Halong Bay, Vietnam

On the third day of our cruise, we woke to see thousands of tiny rock islands jutting out of the ocean in every direction.  It was probably the most amazing landscape I have ever seen.  Justin and I had no idea how cool Halong Bay was.  Our two lady friends from England told us that this was the reason they came on the cruise.  This day was also our favorite tour.  We went on the boat tour of the bay with a stop at Thien Cung Cave.  It made Timpanogos cave seem tiny.

Part of the view we awoke to on our third day.

One of many families who live on these boats and sell fruit to the tourists.  These boats look like they are about to sink.

Inside the cave.

View as we came up to the cave.  There were so many tourist boats!

A lady who climbed onto the side of our boat.  Try turning that down.  Those poor kids!  I can't imagine trying to raise my family on a tiny boat in the middle of the ocean.

The floating village where all the boat families tie down in the evening.  There was even a bank.

All the tourist boats "parked" outside the cave.

This was Justin's favorite boat family.  He has a soft heart for daughters.

Inside the cave.

HoiAn and Danang, Vietnam

Our second stop on our cruise took us to Vietnam. We had been really excited to visit Vietnam because Justin's dad served there during the war. In fact, he served in Danang. Vietnam is a beautiful country. It is one of those places that I didn't know I wanted to visit, but I am really glad that I did. Warning: Tons of pictures.

Hoi An

I loved this city because of the quaint feel. I loved the buildings, the tree lined streets and the locals.

Rick-shaws. We didn't go for a ride, but had fun watching others.

Some of the shops we visited. This is where I found my Chanel watches :).

Justin loved this lady because she just sat on the street in a Kimchee squat, selling whistles. Reminded him of Korea, I think. Of course we had to buy a few.

Woman taking a break in the shade. I have often wondered why locals wear long sleeves and pants in such hot, humid weather? Provides protection from the sun, I guess.

We also visited a silk factory. This is where a lot of young girls, who are forced to drop out of school to help with family finances, work. I know this is not a great picture, but it is the only one I had of our two friends in red. Two ladies from England, also on our cruise. They were awesome! Loved them. Laurie tells me that this is going to be she and I in a few years. Also in the picture, the silk worms in the back.

One of the girls sewing a picture. I was amazed at what they could do. They would copy a photograph and make it look just like it. I wish I could have afforded one of the finished products, but they were a bit pricey. I would charge a lot for that much work also.

Between Danang and Hoi An. An example of the living conditions as we were driving through. So many of these countries have awful living conditions. Makes me appreciate my own living conditions, albeit rather guiltily. These still beat Malaysia, however.


Danang

Marble Mountain. This is one of the landmarks that Guy told us to look for. Luckily, a stop at Marble Mountain was on the agenda.

This is the American Military base (or what used to be) according to our tour guide. Is this where you were Guy? It was right in front of Marble Mountain.

Fence going around the base. Reminded me of Guy since he was MP.

Picture of Marble Mountain from the back. While visiting Marble factory. I was able to get a marble elephant. :)

Men working on marble figures. Again, amazed by their abilities. Again, wanted to buy a beautiful table, but at 3 grand decided against it. Elephant had to do.

Last stop on tour, China Beach. It was a quick visit, but loved it.

Fishing boats coming in at the end of the day. Vietnam's largest Buddha statue in the background.

Sanya, China

On the second day of our cruise, we visited Sanya, China. Sanya is considered the Hawaii of China. It is where those from the mainland go for vacation. It was beautiful with lush vegetation. While still about an hour from Sanya, Justin, who had been in meetings, came walking into our room and saw this:




WELCOME TO CHINA! It was right outside our deck. I must say, it was a little intimidating. Especially when it started to turn toward us. All the movies I have seen came running through my head and I half expected a missile to hit us. Not sure why this submarine decided to come up and say Hi!, but it did. I had been out on our deck not 5 min. before and it wasn't there then. I guess they just wanted us to know they were aware of our presence.



Originally, Justin and I had signed up for a 4hr. day at the beach with spa treatment. That particular package was cancelled so we ended up on an 8hr. tour of a Buddhist cultural center. It was extremely hot and humid (if you can't tell by my dripping body). There were also no toilets anywhere we went. Only holes in the floor, which I have also seen in many other Asian countries, but they usually have at least one western toilet. At the pearl factory they took us on a tour of later, it only had what looked like a trough in the floor and it smelled awful!! Luckily, due to the massive amounts of fluid lost through sweat, I never needed to use the bathroom that badly. Other than those two inconveniences, it was beautiful and we had a great time.




On my travels through Asia, I have developed a love for elephants. I think they are amazing. They are intelligent, loving and are known for longevity which when I moved to Korea with Melanoma bonded me with them. I now collect carved elephants from all over the world -who knew they would have them in Prague? I couldn't fit this one into my suitcase, so I settled for a picture.


This particular Budha is known as the largest (well, tallest at least). The guide made a point of telling us how it was so many feet taller than the Statue of Liberty. It has three faces, each representing Justice, Mercy and ? it is sad how quickly I forget.

Random guy

Random bell. Justin insisted on hitting it and I was worried it was some sacred bell that would offend everyone.

The Monks chanting and walking around the Buddha. Justin and I thought it pretty funny when the guy in the back slyly slips his cell phone out of his sleeve and starts checking something out. I don't blame him. It looked pretty boring to me too.

One of the Temples.

Cruise/Hong Kong

Our cruise left from and returned to Hong Kong. Justin has been telling me what a cool place Hong Kong is for years. I have to agree with him. It is a really beautiful, exciting place. We arrived at about 5:30 pm. By the time we drove into the city and got to our hotel, it was getting rather late, but we didn't want to miss a date night opportunity in Hong Kong. I was pretty tired by this point, but I am really glad we went out. The first place we visited was just a short walk from our hotel. It is called Time Square and is obviously patterned after the NY version. I have to say that being there and walking around the streets made me a bit homesick for Korea.

Time Square

Look what we came across! The Hogwarts Express! I was even able to go through Diagon Alley and see Olivander's. I even got a picture with Dobby.

The next morning we visited Victoria Peak. It was beautiful!


This picture was taken at Bubba Gump's at the top of Victoria Peak. You can't tell from the picture, but the view was amazing.

On the trolley back down from Victoria Peak. It was very steep at times.

We made it to the boat on time. Orange furniture is nice eh?

A picture of our boat taken from our hotel room.

Going out of the bay was beautiful.

It Gets Me Out of the House

This is how we spend a lot of our time from March-July.
















Exciting isn't it?!