Brigidine Post from 12th Jan

The team has been exceptionally busy over the past few days covering a
lot of exciting new gound. On Sunday we woke to a quick breakfast,
before gathering in the hotel lobby wth Dan, and making our way to the
Buffalo Tours bus. After a sleepy four hours, the group braced the
cold wind and beautiful scenery of Halong Bay as we boarded "Anh
Gueng". Moving slowly between the majestic islands, we played heated
games of "500" and munched on seafood and "hello pandas" (seperatly of
course).
We disembarked the grand wooden boat having settled our rooms and
rugged ourselves in as many layers as we could (without looking
rediculous of course). Our first stop was the "amazing caves" aptly
named to describe the overwhelming tunnels and rock formations within.
The team weaved their way through the stalegmites and stalegtites,
with the knowledgable Dan issuing "information" on particular sites.
Back on the boat Camie, Sophie, Georgia, Nat, Bec, Maddie, Anneke and
Sally bravely chose to go kayaking. Dressed in an insanely small
amount of clothing we paddled ourselves through the stunning maze of
islands, where we were witness to a family of playful monkeys.
Meanwhile, almost as excitingly Arielle and Ashley huddled in their
sleeping bags atop the boat, to keep an eye out for any pesky pirates.
When the group reunited the maddest of the mad decided it was a good
ideato join the pair on the roof of the vessle, if only for a moment,
before promply lauching themselves with a scream and a giggle into the
freezing water below! After some much appreciated showers the team
gathered for a movie, a chat and a spot of dinner, before making our
way to arguably the most comfortable sleep yet.
The next day, the group climbed exactly 427 stairs and said a visitful
"goodbye" to Halong Bay. Back in Hanoi, the team bartered accomodation
and transport before regrouping at the "Terrace Cafe" (highly
recommended) for a speedy and delicious dinner.
Taking a detour by the beautifully lit lake we found Dan and the bus,
on what was to be our last ride with our fab guide. Several speeches,
rounds of applauses and "Hello Everyones" later we said goodbye to our
much beloved Dan and found ourselves on the Hanoi- Hue train where we
spent the night.
In the morning, the team prepared for an 8am departure eventually
arrving in Hue station at 11.30am. A quick txi ride4 later, we wolfed
down much needed lunch, then legged it to our third mode of transport
for the day: a wonderful sleeper style bus.
Arriving in Hoi An at 5:15pm, we were greeted by a sign that read
"Georgia Roach" and folded ourselves into yet another vehicle to get
to the "Thanh Van 2 Hotel". Apon reaching the stylish hotel we back-
and- forthed over pricings, before agreeing on an exceptionally good
rate for the next four nights accomodation.