Hanoi - Halong Bay - Part 2

Part 2

Halong Bay is located in the Gulf of Tonkin which includes about 1,600 island and islets forming a spectacular seascape of mature limestone karst pillar. From far, you would have a feeling of approaching an ancient kingdom, rich in nature. It became a new 7th Wonder of Nature, according to the Unesco Heritage website. The title was attributed to its sculpted by nature and a variety of coastal erosional features such as arches and caves which form a majestic natural scenery of clusters of conical peaks and isolated towers. The Unesco website adds that because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by human presence.

Personally, I was feeling awe and a proper word to express the sensation is to say a proper word to the Genius, the Creator behind all these creation (including creating us, a human being in form) is "Allahhuakbar", means God is Great and  MashaAllah and Alhamdulillah, both means a compliment and appreciation only to Allah for such beauty and for allowing me to witness a beautiful arrangement of the mature karst pillar in person (in allowing time and money spent). Islam and any other religions in the world is narrowing deep into a person's faith for believing in something which is invisible. Seeing these beauty is a way to see Him, i.e. through His creations which are visibly around us.

My apology for being so carried away with that. Anyway, Halong if translates to English carry a meaning “where the dragon descends into the sea” and legend has it that when the Vietnamese were fighting the Chinese invaders, the gods (means a mythological god) sent a family of dragons to help the Vietnamese defending their land. The family of dragons began spitting out of jewels and jade which subsequently turned into islands and islets dotting the bay linking together to form a great wall against the invaders. What we explored with our "White Dragon" boat was only 10% out of the whole huge bay coastal island and islet.

The symbol of Halong Bay (which is also a symbol of passionate love) is two chicken-shaped rocks of one “rooster” and one “hen” facing each other. Although they seem to be fighting each other, people often refer to it as “Kissing Rocks”. Kindly take note that the scenes from the James Bond movie "Tomorrow Never Dies" was filmed here. The Russian couple and I were trying to locate the rock statue but couldn't find it. Nevertheless, our guide informed about an islet that was on Dong200K which I'm sharing in below photo.

Although Vietnam has had her fair share of wars, the Vietnamese are very resilient, and from every nook and corner, woman power prevails. Women doing all kinds of work; as long as one had two wheels, business could be conducted. Would like to share a wisdom on man’s quotes; “We travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us”, and secondly “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”. When we reached at the floating village, we saw that mostly women partake in the business, i.e. the girl who pleasantly rowing us in her bamboo boat had to drop school as working there has given her family more security financially. Her sister and mother both are working in the same spot. 

The limestone in this bay has gone through 500 million years of formation in different conditions and environments. The evolution of the karst in this bay has taken 20 million years under the impact of the tropical wet climate. The geo-diversity of the environment in the area has created biodiversity, including a tropical evergreen biosystem, oceanic and sea shore biosystem. Hạ Long Bay is home to 14 endemic floral species and 60 endemic fauna species.

Historical research surveys have shown the presence of prehistorical human beings in this area tens of thousands years ago. The successive ancient cultures are the Soi Nhụ culture around 18,000 to 7000 BC, the Cai Beo culture 7000–5000 BC and the Hạ Long culture 5,000–3,500 years ago. Hạ Long Bay also marked important events in the history of Vietnam with many artifacts found in Bai Tho Mount, Dau Go Cave, Bai Chay.

500 years ago, Nguyen Trai praised the beauty of Hạ Long Bay in his verse Lo nhap Van Don, in which he called it "rock wonder in the sky". In 1962, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of North Vietnam listed Hạ Long Bay in the National Relics and Landscapes publication. In 1994, the core zone of Hạ Long Bay was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site according to criterion vii, and listed for a second time according to criterion viii. Finally, I wish to share the rest of the magnificent view that Anne and I snapped during the boat adventures.

Hanoi - Halong Bay - Part I

Remarks: As Ha Long Bay has quite an interesting story plus quite a numbers of photos that I wish to share in this blog, I have decided to split into 3 separate entries. First being mostly about the journey, an itinerary and brief introduction about Ha Long Bay. Part 2 would be more about the floating village and the views why it is said to be as 1 out of the 7 natural wonders of the world. Lastly, about sharing the mythological story of the dragon and the place where it was claimed as his resident, the Thien Cung Grotto. We were amazed with the scenery of stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave. 

