From Halong Bay to Ninh Binh

02/07/2024

6 a.m. was really early. Very early. In addition to the sound of our alarm clock, we were woken up by coughing from the neighboring cabins. At 6:45 a.m. we had breakfast, which consisted of toast with jam, cucumber and tomato. And of course coffee. At 7:30 a.m. we started again, we took the boat over to Top Island and climbed the 460(?!) stairs up to the rock. We got a beautiful view of Halong Bay, which we shared with about 50 other people, all competing for the best photo. After we got back down, we chatted a little on the beach about our future plans or thoughts.

Back on our boat we packed our backpacks, cleared the cabins and went back to brunch. So much food in the last 24 hours... we chatted a little with the Germans from the next table, who asked each other and us how we got along together, whether we had known each other for a long time before the trip and how the money worked out (how we manage it). In fact, we had to admit to ourselves that everything was going pretty well. Of course we had an argument but otherwise everything is fine. Our solution with the credit card account that we both pay into and pay with seems to be the best for us and it's perfectly fine for both parties not to spend every cent. The bottom line is that our expenses match up really well.

We docked back in the harbor at 11 a.m. and waited another hour for our bus. Our driver communicated with Ronja in advance via WhatsApp. When he came to collect us, he just showed us a screenshot of Ronja's profile picture and asked if that was her. Of course we found it funny again. Once again a different bus equipment. The seats were really comfortable and we could even use screens from the seat in front of us. However, we use the 4 hour journey for further travel planning and inspiration as well as for reading and thinking. It was interesting what we could see on the way out of the bus, some really beautiful corners, and then some very foggy or smoggy areas. We saw people riding bikes or scooters with masks on and now we really understood why they ride them. A very smoky smell greeted us as we took a short break. The air quality is truly devastating in some areas. Apart from that, we drove through streets where we could observe small shops with people selling countless fruits of one kind. We saw buffaloes and cows running wild everywhere. Something so different from our home.

In Ninh Binh, our bus driver unfortunately drove past our homestay, so we arrived half an hour later than expected. Our host was already expecting us and welcomed us very warmly. We talked to him for a while and he gave us a lot of information and tips for the next few days in Ninh Binh. The first impression was quite positive. With a full bladder and an empty stomach, we went into the room and roughly inspected everything. Maybe some would say we're picky, but fresh bedding is really important to us. Unfortunately, it doesn't smell fresh again (just like sleep and some men's deodorant) and there were dead mosquitoes and hair on it. Oh man. Is it wrong not to say anything because the guy is a really warm and friendly host? Tell us your opinion in the comments. His parents also welcomed us in a friendly manner and provided us with bicycles. We've now dug out our sleeping bags and are trying not to think about it any further.

We have booked for 2 nights, but are considering staying longer due to the Tet festival (New Year's Eve here). There is a lot to do here and at first impression the place seems really manageable and exudes a bit more peace and quiet. The only thing we can blame is the weather - it's drizzling and really cloudy. Maybe it will change tomorrow or the day after, but we don't expect it.

In the evening we had a delicious meal at Happy Buddha . Garlic bread baked with cheese and a portion of Buddha pasta for everyone. Yummy!! It certainly wasn't the last time we ate there. We got there on rented bikes, which was an adventure in itself. Unfortunately, the brakes on Ronja's bike barely work or don't work at all and the handlebars are crooked. We also didn't have a helmet or a light. But don’t worry Mom & Dad! Everything went well, we weren't tired of life and took care of ourselves.

There we are again lying in bed with Kitkat and other snacks and looking forward to a cozy evening with the series we discovered for ourselves. Think we're stupid, but we realized that we had to slow down and need a little more rest. That will definitely change again at some point.

“It really stinks in here. After unwashed laundry. I'm actually the thing that smells best in here...yep, I smell my shower gel."

Make yourself comfortable too! Until tomorrow

Ronja & Nina