A mixed bag

So today was our first organised tour- and this morning almost our last! The first activity and venue was underwhelming - actually, let’s be truthful, it was our idea of hell! We went to Mua caves to climb the peak and see the view of the Ninh Binh region. It was filthy, packed with people, tacky beyond belief! I took one look at the steps and realised that wasn’t happening so wandered around and found the quiet spot below - and trust me they are carefully cropped!

The boys manfully took on the challenge of the mountain along with the other 10,000 Vietnamese - it’s still their new year holidays! Dave decided halfway that this was ridiculous and came back but David made it to the top and thus the photos of the views!! Yeay!

However, we always manage to have fun wherever we go so we went on to visit an ancient temple, except it isn’t ancient, it’s all reconstructed! 

Then had a fun half hour bike ride which was hilarious as the bikes were too small so we were all pedalling with our knees up to our chin!! 

Lunch then the highlight, going down the river in local boats between the limestone karsts and among the paddy fields. It was lovely and we saw loads of kingfishers, storks, cranes and heron.

They have this unique way of paddling with their feet -

Finally home and a desperate proper coffee at Starbucks! Then dinner at one of the many restaurants around and a last evening view of St Joseph’s cathedral.

A happy but weary trio. Tomorrow an early start and Lan Ha Bay! X