Part 1

A trip to Hanoi is not complete without a visit to the Unesco World Heritage site of Ha long Bay which is located about 165km from the Hanoi city.  Hạ Long Bay, in northeast Vietnam, is known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests. Junk boat tours and sea kayak expeditions take visitors past islands named for their shapes, including Stone Dog and Teapot islands. The region basically draws scuba divers, rock climbers and hikers. Most importantly, the hiker’s are attracted and would not miss an opportunity for a mountainous adventures at Cat Ba National Park.

The road to Ha Long Bay

The Toll Plaza

I have mentioned earlier on that we get the hotel to do necessary booking for us with a local tour agent, but thousand apologies readers as I have forgotten how much we paid for the trip. It was definitely slightly higher if comparing with the rest of our group who  came from many countries. We checked the price we paid while waiting for our guide to get a boat ticket. A Korean girl bought hers at the airport, others booked online from the travel agent website and as for the rest of us, through the hotel front desk.

A view along the journey - green green paddy field

When the travel is closer the karstic Islet

A comfortable tourist van of 12 person came to pick us up at the hotel lobby as soon as we finised our breakfast. We were the last couple to join the van. It took quite a long ride and I discovered that I left my camera in the hotel. It was so annoyingly disturbing that carelessness and I became inseparable. Anne was more than happy to share her camera with me as she will get to have more of her photo in her camera. The journey was quite lengthy and some of us chose to sleep during the ride whilst some made conversation and saying hello to a day stranger turn friends.

See the advert, www.aptravel.com and the comfortable van we ride. We snapped the photo just in case we lost the van while wandering inside the tourist complex

Free and clean toilet facilities

After about 2 hours of drive, the van stopped for toilet and coffee break. The stop was a tourist centre where everything sold in the huge complex are extremely expensive (I advised you not to shop at this place. You may do your shopping at the Hanoi Old Quarter). Should you craving for coffee and snacks, you could limit your spent only to that though the price was almost double. Beverages also were charged at higher rates than the outside market. This are the reasons why I tried to avoid taking tour with the travel agency. The have a contract with this kind of scam and business.

We continued our journey after everyone has get back to the van and by that time, we became friendlier with the rest of the group. Our guide, who has a quite unique name (so unique that I forgotten them... hehe) is very friendly and accommodating to our requests and nonsense. He was explaining about Ha long bay and sharing his proud about his country (everyone does that). He instantly became our good friend for a day.

Our tour guide for the day.. p/s: I was appointed as his assistant :)

The services that we paid are inclusive of all the transportation cost (to and from Ha Long bay and Hanoi city), the tolls, the lunch, all entrance fees but excluding the bamboo ride at the floating village. We were served with a seafood on the cruise. While enjoying our meal, we kept on looking outside the boat and were too eager to snap photos. Because of our excitement, I lost USD100 notes from my purse. Somebody (who happened to be in our group, sat next to me) has slipped his hand into my backpack and took out the money from my wallet while I was in the toilet and Anne was at that time snapping photos. Admittedly, it was equally my fault for leaving my bag unattended, simply trusting a stranger who I barely knew that sharing a friendly conversation in less than an hour.

I know... I should not be trusting. I discovered that the money was gone when we arrived at the floating village whereby we have to pay for the bamboo ride. Anne and I were both very shocked as we remembered well, how much USD currency we two had in our purse as we thought of spending them all in our last day in Hanoi. Someone, means ME has to paid for my own carelessness. And, yes, I am famous for it, my family are not surprised at all when I told them that I lost USD100 in Ha Long Bay and I also lost my Salvatore Ferragamo shade in Angkor Watt. They merely gave me a look "you deserve it mother, we were the one who has to take care of you whenever we were travelling with you".

The meal that cost me losing my USD100 :(

Anyway, some facts about the Ha Long Bay that I wish to share in the first part of the entry. In 1962, the Vietnam Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism designated Hạ Long Bay as a 'Renowned National Landscape Monument'. 32 years later, in 1994, Hạ Long Bay was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its outstanding, universal aesthetic value. In 2000 the World Heritage Committee additionally recognised Hạ Long Bay for its outstanding geological and geomorphological value, and its World Heritage Listing was updated.

