Before I start, I wanted to point anyone to the second part of my trip neilpenn2.blogspot.com
Jungley, mountainy, 20k trek through Cat Ba National Park today. Very active, pretty and with a healthy portion of rock climbing thrown in to add a bit of peril. All washed down with a 5km cycle ride to the boat. And if I may say, I completed the whole affair with some aplomb. I think I might have dropped a pound or two in weight since beginning the trip and that, plus being on my feet most days rather than sat at a desk eating cake, has probably improved my level of fitness. Which I'm rather enjoying, I must admit.
Jungley, mountainy, 20k trek through Cat Ba National Park today. Very active, pretty and with a healthy portion of rock climbing thrown in to add a bit of peril. All washed down with a 5km cycle ride to the boat. And if I may say, I completed the whole affair with some aplomb. I think I might have dropped a pound or two in weight since beginning the trip and that, plus being on my feet most days rather than sat at a desk eating cake, has probably improved my level of fitness. Which I'm rather enjoying, I must admit.
More tours around a different bay in the afternoon etc. but it's all proper touristy and I won't bore you with small print. A refreshing, drama free day though.
The hostel is right on the water front and costs an outrageous $7 for private double room with a sea view.
Oh, and to polish off my occasional series of obscure references from cult movie classics for this holiday; I am happy to confirm, from what I have been able observe at least, Charlie don't surf.
I think Halong Bay is a good place to close proceedings. I'm going back to Hanoi for a couple of days for some actual rest and pampering before flying back to the UK. I don't expect anything much to happen so I won't try and limp through a couple of pointless posts just for the sake of it. Let's leave Vietnam and the trip as a whole on a high.
I've enjoyed chronicling the journey more than I thought I would as it happens. If it has been a tolerable read then great. If it has raised the occasional smile, even better. If it has inspired anyone at all to travel more widely and to take on an adventure, then jolly good show.
I never did find a use for that D-ring.
Welcome to the jungle
Here's the view of Halong Bay from the top of the sixth and final peak climbed today
Here's the $7 view from my room
One last pic of me on the boat today
Loving the blog and the photos look amazing! Happy Christmas from the Team here at WTR! Claire M
ReplyDeleteWell I can't believe this will be the last blog....a t least until the sequel ('Billy Blogs II - South America here I come') is released to literary acclaim. An interesting, informative read and entertaining as well, although I was expecting more abstract comments as I thought the Gerald persona would take over. Some great pics to boot, no doubt etched in your mind with a story attached to each. Hope you enjoy your final few days and we'll see you for a Billy Blighty Beer next week.
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