Needless to mention, of course, I booked a cruise for my parents. Whenever I received a bonus or performing well financially, I made the effort to reward them accordingly. My choice to remain child-free ensured that I have the flexibility to care for them to the best of my ability. My way of repaying their years of kindness instead of selfishly devoting all resources only to hobbies, mortgage, children, or spouse. In certain countries lacking social securities, it's so frustrating having to choose between aging parents and children.
During my first Halong Bay cruise, however, I sort of regretted not trying harder to convince my female guide to join me. My bad! As a result of that, someone nearly got slapped or had tea spitted onto their faces. Two Singaporean tourists seated opposite to me at the common dining table not only had got some nerves to initiate conversation but they also mentioned, "we prefer Chinese cuisine!" (我们还是比较喜欢中餐!) after complaining about the blandness of Vietnamese food with their mouth full. First of all, I always appreciate the diversity of different cuisine. The point of traveling IS to experience another culture to the fullest. Secondly, intentionally or not, they referred to me as the Chinese dish which carried a suggestive undertone. Subtle yet super inappropriate!
After that incident, I allocated as little time as possible at the dining table unless necessary. Photography saved the day. They got to keep their dear lives since the cruise was bundled along with other fun activities such as exploring the Sung Sot cave, kayaking, squid fishing, and visiting the floating pearl farm. Whenever I felt uncomfortable, it's best to minimize contact else the murdery side of me might be activated.
I mourned the despair of losing my signature gangster touch. My angry eye-rolling stares of contempt used to keep boys in school standing at least 2 meters away from me even before the pandemic. Need to work harder on displaying my displeasure. In times like this, I truly understood the importance of financial freedom. To make sure annoying people stay out of my sight.
One of the most intriguing parts about the Halong Bay cruise was limestones really do exist in all shapes and sizes imaginable under the sun. I was inherently mesmerized by all the natural wonders the world has to offer. Spending time on the deck of the boat had a soothing effect on my mind, body, and soul. The continuous circulation of energy was ever so refreshing. I was then able to switch my brain towards envisioning possibilities of endless contented days ahead.
I discovered that I'm better off having a solitary monologue with limestones than strangers. Probably a ritual that serves to benefit my psyche for the long haul. Totally an oddball to others as I'm those rare people capable of staying silent for days hence conserving energy for more important tasks at hand. Life is nevertheless meant to make myself happy rather than pleasing others. Glad that I mastered this lesson early.
Sleep had been unexpectedly good on the cruise. Delighted with my comfortable room with a spectacular ocean view. Obviously, I was very well rested that strangers didn't seem as annoying as before the next morning. Much to my surprise, I even participated in the making of Vietnamese fried spring rolls for lunch.
Thank you for reading!
Cheers,
Wheat
Ok, I don't wanna "toot your horn", but it was a beautifully crafted post, your writing style was also easy on the eye.
Cheers Wheat!
The best things in life are always unexpected.
Many thanks for taking the time to read and for your most kind compliments!
Happy weekend!😄
My pleasure, cheers!
I feel about this big for not following. Please accept an APOLOGY that big.
Congrats on the reward. Such a gorgeous article.
Wow! This is such a pleasant surprise!
The apology is unnecessary.
As always, appreciate that you took the time to read and comment!
Happy weekend!
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To be honest, I'm Vietnamese but have not visited Ha Long Bay. I wanna go to there one day
They are beautiful photos of this stunning landscape. Thank for sharing🥰
Thank you for your kind comments! Best wishes to all your dreams and desires!😊
Thank you @qurator!
the scenery is very beautiful and fun
Thank you! Have a wonderful week! 😊
beautiful scenery with great photography
Thank you! Have an awesome week! 😊
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So beautiful!
Thank you!😊
Great shots :) Ha Long Bay is spectacular and I love all the limestone shape :)
Trying different cuisine sometimes tasty and sometimes not, but we can't complain right 🙂
I hope you had a great trip and thanks for sharing :)
Very true! Unfair to complain because apple is different from orange.
I had a great time in Vietnam!😄Thank you for stopping by @trangbaby!😊
Hi wittywheat ,
What beautiful pictures you took! I visited there with my parents as a gift as well. It was a nice memory! #LUV 😀👏 !LUV
Hello back! The pictures look nice thanks to the SONY camera and good weather 😂
We went there around the end of December to early January.
Such a coincidence! My parents enjoyed the trip a lot too 😄
Have a wonderful week!