Ha Long forever

After a three-hour bus ride out of Hanoi, we boarded the Jolly Roger, the Hostel's boat, and cruised out into the bay for about two more hours. It's breath-taking out here. Small limestone hills leap out the water everywhere you turn. And in the most unusual shapes. Legend has it that dragons cane down from heaven to protect Vietnam from invaders to the north. The dragons spouted jewels and jade into the water, forming the islands and a natural barrier and protection for the country. Myth further has it that the dragons so loved the bay, its calm waters and people that they stayed, the longest beaches the dragons' tails.

Once far enough into the bay and away from any other boats, Viet, our local guide, laid down the law. Rules on the boat:
1. Be careful buying anything from the women circling the boat. The water they sell, for example, is not purified.
2. No swimming alone.
3. No drinking alone.
4. No sleeping alone.

Simple enough, I guess. Dexter, the American who speaks only American and is a bit unusual, thus nicknamed after the serial killer show, was the only one to challenge a rule. Everything he bought was from the women in the boats. He's in law school. Figures.

After the rules, we all jumped from the top deck into the water. Geronimo! Harry, our English-speaking guide, mentioned that they frequently have to get people to mingle and chat on the boat. Our group instant friends, Harry confided that Canadians are the friendliest. When they're on the boat, everyone gets along well. Beauty, eh?

The sunsets out here are unforgettable. I think I could stay here forever. We watched the sun slip behind the jade hills. And then the party started. And lasted until dawn. No. Sleep. Til Brooklyn!