Out of order

Most likely from now on my posts may be less sequential. While I would like to stay in order of this journey, the lack of internet may result in my writing about the most recent moment, and thus will not exactly be chronological We are about to dock back at Halong Bay, having spent what Paradise Cruises says is a 24 hour trip, but we really did not get on the boat until close to 1pm yesterday, so it was really a 21 hour whirl wind. I'll post a copy of the actually itinerary- a carefully orchestrated program for the 27 guests- many activities yet the sheer beauty of the place allows one to simultaneously relax.

A quick back tract - back at the Elegance Ruby Hotel they contacted someone at Paradise Cruises and car was sent for me. Apparently their reservationist did not remember to arrange to collect me... We sped out of Hanoi a few minutes before 10. After the first 39 minutes I decided to put my head down and feet up. This was one ear against the seat could block the honking my driver used every 15 seconds. I'm told I will get used to it. I was sure I would be the last to arrive (12:40) which was record time as usually they stop for a bathroom break at a place to boost the local economy where you can buy things. The whole staff was there to great "Mr Piers's mother". Here comes the proud parent bit- Piers looked so tall, and extra lean, and handsome as he hugged me tight. It was a long 8 months for that hug. The most senior person around (Peter the head of operations) whisked me to a table at the Paradise Cafe - Piers brought me a delicious string ice coffee. Peter presented me with a bottle of wine , a thank you gift for the good job Piers had done. The kudos went on and on, the first intern to run his own boat, what a quick learner about all operations, excellent with guests and staff, how there was a place for him in the future of this you g a growing company, etc etc. I learned about the company and the new resort project underway, and maybe 15 min later the last few guests arrived and we assembled (by Piers) to go to the boat.
Welcome speech in the dining room (by the boat manager Piers)- sorry proud mother here- I especially liked how he said something so complimentary about each of his staff that he introduced.