Paloma

Some shots of our boat.

A beautiful boat especially with the sails up which serve no other purpose but for show.

Out the window from our room.

Out the deck looking toward the bow. 

8 course meals every day.  We have been eating well here in Vietnam!

3 days, 2 nights in Ha Long Bay

We joined the Paloma cruise ship for a 3 day, 2 night trip in Ha Long Bay.  There was unanimous agreement to go on the 3 day vs 2 day trip and none of us have regrets for choosing this option.  In fact, kayaking on Day 2 was the highlight for all three of us.  We also enjoyed having the undivided attention of Jerry, our guide, since we were the only ones who opted for the extended tour on that day.  A beautiful collection of >2000 islands in northern Vietnam.  One to check off from 1000 places to see before you die.

Overcast for most of the trip which gave a mystical feel as we floated through the Bay.

Voted as one of the new 7 natural wonders of the world.

Local children who live in the fishing villages.  Notice how he is rowing the boat.

Convenience store by boat.

Peaceful.

A small trek up for a view.

Stillness with the sun peaking out.

3 strikes...what's next?

We visited Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum on Day 2 in Hanoi.  And ate some more good food.

No sunglasses, No talking or sniggering, No walking off the designated sidewalk.  All 3 were accidentally ignored by Monica during our visit to the mausoleum.

The three of us.

Roaming vendor insisting Monica try it out.

Bun Cha.  We agree with Lonely Planet that it would be a capital offense if one did not try this.  Yum.

Banh Mi.

Looking for a movie to watch as we packed for Halong Bay.

Look both ways. Always.

Our first day in Hanoi greeted us with quickly having to learn the art of crossing the busy streets.  Once we [sort of] mastered this, our next task was roughing it through the Old Quarter to find us some good pho.  We ended up having a feast of delicious cuisine from the many stalls along the 36 Streets.

Me and Monica after our first street crossing.

Karen learned the hard way to always look both ways when you cross the street!  Thankfully everyone survived, just a lot of honking as we navigated through Hanoi.

Banh Ghoi.

Pho. 

We had plenty of freshly made Nem.

Lady roaming street vendor.

Hoan Kiem Lake.

Goodbye Cebu, Hello Hanoi!

My stay in the Philippines was definitely a memorable one where I got to spend time with old and new friends.  It was a good, restful stop in my 2 month journey.  Now, onto Vietnam with Karen and Monica.

Thanks to John Ed, Pam, Rachel and Julia for introducing me to Banrea among all the other delicious food I ate during my 15 day visit.  (Note: Banrea = Banri Japanese restaurant + La Marea dessert shop next door)

J devouring her share of the brownie yumminess.

CEB-MNL-HAN: My flight out of Cebu departed on time despite the grey clouds above and day of constant rain caused by Typhoon Pablo (renamed in the Philippines).

Calm before the storm of Typhoon Bopha

Can't believe a storm is expected to land in the Philippines Tuesday-Wednesday.  "dislike"
Folks in Malapascua have been tracking it for days now.  I've been lucky so far weather-wise.  Apparently the second monsoon never hit Ooty, India.  And I've had sunny days the entire time in Cebu.  I hope to beat the storm out of here!

Malapascua

2 nights after a full moon

My first time diving in SE Asia

One item on my bucket list was to go diving in SE Asia.  While the Philippines is not necessarily on the top of most people's list, there are definitely more than a handful of top dives sites.  I chose Malapascua with the goal of seeing the elusive thresher shark (nearly guaranteed to spot at Monad Shoal but rare elsewhere in the world).  Not only did I get to see at least 3 shark in the early hours of Dec 1, I was treated to 2 perfect island days of sun, white sand, a beach massage and morning strolls listening to the calm of the ocean.

Arrival at Maya on Cebu island at low tide.

A low tide journey on a small boat to reach our banca named Sunshine for a 30 min ride to Malapascua.

Sunrise and low tide.  Peaceful and still.

After Dive #1.  Sea Explorer's motto: Dive with a smile.

Warm waters of the Visayan Sea in the Pacific Ocean.

Sundowners with Eva (thanks for the intro AB).

A perfect sunset. 

Getting ready for our thresher shark dive at sunrise.  Success!