Chapter 8.1 - Back to Mainland

3.3.

10:34am

I had breakfast and met the two South Tyroleans again. My bag is packed, I will be picked up at 1pm. I will spend another hour at the beach and enjoy the view. I probably won't see a beach like this again anytime soon.

Yesterday, I gave my laundry to Hapy. Unfortunately, she doesn't use fabric softener or detergent... I even had to hang everything up myself. Well, 40k per kilo is a rip-off.

1:08pm

I'm sitting in a Ford Transit with some locals. On my way to Ha Long. I just paid Hapy nearly 17€ for 4 nights, 4 days of motorbike, food, and drinks. I think I could have paid even less, but for me, it's absolutely fine. The pickup ran without any problems.

Just for fun, I asked a woman how much she paid for the ride. She first talked to the driver. She said she only goes halfway... So, everyone here is apparently connected. Business is business here. I have learned so much for future trips. Definitely also how to negotiate properly.

3:13pm

Arrived at the hotel. I arrived after a 10-minute walk from the drop-off point. Ha Long seems quite empty to me. Many modern buildings but without residents. I don't really understand how that happens, but I will surely find out in the coming days. Now I will rent a scooter and go somewhere to eat. Just unpacking quickly and then off we go.

Unfortunately, I ended up in the basement. I thought the 2nd floor was the top floor. But when I noticed in the elevator that I was going down, I already knew that my window probably won't have a good view.

4:33pm

I almost drowned with my scooter just now. Google Maps didn't work well in Ha Long. In the end, the receptionist saved me. I barely made it to the gas station. There wasn't much left in the tank. Now I'm finally sitting down for "lunch". After seeing all the empty restaurants, I believe I ate half a kilo of squid...

5:51pm

I'm in my room. I bought a 5L canister of water on the way and finally took a shower. The water pressure is so strong. You would think the shower is from Kärcher. I'm going up to the roof in a bit.

8:48pm

I'm sitting at a small stand near my hotel. I'm having another Pho. After the expensive dinner for 350k, I need to save a bit. I think I also ate half a kilo of squid...

It's crazy how dead the city is right now. It felt like I was the only one at the night market. Nobody in the discos and the same on the party plaza.

9:51pm

I'm lying in my bed. I drove around a bit and saw the city lit up. Tomorrow I will probably drive to the other side of Ha Long via the beautiful bridge and visit the museum. Let's see in what order.

Good night, you sexy people 🔥