We finally docked in DaNang after a roller coaster sail last night. This is in central Vietnam near the former Da Nang American air base and the DMZ. There was heavy bombing here ind the Viet Cong hid in caves here. Most of the construction is new with beautiful and modern western hotels like Hyatt and Hilton. We visited Marble Mountain which is a Buddihst shrine. It was lovely and peaceful. We also visited the famous China Beach on the way to Hoi An, the old city. It had a very strong Chinese influence and quaint and narrow streets. Loads of folks trying to sell you something and loads of tourists. We went into an old Chinese house and an old Chinese temple. It's really funny since they really don't get along with or even like the Chinese. We also went into Da Nang city where we went into the museum where the guys were just thrilled and couldn't wait to leave. Then we had a treat..a rickshaw ride around the city. It was fun. I don't know how those old guys do it. We passed the former CIA HEADQUARTERS which is now a government building. Everyone is very friendly. They are mad at the Chinese over the man made islands they are building offshore near here and not at us. The captain says the waves won't be bad tonight and negligible by ten tonight. We are now on the way to Halong Bay which is supposed to be magnificent. We should arrive by noon tomorrow and will overnight there before proceeding to Hong Kong.
Greetings from the Gulf of Tonkin on a cloudy day. I am sure that some of these names are sounding familiar to some of you who remember the Vietnam War. Later this morning we will be going through Halong Bay, where we will anchor overnight. This is purported to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. The seas are a bit calmer so maybe the tendering won't be an issue since I do have that tendency to fall off boats every now and then. We will have our guide waiting for the daily adventure. So far, the guides have been great and the cars very comfortable and with good air conditioning. As we proceed further north it should begin to cool off.
As far as the ship is concerned, I like Journey better as far as staff, entertainment and activities. The food could be better too. They try to jazz it up too much. Half the time I don't know what I am eating. The stewards are great but in general I like Journey better. Americans are a minority as far as passengers. Mostly Aussies, Brits and a mixture of many others. Everyone is nice but we really don't mix much except for the Aussies. Our tours are all private and we are off the ship as soon as it docks and don't return till departure time. We are usually so hot and exhausted that we don't have the energy to socialize.
Tomorrow we will be spending the entire day in Hanoi. We have to meet the guide at seven to get there in time for the full day. This should be interesting since this is where I think the heart of communism is. This is the capital of the country.
Posted with Blogsy
No comments:
Post a Comment