Ha Long Bay and Hanoi with Mom...Good Times!

Mom and Dad were suppose to come for a 2 week visit to Vietnam but unfortunately, Dad got sick and could not make the trip.  We were disappointed that Dad did not come but were happy to see Mom, especially Bryson.  He sure misses his Mimi and Pop!

I wanted to make it a memorable trip and find the most interesting place in Vietnam to take them.  This is why I chose Ha Long Bay.  It is rated one of the top natural wonders to see in the world.  I would have to agree, it was pretty spectacular!  We stayed on a Junk Boat called the Bhaya for 2 nights and 3 days.  It was a beautifully built boat, of which Bryson LOVED.  All he wanted to do was 'drive the boat' as he would say.  He did very well the whole time and had a blast with Mimi.  We were able to explore a cave called Surprise Cave, and it was just that!  I have never seen anything like it...truly amazing!  Ha Long Bay was amazing in itself too, as it is composed of over 2000 islands that jet up from the ocean.  I highly recommend this trip for anyone.  One of my favorite points was when we went kayaking through caves that opened up to a large round water hole surrounded by the island.  In one, there was nothing but different colored jelly fish all over the place...an amazing site!  Bryson kept saying "touch it" and "hold it" because he thought they were 'cute'. 

After the boat trip, we stayed in Hanoi for 2 more nights and toured the 'Hanoi Hilton' (the prison where our soldiers were kept during the war) and went to a classic Water Puppet Show.  Bryson thoroughly enjoyed the show, which we were all happy about.  I didn't know if he was going to last but he loves music and instruments so much that he watched more of the people playing and singing then the actual puppet show.

Mom had about 5 more days after our trip to the North to hang out with us in Vung Tau.  It was nice to bring her back to our home, relax and show her around.  We took her to our favorite dining spot, showed her the famous toilet (of which she refused to use), did a little shopping, went up the Big Mountain (one of Bryson's favorite outtings here) and hung out at the pool/beach.  We all had such a great time and as always, it went by way too quickly.  I was sad to see her leave but I know that we will see everyone soon enough!

Picture Time:

Banana Man

On our way to get on the Bhaya Junk cruise in Ha Long Bay

It was a beautiful ship with very nice, cozy cabins.

Love the big windows!

Mom enjoying her time with a gorgeous backdrop

Blowing kisses as usual...such a sweetie!

We are missing someone in this picture....Cory had to smoke a cigar alone...we missed Dad!

A floating village...amazing!

This one is for you Blake...hehe...are ya jealous?!?!

One of my favorite pictures!

This is a school

All Bryson wanted to do was 'drive the boat' as he would say

The gates at the Hanoi "Hilton" Prison

A picture of John McCain being captured

John McCain's flight suit

A beautiful Hanoi street

Kayaking through caves in Ha Long Bay

Jellyfish have taken over one of the caves...truly amaing to see!  They came in all colors.

Tuckered out

Just like Daddy...

This is a picture of how some of the prisoners escaped...Bryson probably could not even fit through there!

John McCain

Water Puppet Show