Around Hanoi
January 31st, 2023 We spent our last few days in the North, seeing some breathtaking sites via bus, smaller boats, and bigger boats. We have been reading a Vietnamese cultural book for children over the past few months, and it has been great to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes first-hand. The beauty of Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh rivals any I have seen before. Being in nature was also a welcome change to the busyness of the city for all of us. It was great to meet other travelers as well. Our groups have mostly been from Singapore, Australia, England, Germany, and the States. The Vietnamese people are not shy about their affection for kids, and Abby and Lincoln love it when the locals request to have pictures with them. Lincoln in particular seems to have more pep in his step after posing with these beautiful Vietnamese girls. Our tour guide to Ninh Binh also took special care to show Abby and Lincoln around Mua Cave, including ensuring their safety on steep stairs and teaching them about local legends. After our return from Ha Long Bay, we switched to another homestay in the Old Quarter. This one was situated on a quiet street with a few restaurants, small hotels, and shops. Though only a few blocks away from our first and still in the city center, we all loved the pace and amenities of the new location. Best of all, there was a coffee and juice café and a great restaurant across the street. We had pho for our last few meals (Abby reminded me I told her we could have pho every day in Vietnam, and we only had it three times in the first week!) Best memory Abby was the first from our group to hike up the 500 steps, a little wet and very steep, to the top of Mua Cave mountain. It was similar to the start of the Incline in Colorado Springs and reminded me of how I was worried years ago that Stitch, my Frenchie, wouldn't make it up to the top, but he beat me the entire way. Abby was a champ and is a bonafide hiker now! She also had so much fun doing it and was proud of herself! Lincoln enjoyed Drew's shoulders most of the hike, but he also earned a popsicle just for being Lincoln! Best lesson Small-group tours in comfortable vehicles are the way to go with the kids. Though I have rarely taken organized tours in the past, preferring to explore on my own schedule, we have quickly learned they are the best option for our young family. We will soon head South to enjoy some beaches. But first, we have a short stop in Hue to visit the former DMZ and eat some Bun Bo Hue! The little ones have been troopers during these first two busy weeks, and I can't wait to let them have more sun as we travel South.