Asia Hotel, Hue. A lovely hotel which offered the best breakfast ever. Or so it seemed to Irene and I who hadn't enjoyed food like it since our stay with Peter and Judi in Hong Kong.

We enjoyed touring the interesting sights of Hue in an airconditioned minibus with a great guide called Bob.

More of that in next posting.

The train journey wasn't to bad at all. After fretting about our luggage, all bags fitted under the seats.

I had treated myself to a silk sleeping bag liner in Hanoi and slept well in it. We travelled Tourist Class which was fine.

This wine didn't meet Irene's expectations but we all slept well after drinking it.

We shared a couchette with Julie (USA) and Stephanie (Canada). They very kindly offered us the lower bunks - thus avoiding the spectacle of us hauling ourselves to the upper level.

Halong City is a very busy port and has been for a very long time. There were so many ships, boats and barges making their way around the harbour.

We drove to Hanoi, had dinner and took the 7pm overnight train to Hue. Arriving there on Sunday morning at 9.

Early on Saturday morning, we docked near a beach and while the wise amongst us restedor swam others, including yours truly walked very slowly up 480 stops to a viewing point on one of the islands. None other than Ho Chi Minh had also made it to the top but by helicopter.

For obvious reasons I have deleted the photo of me as I admired the view! Suffice to say I needed a drink!

Irene did not HAVE to fish for supper but she did anyway.

We sat out on the deck under the new moon, relaxing and chatting with our new friends in the group.

This lady belongs to a fishing community who live on their boats. The men fish while the ladies sell supplies to people enjoyng cruises on Halong Bay.

SUNRISE

Nightfall in Halong Bay

Stalimites/tites in fabulous caves, my photography does not do it justice.

Surprising luxury on board Junk for cruise of Halong Bay.

Halong Bay Hairdo!

Tuesday morning and I am up early to head out to local fish market with Cathy one of the girls on trip. We had a good day yesterday, wandering aroung fabric and tailor shops. Great seafood dinner by the river last night.
Hopefully photos later. The computer at hotel is slow and lots of people wanting to use it so feel guilty hogging it. Will go to internet cafe later.