a 3 day tour

we spent the last few days on a boat called the lagoon explorer 2, in some of the most stunning surroundings we have ever seen ... halong bay.

we were with 3 other couples:

pete and avril were from the UK. pete is a pilot with a eva airlines, so throughout their many years of marriage, they have traveled much, and had many stories to tell about distant places that most haven't even heard of. of course, everything sounds even more terrific w/ a witty english bend. one of my favorites was about the names that some of the taiwanese pilots gave themselves when they were required to use english names. they chose call signs from the boys in the movie top gun. those of you that know the love i have for top gun can imagine my distinct pleasure at the thought of 'maverick, goose and viper' telling the tower in all seriousness, that they are ready for take off. i begged pete to tell maverick that he is dangerous.

phil and samona were from switzerland, and both were translators. between the two, they could speak italian, french, german, english, and bits of mandarin, etc. not bad if you are impressed by that sort of thing. i guess.

rick and sarah were from SEATTLE, and both originally from wisconsin and michigan. rick's parents were from da UP. what are the chances?

our guide's name was hai (pronounced 'hi') which is fitting. upon hearing i was in advertising, he very seriously asked if i would 'advertise him' to help him find a girlfriend. a hopeless romantic, he did everything he could throughout 3 days to show us he was worthy. from leading kayak excursions, to playing his guitar and serenading us with every cheesy american love song known to man ... he always wanted to make sure i was paying attention and noting his skills. "i got it, hai. yes, i'm working on your brand ... have you heard of match.com?"

i think the highlight for both of us was kayaking through fishing villages. in the middle of absolutely no where ... families make their homes on tiny boats and floating docks. they have so little, and i'm not sure the contact that is available with the outside world. some have tvs on the floors in the middle of the empty family living space. it was the radiant little faces that beckoned us closer, and though initially timid, their faces lit up when we showed them the digital display on our camera. they were amazing in their ability to maneuver the boats (even w/ their feet), and they chased us for more, giggling and squealing uncontrollably. their parents welcomed us onto their boats and offered tea and food. how is it that the most generous are so often the ones w/ the least?

i feel really blessed to have visited this gorgeous little pocket of the world, and even more so to have been close enough to catch a glimpse of the sparkle in those precious tiny eyes.