Thursday, January 04, 2007
Ha Long Bay, the Dragon Rising
Saturday-Sunday, December 8-9
Up early on Saturday morning, we set out for an overnight excursion to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. This bay that is part of the Gulf of Tonkin is renowned as one of the most beautiful and unique places in the world. Thousands of limestone mountains and islands jut out of the placid bay. We will join the donors on a three hour bus trip to the bay, then an overnight on a restored paddleboat, the Emmeraude.
On the way we go through the countryside and numerous villages, stopping at a crafts village. Here the disabled and handicapped children (often from Agent Orange) are taught to do various crafts, such as lacquer ware, silk paintings, embroidery, or jewelry. It becomes compelling to buy something to support the children despite the inflated prices.
Arriving at the Bay, we proceed on board to get our cabin assignments and hear about the activities on the boat. It begins to hit us that we actually have two days off and will basically be in one place - no rehearsals, no teaching, no touring. Just cruisin' around the Bay, looking at the beautiful islands, eating great food, socializing and relaxing. The cabins are adorable, small and stylish, and there is a viewing platform on the top deck. The food features local crab and shrimp, plus a great array of Vietnamese dishes.
Some of us decide to take an excursion to see one of the caves inside the mountains, and we are surprised at the size and beauty of this "hole in the mountain." Before dinner, we learn to make Vietnamese spring rolls, and the following morning some get up early for a Tai Chi class. Most of us would have happily stayed on board for another day, but we have to disembark at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday so they can prepare for the next group.
After returning to Hanoi in the early afternoon, many shop or sleep, and we rendevouz again for dinner at the famous Cha Ca La Vong, an old restaurant that serves only one dish, that of Red River carp, cooked at your table in old clay pots over charcoal. We have two long tables, and beer bottles slowly accumulate. One person asks for white wine, and a bottle of vodka appears instead (and it was delicious). Larry offers a toast with a thank you from the entire ensemble to Jan and Jeff for having the vision to make this trip a reality.
Some bus back to the hotel, and others decide to take one last wander through Old Hanoi's shopping streets. The shops are still open, and there are presents still waiting to be bought.
On the way we go through the countryside and numerous villages, stopping at a crafts village. Here the disabled and handicapped children (often from Agent Orange) are taught to do various crafts, such as lacquer ware, silk paintings, embroidery, or jewelry. It becomes compelling to buy something to support the children despite the inflated prices.
Arriving at the Bay, we proceed on board to get our cabin assignments and hear about the activities on the boat. It begins to hit us that we actually have two days off and will basically be in one place - no rehearsals, no teaching, no touring. Just cruisin' around the Bay, looking at the beautiful islands, eating great food, socializing and relaxing. The cabins are adorable, small and stylish, and there is a viewing platform on the top deck. The food features local crab and shrimp, plus a great array of Vietnamese dishes.
Some of us decide to take an excursion to see one of the caves inside the mountains, and we are surprised at the size and beauty of this "hole in the mountain." Before dinner, we learn to make Vietnamese spring rolls, and the following morning some get up early for a Tai Chi class. Most of us would have happily stayed on board for another day, but we have to disembark at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday so they can prepare for the next group.
After returning to Hanoi in the early afternoon, many shop or sleep, and we rendevouz again for dinner at the famous Cha Ca La Vong, an old restaurant that serves only one dish, that of Red River carp, cooked at your table in old clay pots over charcoal. We have two long tables, and beer bottles slowly accumulate. One person asks for white wine, and a bottle of vodka appears instead (and it was delicious). Larry offers a toast with a thank you from the entire ensemble to Jan and Jeff for having the vision to make this trip a reality.Some bus back to the hotel, and others decide to take one last wander through Old Hanoi's shopping streets. The shops are still open, and there are presents still waiting to be bought.
# posted by Southwest Chamber Music @ 3:18 PM 
