I've been following the weather forecast for over a week now. Finally, a sunny day is predicted for the day after Easter. I've been waiting for this exact moment to book a two day cruise of Vietnam's premier natural wonder and Unesco World Heritage site... Halong Bay. The bay and it's magnificent 3000 islands were formed thousands of years ago when a huge dragon descended from the mountains and it's massive flailing tail carved out valleys and gorges which later filled with water, leaving only the islands visible today. That's the story from here anyway. What I secretly suspect is that the Vietnamese have not attended a basic geology class.

 My cruise is on a boat called a "junk" . I'm not sure why they call it that as it doesn't inspire much seaworthy confidence. But I have to say, for the money, this trip was well worth it. The food was really good and the tour included a stop to see an amazing cave and a little bit of kayaking around the limestone karst formations. And the casual cruising with the crazy Brits I met at the backpackers hostel made for a fun time on the boat.

Now, I just have to hope for some nice weather in the northern mountains up near China...my next stop.