Greetings From the Other Side of the World, Day 6: 1,969 Islands

 Our adventure today was a boat trip in Ha Long Bay, navigating amongst a minute number of the 1,969 islands.  Formed 40-50 million years ago through a combination of geologic uplift, erosion and weathering, these breathtaking limestone formations cover approximately 167 square miles.  For my part, the most awe filled moments were when the boat motored between some of the formations.  At one point, I was concentrating on the rocks to the left, and when I turned to the right, I was taken aback at the rocks equidistant to that side of the boat.

Given the magnitude of the area, it was difficult to take pictures that would come near to reflecting what it was like experiencing in person.  Here's a few of the shots I did get: 






Our internal clocks seem to still be setting...and resetting...and setting again.  Around the ship, it's not uncommon to see people using all the wonderfully comfortable soft seating to nap.  Each of the 4 of us are operating just a bit differently and there's plenty of space to make sure our individual needs are met.  Breakfast is the most interesting meal.  Bill might start the earliest, I'm always the latest, Jeanie and Dan in between and depending on timing, there may be an opportunity for a second round at the buffet lines.  No one is going hungry, that's for sure.

The skies finally cleared this afternoon as the ship departed for our next stop, Chan May and the inland tours, including Da Nang.  The pool area is covered by a retractable roof, and it was great to sit outside in the sunshine for a while this afternoon.








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