Hanoi and Halong Bay

I know, the travel is getting ridiculous - but we're trying to finish up all the places we wanted to see before heading back to the states this summer.  Hanoi and Halong Bay in northern Vietnam have always been on my list and it was a place that I felt would be good to do without the kids (they already went with us to Ho Chi Minh in southern Vietnam when we first moved here).  Hanoi is the 'Paris' of Southeast Asia because it was French occupied for about a hundred years - until the late 1950's.  The city is dotted with French architecture and cafe's.  It's also become famous for the purchase of art.  It has a fun feel and was an enjoyable anniversary getaway for Craig and I.

We stayed at the famous Metropole Hotel which was built by the French in 1901.  The hotel was beautiful and rich with history.

 I loved this picture.  We visited an old Confucius temple of learning and there were a group of girls taking graduation pictures in traditional dress.

We found this restaurant by chance while looking for another restaurant and fell in love - we went back again the next day.

 The Opera House built by the French to match one in Paris.

 We spent two days in Hanoi and then headed to the coast to Halong Bay famous for the towering limestone rock formations jetting out of the water throughout.  We did an over night cruise thru the bay.  A very picturesque place.  So bright and green and beautiful during the day and then foggy and mystique in the evening and morning.  Also very relaxing on the boat.

Now I can check it off the list.  I feel very lucky to have been able to explore so much of this part of the world over the past 3 years.   This was probably our final trip (well, except for the quick jont up to Malaysia that I just decided to take with my sister this weekend - but I won't count that).  It was nice to spent time with Craig and enjoy exploring and experiencing new things together.