It's been awhile...

Sorry for the lack of posting, friends. Charlie and I have been on the move up Vietnam. From Dalat we took a 15 hour bus up to Hoi An, which is famous for the 500 Tailoring shops that don the quiet streets of this town. Charlie and I were only there a few hours before picking out fabrics and styles for our new attire. I got a beautiful wool pea coat made, and Charlie got a silk-line pinstriped suit- all for a total of $170. To say the least we are very happy with our purchases.
From Hoi An we decided to high-tail it up to Hanoi, the northern capital, so we could spend our last two weeks in, what has turned out to be, the most beautiful part of Vietnam. We have run into our Canadian buddies in many random places, met new friends to travel with, and spent some whiskey-ridden days kayaking through the grotto's and limestone peaks that loom in and above Halong Bay. Famous for its Islands of sheer cliffs and lush jungle, this National Heritage site was one of the most impressive sights yet on this trip. We took an organized tour, one of the few we have done on the trip, through The Hanoi Backpackers Hostel. The trip took us, and eighteen other young travelers, on a cruise through the Bay on an old fashioned, pirate ship. This mahogany boat was our home for 36 hours of drinking, fine dining and socializing as we cruised through the massive limestone islands. Our accommodation on-board was beautiful and romantic, some of the nicest rooms on our trip. The second night of the three day tour was spent in a three star hotel on the largest island in the bay- Cat Ba Island. This island, which is also a national park, had many quaint villages and one seaside town with many hotels and little Vietnamese restaurants. A group of five of us decided to stay on the island a few extra days to enjoy more scenery and the slower pace of the place. Another detail is that it is quite cold in Northern Vietnam. Coats are necessary and it has been raining on and off for about a week. This has made the scenery even for mysterious, with fog blanketing areas around the island reinforcing the local myths that the islands were once sea dragons that protected the villagers from harm. They settled on their stationary spots to provide protection from the sea and any enemies in might bring. We drank beer at the local climbing bar and stayed in immaculate $6 sea view rooms, only going back to the first hotel to utilize the top floor Spa. For $12 we got one hour massages and full use of steam bath, jacuzzi and sauna for two hours. We ordered beer, sat in the jacuzzi, and enjoyed luxury that we haven't had once on our trip- or perhaps ever.
After hopping on our ship, that comes every day for those staying longer on the island, we made our way back to the mainland, and eventually back to Hanoi. So now Charlie, Justin (our Australian friend whom we have been traveling with since Hoi An), and I are just enjoying the local Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup) before Charlie and I fly back to Bangkok the day after tomorrow.
Oh, and on a family note- MY SISTER HAD HER BABY!
Golden and her husband Sean welcomed in their son, Zayden Clark Rogers, into the world yesterday. He is a healthy 9 lbs 2 ounces and a pretty good looking baby (as far as newborns go). My family is so happy and proud, and I am very excited to get home to meet my new nephew.
Much Love.
Oriana and Charlie

p.s. We will post pictures soon.