While boating in a bamboo boat

In October 2011, World Monuments Fund included the bay on the 2012 World Monuments Watch, citing tourism pressures and associated development as threats to the site that must be addressed. The goal of Watch-listing is to promote strategies of responsible heritage-driven development for a sustainable future. In 2012, New 7 Wonders Foundation officially named Halong Bay as one of New Seven Natural Wonders of the world. In addition, Hạ Long Bay is also a member of the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays of the World.

Until the next entry...

100 days of Happiness - Day 91 to 100

For the last 10 days of my 100 days of happiness project, I wish to copy some of the goodbye notes from Athena, from Leicester, England, who died of bone cancer on her 13th birthday.

"Happiness depends upon ourselves. 
Maybe it's not about the happy ending, maybe it's about the story.

The purpose of life if a life of purpose. 
The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.

Happiness is a direction not a destination. 
Thank you for existing. Be happy, be free, believe, forever young.

You know my name, not my story. You have heard what I've done, but not what I've been through. Love is like a glass, looks so lovely,but it's easy to shatter.

Every day is special, so make the most of it. You could get a life-ending illness tomorrow so make the most of every day. Life is only bad if you make it bad.

Love is rare, life is strange, nothing lasts and people change. 
Life is a game for everyone but love is the only prize.

If someone loves you then they wouldn't let you slip away no matter how hard the situation is. Remember that life is full of ups and downs, without the downs the ups don't mean anything.

I'm waiting to fall in love with someone I can open my heart to.

Love is not about who you can see spending your future with. 
It's about who you cant's see spending your life without.

There is no reason to cry, because I know you'll be by my side."

Day 91 of happiness: Me at my pizza party yesterday. In search for a last place to retire. May Allah open up a bless path for me on Monday. I have my faith only for You, Allah  #100daysofhappiness #workinglife — at Bdr Tun Hussein Onn, Cheras.

Day 91 and 92 were about me moving from 1 chapter to another chapter seeking for a final place that I can certify deep within, a retirement work place. It was an awkward moment (as I did not really feel the honesty nor a good heart in those who throw a farewell party for me a day before), hence, I throw them a Pizza Party to them. And this time, I did it with sincere gesture, good faith to record only a good memory as remembrance. We enjoyed the pizza party in a board room until extended lunch break. Wan took a photo of me and Fizza (above), whilst I snapped the view outside my work station in the present office. I'm moving out to a permanent office, hopefully in 1st June 2015.

Day 92 of happiness: My view for the next few weeks till the permanent place. Bless #100daysofhappiness — at Menara Gamuda @ PJ Trade Center.

I posted a memory lane in Taj Mahal on 22nd April 2015, a blog entry that I made in March 2013 that you may read in attached link, Agra, India. I landed in India for the first for touring purpose in Delhi, Jaipur and Agra in 2009, not knowing that I would return 2 years later to work and stay for 2 years. All time spent in India was fabulous. India has taught me lessons for my actions, the pain of suffering and the understanding that Allah has always open His door for me and for all of us. He never gave you up. So, don't give up your faith and hopes as good things shall await so long you have an acceptable obedience and patience. Allah shall grant you enlightenment and courage, like what He has given me.  

Day 93 of happiness: Taj Mahal, 1of the wonder of the world. The whole place is an eternal lover story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. To record a photo visit with the majestic place on 4th July 2009 brought so much contentment  #100daysofhappiness #throwback#traveldiary

I was exploring Empire Damansara outlet for lunch, alone when I spotted an Australia brand shoes, Aussilia. So unfortunate that I did not bring enough cash nor a credit card that day. The shoes are all very comfy and funky in looks. Since 24th April 2015 marked our 24 years wedding anniversary, hubby was more than happy to give me RM200 so that I could buy 2 pairs of shoes in vibrant colors on 23rd April 2015. These days, I realized how much I have change. Every little things are more meaningful and enjoyable.You may do so too, just challenged yourself to take a little step to change and look life at a hindsight and in a beautiful manner. Life is indeed a journey, not a pain.

