Up way too early and packed our day bags with what we will need for the next 3 days. Left our carry on bags at the hotel. So much easier to travel with an even smaller bag and not have to store our luggage in our state room on the boat. At breakfast by 7:00. As you approach the restaurant there are beautiful lanterns and plants hanging from the ceiling. A full wall of plants hanging in the restaurant. Love the french influence here. We get the most amazing, flakey croissants and perfect baguette with our breakfast.
The van for Paloma Cruises is waiting for us in the lobby. Good start so far with a nice van (and wifi) for our 4 hour trip to Halong Bay.
At the bay. Lots of boats all around. The tenders are fighting for position at the dock. We jump on and it takes us out to our junk boat, Paloma. As we approach the staff are in beautiful lavender long shirts with white pants. They are all waiving to us to greet us. There are about 25 guests and 25 staff on board. We got the family suite. It is on the bow of the boat with a private deck. Absolutely love it.
Ready for our first meal on board. It is a 5 course lunch. One of the course was banh xeo. It was so good and for sure need to try to make it at home. They gave us a demonstration on how to assemble it. It had lettuce and fresh herbs. Back at the dock Andy spoke with some guests that were departing. They said they ate everything and their stomach was alright so we are going to go for it. It was all so good.
Off to climb up the limestone island. There were steps straight up to a cave that we were able to explore and then had a few minutes at a beach. Back at the boat Andy and the kids went kayaking. Saylor got stung by a jelly fish. She put lime on it to help with the sting.
After a quick rest it was time for happy hour on the top deck. Some snacks and drinks and old school American top 40. Did not expect that. Dinner at 7 and another five course meal. One of the courses was hot rock shrimp with another cooking demonstration. The chef brought the prawns out alive, pours vodka over them and tosses them in a pot with hot rocks. The flames flying up into the air and hits the ceiling. No idea how the ceiling did not get damaged. It was such a fun show! The meal was once again outstanding!
Finished off the night with squid fishing. Long bamboo poles with lines and hooks and bright lights. If you catch some they will cook them up for you. No luck tonight though.
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