We woke up super early this morning...I'm not sure if we're still adjusting to the time change or we're just getting used to the Vietnamese ways. Most Vietnamese people get up between 4:30 and 5:00 to exercise before starting the day. I guess they do that to beat the heat and avoid sun. Anyways, there were about 50-75 Vietnamese swimming in the ocean at 6:15AM this morning! I couldn't believe it when I looked out our window. At 7AM, we went downstairs for yet another delicious meal. There was a breakfast buffet set up with everything from the typical breakfast foods (toast, eggs, bacon, sausage bread, etc.) to spaghetti/sausage and Singapore rice noodles with veggies! How's that for a feast? Of course we had to try a little bit of everything (minus the spaghetti). The fresh fruit was amazing - I loved the mango in particular.
After breakfast, mom and I headed to town. We opted to walk instead of taking one of the motorbikes, though it was tempting! One of these days I'll catch a ride on a motorbike. Not sure if mom will...Anyways, we walked around downtown and stumbled upon a large market with fish, fruit, veggies, dry foods, and clothes. It was overwhelming! Later, once we were thoroughly drenched in sweat, we made our way back to the resort. I had the opportunity to talk with Ben quick before hopping in the pool. We were scheduled to get massages at 10:30; however, there was an error with the booking. Instead, we got a little R&R time before leaving Cat Ba Island.
We finally returned back to Hanoi around 6PM and said farewell to our new friends. Mom basically broke out in a jog back to our hotel because her feet were hurting her. I found it entertaining...We were so HOT upon arrival. Luckily, we found out that the guesthouse had a room open for us. We went out in search of food a little while later and stumbled upon the "Blue Butterfly Restaurant" in the Old Quarter. Mom got vegetable fried rice and I got fried rice noodles with veggies. Both dishes were excellent! The best part is that we only spent $1.50 on each one! Neither of us has gotten sick so far...I'm hoping it stays that way...We were in for quite a surprise when we left the restaurant. We walked outside and BAM! It was pouring down rain. So much for not really running into rain during the "rainy season" haha. We attempted to wait it out, but then decided to just walk back once it let up a bit.
Up Next: Day trip to Ninh Binh province for cycling, boating, etc.
After breakfast, mom and I headed to town. We opted to walk instead of taking one of the motorbikes, though it was tempting! One of these days I'll catch a ride on a motorbike. Not sure if mom will...Anyways, we walked around downtown and stumbled upon a large market with fish, fruit, veggies, dry foods, and clothes. It was overwhelming! Later, once we were thoroughly drenched in sweat, we made our way back to the resort. I had the opportunity to talk with Ben quick before hopping in the pool. We were scheduled to get massages at 10:30; however, there was an error with the booking. Instead, we got a little R&R time before leaving Cat Ba Island.
We finally returned back to Hanoi around 6PM and said farewell to our new friends. Mom basically broke out in a jog back to our hotel because her feet were hurting her. I found it entertaining...We were so HOT upon arrival. Luckily, we found out that the guesthouse had a room open for us. We went out in search of food a little while later and stumbled upon the "Blue Butterfly Restaurant" in the Old Quarter. Mom got vegetable fried rice and I got fried rice noodles with veggies. Both dishes were excellent! The best part is that we only spent $1.50 on each one! Neither of us has gotten sick so far...I'm hoping it stays that way...We were in for quite a surprise when we left the restaurant. We walked outside and BAM! It was pouring down rain. So much for not really running into rain during the "rainy season" haha. We attempted to wait it out, but then decided to just walk back once it let up a bit.
Up Next: Day trip to Ninh Binh province for cycling, boating, etc.
I love the pictures you have posted - they are all so beautiful! It sounds like you are both having quite an adventure - I'm envious! Keep the updates coming - they are so informative (and pretty hilarious at times!). I'm amazed at how much you've done already! Have fun cycling & boating tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteAmy Sullian
I am just now getting to read the comments. So much is happening it is hard to write it all down, but we are trying to capture the beauty and the funny moments.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures! (Paula)
ReplyDelete