Day 94 of happiness: On our wedding anniversary, 24yrs of marriage, hubby gave me RM250 to buy 2 pairs of shoes. Thanks hubs, love you loads. June 2010, Singapore Zoo. #100daysofhappiness#throwback #traveldiary #24yoanniversary

As for day 95, I was sharing a photo of me and the stupas in Borobudur Temple on 24th April 2015, that Nasrul, hubby and I visited in June 2009, a month before I first landed in India. It was supposed to be our third honeymoon, but we took Nasrul along to spice up our life. You may read about all our adventures and places we've been at in 3 entries of Jogjakarta. Take note of the happiness quote that came with the photo.

Day 95 of happiness: A jovial photo marked at the Stupas of Borobudur, Jogjakarta in June 2009. Be happy.. not because everything is good but because you can see the good in everything #100daysofhappiness #throwback #traveldiary — at Menara Gamuda @ PJ Trade Center.

Seoul is another place that my family and I promised to return. We adored and loves the city that we visited in early 2011. I wrote about our trip when I started to pick-up my blog seriously. I was writing about our adventure in my lonely apartment in Vijayawada in November 2012, a month before I returned permanently to Malaysia. It was a special entries and a comfort zone pacifying my anger and despair being alone in a foreign city surrounded by foreign people. Do read them in case you have not check it out yet at the attached link, Korea.

Day 96 of happiness: Taking photos is 1 of the hobby that I'm passionate about. It gave record to all places that I've been at. At this point, I owe everything to Him, who had granted and still giving so much content . Alhamduliilah, SubhanAllah, Allahuakbar. Gyeongbok Palace, Seoul, March 2010. #100daysofhappiness#throwback #traveldiary

My friends and I were having class on 25th April 2015 when a sad incident of a butterfly flew and landed on my index finger. It never happened to me before and I felt special. Zaharah said it was normal as the true fact is, that butterfly is dying. It's time for him to rest in peace. Muslim's believe that animal will turn to dust when they died. And we, human, will either be in heaven or hell.

Day 97 of happiness: Having lots of thought about the butterfly that rest on my finger on Saturday. It stayed obediently still until I laid it at a green leaf hopping it would rest in peace. I felt lucky but Zaharah said the butterfly is dying. That's why it landed in my hand. Heaven is too far for me to reach, but I wish Allah will somehow allow me to rest with all my beloved pets & butterflies ... #100daysofhappiness #missinglola#missingmickey #missingmaya — at Menara Gamuda @ PJ Trade Center.

Just take a guess of what did I do during my free time during those 2 years working in India? I was actually aiming to visit all important temples in India as listed the World Heritage Site. For those who has read and follow my blog would know that I have managed to admire them in person at least a third of those beautiful places, except Khajuraho and Sun Temple. Should I stay a little longer, I would have covered maybe half out of 32 list of world heritage site in India.  I provide link to List of World Heritage Sites in India in case any of you might have similar interest. No matter what happened in the past, I have no regret as I have eaten my share of the cakes.

Day 98 of happiness: A fine memory lane while touring India in 2011-2012. Badami Caves in Karnataka State, India was on my list, visited in October 2012, an awesome place to visit. How would I not be thankful?  #100daysofhappiness #throwback #traveldiary

Most people likes to travel, either alone, with friends or with family. From my experiences, traveling alone is the best as you have less worries to care about your traveling partner. More freedom to do what you wishes to do, except, when you desperately need your photo in those places you visited. You have no other choices but to approach stranger to help you with that. I have no issue traveling with Anne, but no more with siblings in future trip. As for traveling with family, to me it's the best though there were many grudges. We went for family's holiday in Christmas, you may read them here, Jakarta in 2013 to meet a dear friend. Rest assured, traveling with family require much laid back, patience and a need to control everyone's emotion for not ruining their mood, else it would just ruin the holiday. Anyway, some says that the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page. 

