Thursday, January 16, 2020

From 6 o'clock the first fishing boats pass by us. So sleeping is out of the question. From 7 o'clock our ship's engine roars as well. The night is finally over. The crew is already preparing breakfast and they have to pass by the cabins again and again.

'The fishermen in Halong Bay are not impressed by the spectacular landscape, as far as you can speak of cold in the subtropical climate.' That's what the brochures say. But, it can get cold. Light drizzle for breakfast. Then we set off to fish in a traditional way. The well-stowed down jacket must come along. On a nutshell, where we have to pay attention to our balance, the fisherman throws out the 500m long net. Then he drums to scare the fish. The net is then pulled in by hand. Nearly 20 fish have been caught. We continue with the junk. The weather is now summery. Now we go to a small beach. Barbecue is on the menu. Like paradise. Afterwards, Marion and I swim back to the ship, the rest take the dinghy.

Halong Bay and the weather are showing their best side. Our next destination is a limestone cave with a subsequent kayak tour. A fantastic day. When we arrive back on the ship, it's slowly getting darker. Our decision to have dinner outside in the evening was not the best. It has become very windy and therefore chilly. Full and slightly frozen, we go to bed. The crew, including the tour guide, watch the soccer match between Vietnam and North Korea. Vietnam has to win to advance. But it remains quiet on the ship. Well, it didn't work out. (Lost 1:2)