Last Day

We wake overnight to a loud thunderstorm with rain, thunder and lightning which is quite spectacular.  Then its back to sleep until 5:45 when I head up to the top deck for some gentle tai chi as the sun rises.

Its an early breakfast as we are heading to Cat Ba island. This is the largest of the islands in Ha Long and we visit a limestone cave there and drive a little around the island.  Its still raining lightly and this is the first real rain we have had in our whole trip.



Back to the boat for another buffet lunch and then, all too soon, its over and we are back to the launch and back in the transfer car headed to Hanoi.

Its a final shop for us - a frenzy of shoes and last minute clothing purchases.  Everything is so cheap here and the quality is better than Bali.

Our final dinner is back at Beer St followed by a picturesque drink near the St Joseph's cathedral.  This is much quieter and prettier than the bustle of all the bars and touts in the old quarter.

A final massage for me whilst the others play cards and then off to bed for our final sleep.  Nothing more to post as the next day is simply a travel day.  Back home to reality and colder temperatures!

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