Thursday 23rd February

(Cont. from Page 2).....Eventually I settle for Duc Tuan Hotel as it ticks so many boxes. Generally when I am offered accommodation below $10 per night in Asia I have to sacrifice some level of comfort or convenience. Not so here. Everything is provided; en suite, hot water, TV, fridge, WiFi, air conditioning, which at this time of year is redundant, and unlike Fawlty Towers a glorious harbor view. The owner of Duc Tuan Hotel, a Mr Zoom is most accommodating and wears many hats from hotelier, tour operator and restaurant owner; every service in fact you might need including motorbike rental. However everything get channeled through him as his staff are not so good with English. As dusk falls sea fog descends on the small town blotting out the view of the harbor. However as the promenade lights up for evening business, the floating restaurant signs shining splendidly in the gloom, it really doesn’t seem to matter. The temperature hovers around 20C; perfect for a stroll along the seafront. Here I notice the many hotels and restaurants eager to offer you their service. Seafood is available at almost every turn and a small row stalls offer akoya pearls cultured near Halong Bay. I’m ready for a beer and fried noddles.

Friday 24th February

On Yer Bike........Mr Zoom has disappeared on a trip; he owns a boat too and is on his way to Halong Bay. I was not too eager to rise but after coffee and a roll I rent a motorbike for $4 and head off to explore the island. It’s still overcast but wearing only a T-shirt I only occasionally notice a chill wind as I head into the mountains. The sun does it’s best to make an appearance but I get amply opportunity to take photographs. It really is a pleasant experience. Riding the motorbike on the right hand side causes little problem even in Cat Ba town. Motorbikes are the main source of transport together with the buses that ply back and forth across the island to the ferry ports. There are few private cars but on some parts of the island there is construction work with its associated transport. With so little flat land available building it is an effort but somehow by draining marsh and breaking rock development continues; even a resort with marina is under construction near Cat Ba town. However as I travel further from the town the roads are almost deserted. I make frequent stops to take photos. (Cont. on Page 4)