Boat Trip on Hạ Long Bay

Hello and xin chào! Winter has finally descended upon Hanoi: it's been in the low 60s, and a few days have seen highs as low as 58°F! I'm actually using a space heater in my apartment, and the wind that comes from riding my motorbike is not pleasant. Otherwise, I'm really liking the lack of sweat! And I feel a lot less disoriented about what time of year it is! Anyways, fresh off my first-ever bout with food poisoning and working through an ear infection (this country is trying to kill me), I bring to you a post about a lovely day trip I took to Hạ Long Bay two weeks ago. Karst, karst, karst as far as the eye can see. Roughly three hours by bus from Hanoi, Hạ Long Bay is easily one of Vietnam's most famous sights. The large bay consists of thousands of karst islands jutting straight up out of the sea. A boat nearly identical to mine. Trying to save some money, I opted for a day trip. (Most guides recommend a one- or two-night cruise, but I can e...