Day 99 of happiness: The most happiest moment in a person's life was the quality time spent with the family, a true happiness. Family vacation, December 2013, Indonesia. #100daysofhappiness #throwback#traveldiary — at Menara Gamuda @ PJ Trade Center

This was the last photo of the 100 days of Happiness, my blog, which became something so important to me. Coming here, checking every time, feels like home. It is here that I have spent most of my time with, important than any of my girlfriends or distance family, nephew or nieces. I'm writing, trying to improve my vocabulary, finding new interesting words every time I feel like I I want to. My english is becoming better these days, it boost my confidence level. Just to share here, I have passed with good marks, 89 out of 100 in English Placement Test that all middle management and senior management had to sit in the office. I'm glad as much as I will stay content for the rest of my life chasing only happiness. Wishing that everyone may find the same happiness that I currently have deep inside me. Be good to yourself and to others, as Allah shall be good to you, an angel is looking 24 hours for you... Just feel their loves and presence! 

Day 100 of happiness: My blog achieved 100 thousand page reviews as of end April 2015 after actively writing 2.5 yrs ago. Patience is virtue. I grab a lot of contentment by taking time to do things of what I like best. The 100 days happiness project is for the blog, peace #100daysofhappiness #aswana-cliche.blogspot.com — at Bdr Tun Hussein Onn, Cheras.

100 Days of Happiness: Day 81 to 90

How time has fly. My 100 days of happiness project is about to end and we are at the last day of 1st week of May. Here I am writing the first entry for May, the last 20 days of the project. Day 81 of my happiness was when these 2 girls, Syahirah and Kayla joined me in my bed on Sunday, 5th April 2015. That's how I usually spend my weekend, alone in the house, where peace are. At my age, spending a time alone was what I enjoyed most. I felt no commitment nor obligations to others, enjoying so much freedom (bless this life) at home. Husband is accepting to whatever changes I've been at, without complaint, always supporting ever since he married me. How could I not be thankful for what life has given me! No reason not to. Thank you Allah :)

Day 81 of happiness: The 2 girls that brighten up my Saturday  #100daysofhappiness #daughters — with Syahirah Shamsuddin.

The next day, on working Monday, 6th April 2015, Hema invited me out for a vegetarian meal in Taman Desa. Amri, her most trusted guy drove us to the restaurant. Vegipai Cafe is the most beautiful eating place that I've been to in Taman Desa. Everything is being decorated in pink and white. The food was amazing too and we had so much fun sharing the foods in between our happy mode conversation. For those vegetarian out there, you have nothing to miss at all, as the food served there taste almost the same as any other non-vegetarian meal. A friend enlightened us about the history of how the vegan started the vegetarian diet last Monday (5th May 2015) and how Gautama Buddha died due to poison's pork. You don't have to know. It was so sad...

Day 82 of happiness: In love with the "vegepai" food & deco. Must wear pink next time  #100daysofhappiness#jjcm — at Vegipai Café.

Since it's coming to an end, I thought of going back to memory lane, sharing what was written in the travelogue of my travel diary. It was a hot summer day when a friend snapped a photo of I trying to pose elegantly on the hot white marble. For those who has not read about my adventure, can simply click here to read the rest of what I blog on 11th January 2013, Lahore - Badshahi Mosque. Badshahi Mosque is a must visit place for those who happened to be in Lahore city in Pakistan. Every corner of the mosque is simply breathtaking.

Day 83 of happiness: Recalling happy moment with Badshahi Mosque way back in October 2011 #100daysofhappiness #throwback #travel

A tour in Turkey with Zuri was my first oversea trip. I lost a mother in 2002 and I traveled in her memory 2 years later. This was where I first started my journey to see the world, taking my memory with her close to my heart. You may read all about it in "A trip to Turkey in 2004", written in September 2013. I had the first snow fall experience in Cappadocia and it was a wonderful feeling touring the whole Turkey, from Istanbul down south and up to the west, Ankara and back to Istanbul.

Day 84 of happiness: Reminiscing snow fall moment in Goreme Valley, Cappadocia way back in November 2004 #100daysofhappiness #throwback #traveldiary

Another good guy, a best friend who died of cancer was Asohan. My husband, Nasrul and I were on holiday in Bali with him and his wife in April 2005. When we passed below temple in Bali, he reminded me not to enter as I was having my menstrual at that time. He enlightened me a lot about Hinduism during the trip. I was lucky to have this big guy with big heart as best friend though he has passed away many years, he is still visible to me whenever his name appeared in mind. I hope someday, someone would remember me in the same way. Life in a hereafter would probably another beautiful journey.

