Breathe

02/08/2024

Somehow we think we've been breathing moldy air all night. It was a mistake not to use the air conditioning as a heating measure at night (we have never seen heaters here before). It was cold as hell. Nina looked over at Ronja this morning and saw Ronja bundled up in her new winter jacket. After we were able to pull ourselves together, we went downstairs for breakfast and were served 2 pancakes with banana and a coffee. Oh well.

After some more detailed research on the internet, as we had become suspicious of hotel reviews, we found a comment that made us suspicious. The comment said that his actual review was deleted and an excellent (much better) review was posted in his name. Many of the reviews here seem to be a bit fake, as there are hardly any accommodations here that are poorly rated. Other travelers also told us that they had already left a review for an accommodation that was not excellent. The hotel staff then almost begged them to change that rating because otherwise they would get in trouble. Our new strategy for further bookings is to read blog posts and reviews from others and listen to their accommodation recommendations.

Nina dared to wash her hair again this morning, it was actually too cold to let it air dry... but there was no way around it. We rented a scooter from our host, which he had already offered to us yesterday. Equipped with semi-safe helmets, we tried to start the scooter and first jammed the lock. Our host didn't find it funny at all. Luckily he got it unblocked after a short time. Our first destination was a gas station. It worked. Afterwards, we drove just 3 km further to Hang Mua Viewpoint. After several stairs we had a wonderful view over Ninh Binh! Of course, a Kit Kat as a reward was a must.

After our descent, we continued on the scooter to Trang An, stopping at a restaurant for lunch on the way. Instead of 2 dishes, we accidentally ordered 3 and really loved the food. Strengthened, we went on a boat tour with a sampan (= small rowing boat). The duration of the tour was approximately 2.5 hours. On the way we passed through 3 different caves and we were able to get off at 3 temple stations. The air was somehow totally clean, we could finally breathe deeply. And we were able to relax too. The drive was beautiful, around every corner we encountered a new view of outstanding rocks and breathtaking nature. Very happy and calm but absolutely cold, we drove back to the pier in the dark. This was already lit with colorful lanterns.

Today we wanted to go to the restaurant from last night again. Unfortunately it was already closed today, we were very disappointed. We went one restaurant further because we had absolutely no strength or energy left to continue searching. The food we ordered served its purpose. The ginger tea we ordered warmed us pleasantly from the inside. The last few meters back to the accommodation were really disgusting - cold and with drizzle on our faces. Man.

Back at the accommodation, we were invited by our host to watch the Tet Festival fireworks with him and a few other people tomorrow evening. Afterwards we handed over our laundry to be washed (the washing service is provided by the host's mother). Afterwards we snuggled up in bed. Make phone calls, watch series, write blog. Wow, half past 12 again...

Overall it was a very relaxed and impressive day.

Until tomorrow

Ronja & Nina