October 24, 2023

October 24, 2023: Halong Bay, Vietnam -  Halong's Heavenly Horizons, Seafood Amidst the Karsts

Greetings!

The ethereal beauty of Halong Bay was a sight to behold. As I stood on the deck, the emerald waters and majestic limestone karsts seemed to whisper tales of ancient legends. But amidst this natural wonder, it was a chance encounter that truly made the trip unforgettable.

While I was lost in the bay's beauty, I met Linh, a vibrant Vietnamese American with a laugh that could light up any room. This was her maiden voyage to Vietnam, and our shared sense of wonder made us fast friends.

Our shared adventures took us not just through the bay's scenic spots but also its culinary treasures. One evening, as the sun painted the sky with hues of gold and crimson, Linh and I found ourselves at a quaint floating restaurant. We decided to dive deep into the bay's seafood offerings.

The Tôm Hap Bia, prawns steamed in local beer, was a revelation. The prawns, tender and juicy, carried a hint of the beer's bitterness, making each bite a delightful play of flavors. Linh, with her infectious enthusiasm, insisted we try the Mực Nướng Mỡ Hành, a grilled squid dish that was aromatic with green onions. The charred bits of the squid combined with its tender insides were a testament to Halong Bay's rich seafood heritage. And then there was the Cua Biển Nướng Mỡ Hành, grilled sea crab, a dish that Linh and I agreed was the crown jewel of our meal. Its succulent meat, infused with the flavors of the grill, had us reaching for more.

As we dined, the gentle waves of Halong Bay serenaded us, and the karsts stood as silent witnesses to our growing friendship. With Linh by my side, sharing stories and savoring the bay's culinary wonders, I realized that sometimes the most cherished memories are the unplanned ones. And as our journey continued, with promises of more adventures and shared meals, Halong Bay became more than just a destination; it became a memory etched in the heart.

cho đến lần tiếp theo,

Buster V.