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1.11.18 On deck of our ship we watched the sunrise! Again and again a magical moment!

After breakfast we were taken to a pearl farm. I wouldn't have needed that! Back on board we vacated the rooms and got a small cooking class for cold spring rolls! After lunch Reiner and I were taken by small boat to Monkey Island (about 20 min boat trip ) where we stayed at the resort. Dreamlike located with a beach! After a small steep climbing tour we reached the summit and on the opposite side of the shore a few cheeky monkeys ran around. We bathed in the sea even though the water was quite littered. Plastic/Styrofoam/…, bad!) At 7 there was a dinner buffet.

Silke

At 7:45 a.m. we were picked up by bus in front of our hostel in Hanoi. By bus and ferry we went to CAT Ba to our ship "Azela" (10 double rooms/bath) which we reached at 12:00. After a lunch we jumped from the deck of the dinghies about 3-4 m deep into the 20 degree warm water and swam to a beach! There were diving goggles for coral snorkeling! Finally the action cam has been used!

In the afternoon we went to a kayak rental! Two of us paddled through the bay and through bat caves.

In the evening we were spoiled again with delicious food and at a happy hour with cocktail s and good music! We met two nice couples from England and France!

Silke

Today we had tickets for the Water Puppet Theatre Hanoi. Directly at the entrance there is a ticket machine in English! Series G 150,000 Dong pP. There are several performances daily a about 60 min. The theatre is bigger than I thought. The stage is made of water. Left and right are galleries with musicians and singers.

There was even a dragon boat race to watch! Then we drank an egg coffee. A specialty of Hanoi. Espresso with whipped egg and sugar! Tastes even! Afterwards we did a few more tasks and in the evening we went out for dinner!

Silke

We arrived by night train from Nanning across the border to Hanoi (Gia Lam). At night we had to get out of the train twice with all our luggage and through the respective customs control. For the time being, we entered Vietnam without a visa. The date for 15 days of stay from entry was stamped on the passport. We have requested an extension to 30 days in our hostel. The passports go to the Immigration Department and will hopefully return to the hostel in about 3 business days. As long as it has to work without a passport or with a copy of it.

We also bought Sim cards for our smartphones and booked two excursions. All about our hostel ( Golden Time Hostel 3) where Judy from the reception advised us very competently and friendly in English. We have also taken off several million Vietnamese dong. Course 1,000,000 Dong = 37.80 Euro. Here is almost every millionaire! Only the 5th ATM worked with our VISA Card. Other tourists did the same. At HSBC Bank, you can use up to 8million. Dong per booking. In other institutes only 2 – 3 mill.! Hanoi is lively and warm (28 degrees). After a shower and "tyre change" on sandals we strolled through the city center. In the evening we were eating on the rooftop of a restaurant. At a happy hour beer we got to know a nice Austrian couple and had a good conversation. You will also travel through Asia for 6 months.

Silke