About 500 from the ship had booked the one and only tour, a cruise around the islands that this place is famous for, then a scramble into a very well presented limestone cave. We only had seven hours here so it was to be a short day. Moe opted for the ships tour rather than hunt out a boat on our own like the Robin's and Jim had planned to do.
Gail's brother passed away yesterday back in California, and Gail wanted time to talk to family etc., so she spent her time in and around the internet sites here. Her brother was very seriously ill, and has been so for four months. His passing although sad, was not unexpected.
We were off the ship smartly, and into the hands of a young man who is the front man for tours. Soon seven of us are in a taxi that should hold five on the way to the pier. There awaiting us was organized confusion as the boats jockeyed for position in the overcrowded little bay.
Soon we seven had the boat to ourselves and were out tootling around the islands. Miracles never cease. The crew consisted of a captain, barman [?] and a sort of guide, whose main objective was to sell us trinkets. The cruise was very relaxing and pleasant, the boat was clean but Spartan. I never did find out if the toilet flushed, although it was clean.
We stopped off at a floating raft arrangement where a man and his family run a live 'fish' store. The catch is kept alive in nets in the raft and people come and pick out their choice and then take it back to their, boat, raft, home, store or whatever and cook and eat it.
We were given the option of picking out something and the lady who sells the trinkets would cook it for us. One fellow had five large prawns that she cooked and bought up for him on deck. To me this is asking for stomach problems, or worse. The water here is polluted, you can just feel it. Their stomachs are used to it and I am sure they wash the dishes in the water. Again as in Bali there are no sanitary sewers on these boats and rafts.
Next the caves, great fun. About 100 steps up the cliff face and inside presto magico, a fairy-like cavern that is illuminated by coloured lights. The cave is what they call 'dead', no more drips going on inside it.
Back down the cliff-face to our boat that has jostled into position and some more touring as we make our way back to the pier. The group, minus one, walked back to the ship's tender pier, [we were anchored today], browsed a bit at the market that was now set up. No purchases today other than a few minor little items.
Next to the restaurant for some nourishment, by now it is two. I for one head to the cabin to rest! I am skipping dinner tonight I will grab a bite somewhere later. The ship sailed around 3.45 to a great sunset. As luck would have it we awoke in the morning to a sunrise on our side of the ship and lucked out for the sunset as well.
Looking forward to a good sleep tonight. Da Nang tomorrow, that will be a long day!
No comments:
Post a Comment