Halong has this been goin' on?

Hanoi is supposed to be much mellower than Saigon, but I haven't noticed much of a difference. It is still a city of incessant horn-honking.

It is also quite chilly up here. I constantly need (but do not have) a fleece jacket. This is a new one on me, I have always traveled in the south where it is much too warm. When I would type, I would often end my sentence with a perspiration.

I am staying in Hanoi's "Old Quarter" which is where everyone with round eyes stays. The streets are small, the buildings are old, crumbling and charming.

The last couple of days I have been playing tourist. I signed up for an overnight cruise of Halong Bay. For a rediculously small sum, one gets to sail the waters of Halong Bay, eat and sleep aboard a luxury junk. http://www.halong-bay.com/

Halong Bay is one of those places which you must see before you die, so put it upon your 'short-list' of vacation destinations. The tour options are roughly similar; some more luxurious than others, but all are basically the same. I chose a middle-range tour ($55) which included a guide, air-conditioned transportation, four meals, and a shared room (with private bath) aboard a spiffy purpose-made junk. Also, swimming opportunities.

How many times in your life will you get the opportunity to jump off of a boat into Halong Bay? I dived in a few times much to the amusement of the crew, who were likely betting their paychecks upon the outcome.

Fortunately, they did not need to call "Marine Mammal Rescue" for me.