Friday. Our last full day of the cruise – at sea and in Chinese waters so internet problematic with some websites blocked. Agenda today is to pack and sort out tipping. Last night we had dinner with the NZ couple we met and it turns out they are in a Royal Suite so we’re hoping for a tour today.
Following my post on Tuesday, we went to an afternoon concert by a saxophone player and then after dinner to a “silent disco” at our lounge. At the disco you are given headphones and can choose which music to listen, sing or dance to. As no one else knows what you’re listening to, the theory is you can be as bad as you like. Didn’t work in our crowd as everyone ended up listening to the 70s selection. Here’s Val’s idea of participating at a silent disco.
We then topped off the night with a second concert-this time broadway musical hits
Wednesday morning we sailed into Halong Bay and then headed out on a local boat for a cruise around the bay. Unfortunately it was overcast and foggy so not great views but still pretty amazing.
That night we went upmarket for dinner at one of the specialty restaurants. Very showy with Val’s lobster flambéed at the table, but food itself was nothing special.
Yesterday was a big day with an 11 hour trip into Hanoi. Despite the fact it was drizzling most of the day, both us us agreed it was probably the best day we have had. Some time in the old town, drinking coffee
Followed by visits to the first Vietnamese university ( from 10th century) and then Ho Chis mausoleum. The latter made for some interesting fashion as they hadn’t told us shorts weren’t allowed so the raincoat skirt was donned by men and women alike.
Round about 