Jin sharing bread fruits with Korean sisters Yoon-Seon
& Hyo-Seon.
(3) Jin, Robyn with Christine Fabre, a professor and artist
from France.
Cat Ba Island - Climbing up the highest
point in Cat Ba National Park
After
hiking 18km in Sapa, trekking in the Cat Ba National Park was
chicken feed for Robyn. But the ascent up the limestone cliff
to the peak was a good test of Robyn's rock climbing skills. Some
stretches were rather exposed and perilous, and a fall would mean
a long way down over sharp edges of limestone rocks.
The photo above-left provides a good perspective of the expanse
and distance - the guide is that tiny figure sitting on the faraway
lower rock at top centre of the picture.
Down-climbing was even more treacherous but we handled it just
the same. Robyn did sustain a fall that bruised her knees though
but it was at a most unsuspecting gradual sloping stretch near
the foothill.
We are pleased with Robyn's maturing sense of courage, confidence
and sure-footedness on the rock.
Sunset @ Halong Bay
It was a most romantic sunset as we watched the
glowing ball descended in silence, punctuated only by the clicking
sounds of the cameras...
Robyn's First
Canoeing Experience
It was Christmas Day! It was Robyn's first go
at canoeing. And my, it was in the calm water amidst a stunting
seascape in Halong Bay!
There's so much to reflect and treasure in this 11-day Northern
Vietnam Travel. Robyn started learning to keep a travel journal.
She has recorded some scenes in the form of drawing, and captured
some thoughts in words.
As we sailed back to Halong City on Boxing Day, we knew in our
heart that we shall return here again some days in the future.
And Daddy has an inspiration to create some climbing havens out
there amongst the limestone islets...
Happy New Year from Robyn, Jin &
Alvin...
We
look forward to yet another adventurous and splendid New Year in
2007.
We
shall continue to learn, reflect and gain deeper insights into our
being, our consciousness and the world around us.
We
shall aim high to accomplish so as to do good while doing well.
...
After
hiking 18km in Sapa, trekking in the Cat Ba National Park was
chicken feed for Robyn. But the ascent up the limestone cliff
to the peak was a good test of Robyn's rock climbing skills. Some
stretches were rather exposed and perilous, and a fall would mean
a long way down over sharp edges of limestone rocks. 
