In one of the easiest decisions we've ever made, we have decided to
change our flight plans and head out to Laos a couple of days early. I
don't mean to be too hard on poor Hanoi, but it just really isn't our
scene. Ha Long Bay was pretty cool however we probably spent as much
time examining the different types of travelers as we did the dramatic
scenery. Backpackers are an interesting breed to say the least. A breed
that we feel we are a part of, yet equally just as separate from. Is it
necessary to barter that extra 5,000 dong? Perhaps? But...thats not our
style. So we will do it our way. A motto we have picked up from this
short, yet well needed stay in the 'Nam.
The highlights I think will have to be:
1. The water puppet show - sloppy, poorly staged but featuring a
hilarious puppet of a pig-tailed man in a thong loincloth and aladdin
vest. Other events during the show: having a Japanese man fall asleep
on you, and a cute couple from America not realize that Emma does in
fact speak English and make fun of her short legs (sorry dude, they
really are quite little, but God, those guys did have some nerve
talking about them in front of you!)
2. Hiking both up and down a mountain - I have never been so sweaty or proud of myself.
3. Drinking to the sweet sweet tunes of Jason Mraz with some chill guys
from New Zealand on a "junk boat" in the middle of Ha Long Bay at night.
4. Observing the crusty bar tender on the boat get drunk by himself and sing karaoke by himself
5. Kayaking (and being freaking awesome at it... just saying) and trying to avoid being run over by tourist boats.
6. Being a stone in a stream of cyclos, cars and hagglers
7. Eating Celine Dion pho as opposed to Madonna pho?? ... still trying to understand what that tour guide was talking about
8. Learning to give the death stare to anyone trying to pester us to
buy pineapples, books, lighters and everything under the sun (but not
giving the death stare to the militia who will literally pull over and
yell at you... don't ask)
9. Fisher price stools. EVERYWHERE. They're so quaint... until you have to sit there.
10. Exhibiting all the grace and elegance cultivated by years of figure
skating training and falling in the middle of the street, no doubt
catching all sorts of disease and infection... no big deal, a home
amputation may be required? :S
11. Realizing that a sidewalk is just a term. Cyclos are allowed on there too. Oh and stores too. They can drive ANYWHERE.
12. Watching the Incredibles in a "three star" hotel on Cat Ba Island.
Note that the three stars is a very generous evaluation. There were
ants everywhereeeeeeeeeee.
Goodbye Vietnam... it's been an "experience".