Day 85 of happiness: A calm view of Hindu temple in Bali, Indonesia in May 2005. In loving memory of beloved friend, Captain Asohan 3 yrs ago. RIP dear friend, you have touched so many hearts with your kindness  #100daysofhappiness #throwback#traveldiary — at Bali, Indonesia

I remembered Zuri again the day I posted a memory photo of us with Melinda taking gondola ride in Venice in 2006. Zuri has revisited Venice during flooded time years later. She would not mind going again if I asked her, probably to buy Murano glass. That's what travel buddy supposed to do, always be ready for the next adventure. Recently, I draw a map of my retirement trip with husband. His eyes was radiant when he saw my map. Love is indeed a journey. May Allah s.w.t. allow us to fulfill our dreams for old days to come. For those who wishes to read about 10 entries of our trip touring Italy cities may do so, by click the attached link, Italy in 2006.

Day 86 of happiness: A must visit destination, Venice. Riding a gondola with friends is a bonus . May 2006, how I look 9 years ago . #100daysofhappiness#throwback #traveldiary — at Venice,Italy

For day 87, I chose a photo of me with a giant tree in Angkor Thom. Hubby snapped below photo for me, and we were there on our 2nd honeymoon, celebrating a new chapter of my career life. You may read them in a combined entries with last years Angkor revisit with Anne that I now merged all blog entries under Cambodia in 2007 and 2014. I must say that Siem Reap Angkor is one of a must visit destination for Asian as the expenses in the city is not so much expensive that touring in European country. 

Day 87 of happiness: Being surrounded in a gigantic tree, "Tetrameles Nudiflora" will made a person look so small, but to leave a tiny spot of memory is indeed a great remembrance May 2007, Ta Phrom ... #100daysofhappiness #throwback #traveldiary#2ndhoneymoon

Nasrul is a big guy now. He did not listen nor come to me for any advise anymore. His life is pretty fulls with his group of friends, no space for his mother. On 15th April 2015, I was recalling those happy times with him when he was residing with me in Karachi and when we were cruising Saronic Island. Going through numbers of Syahirah and his photos in Greece brought a wide smile to my face. This Apple Boy of mine has graduating as a teenagers into an adult world. Soon, he will drive a car and has a girl replacing me in his heart. Oh dear..

Day 88 of happiness: Cruising on Saronic Islands, surrounded with blue sky, white clouds and blue oceans was added to my bucket list in June 2008. Al-Ankabut verse 20 "travel through the earth and see how Allah originated creation; so will Allah produce the second creation (of the Afterlife); for Allah has power over all things" #100daysofhappiness #throwback#traveldiary

I was overjoyed when I was called back to the headquarters on 16th April 2015. The news came on Thursday and somebody was more than excited to throw me a party (it was like throwing me out from her office.. hahaha, a big jokes okay! Don't take me seriously!). The truth was, I had requested for other assignment as work loads in the underground MRT is no longer there to have me sitting there doing nothing. I would definitely missing all those beautiful soul on 8th Floor who has given me a space to share their laughter and foods in a pantry during my first 3.5 months of working on the company.

Day 89 of happiness: chairing a "kick-me-off" luncheon mtg today with a bunch of kind hearted office colleagues  #100daysofhappiness #anotherfarewell#bless — at Southgate Malaysia.

On my last day, i.e. 17th April 2015, my buddy, Wan Chee Seng has taken me to his site, an underground station in Cochrane. Argh.. it resembles the same view of all the underground stations that I've seen abroad, i,e, during my train rides adventure. Soon, my city, Kuala Lumpur would have the same advance underground station like in Paris, in Seoul and probably much better than in Bangkok (sorry my friends in Thailand). I took a selfie as an evidence of how truly happy I was on my last day in the KVMRT (T) underground team.

Day 90 of happiness: Selfie post while getting a little sun-tanned at Cochrane station during site visit, today! #100daysofhappiness #ugjvdays3.5mths — at KVMRT Cochrane Site.