Pearls in Vietnam

A pearl farm in Halong Bay creating a floating fishing village around it.

In order to grow a pearl, an artificial disturbance needs to be implanted in the Oyster. She performs the job with a smile.

Every oyster get an insert. Of all the oysters that get put back in the water only 30% grow a pearl. Of the 30% that grow a pearl, only 10% create a jewelry quality pearl. Depending on the desired pearl diameter, they need to grow for two to three years.

The Vietnamese English spelling.

EMBA3's emptying Mrs. Huong's new jewelry store.

Eddie

Halong Bay

Several EMBA3 students took a short cruise on Halong Bay after our residency week was over. Here are a few photos and thoughts on what I experienced:

 This is a typical formation in the bay – huge limestone islands (officially limestone karsts – Geology 101 comes in handy) are spread over 1500 square kilometers off the northern coast of Vietnam. Halong means “descending dragon”, where the karsts resemble the pinnacles on the back of a dragon descending into the water.

 We visited Hang Đầu Gỗ (Wooden stakes cave) – the largest of several caves in the area. We walked up steps carved into the side of the karst to the entrance, took this photo and then toured the cave. Very large and still active, with fresh water still making formations. Unfortunately, modern society has also left its scars in the form of graffiti and commercialization.

The weather has been fantastic since Wednesday, and it continued into Saturday with a clear night for stargazing and an opportunity to enjoy the sunset. The night on the junk was very nice – cool enough to open the windows and enjoy fresh air.

The road between Halong Bay and Hanoi is an adventure in itself – there are several stops to “rest and refresh” and also to buy souvenirs and art. Did I mention the road, and the tendency for tour bus drivers to take the path of least resistance – regardless of the road condition, traffic lanes and oncoming traffic? Riding and driving in Vietnam is one of those areas where you “roll with it” and hope that the Vietnamese keen sense of situational awareness is working well that day.

Halong Bay is a global treasure and should be experienced if you are in Vietnam. As in all things that are special in the world, there is a sense of exploitation, but we as a species are guilty of this (ever driven to Mount Rushmore and encountered the blizzard of signs for Wonderland Cave?). So, look for the stunning and uniqueness, and downplay the commercialism – enjoy the beauty of Halong Bay.

--Jeff

The EMBA3 Class

Eddie, we missed you in person, but made sure you were with us!

Ray, Elaine and Gary take a break outside Ho Chi Minh Museum

Chicks dig Toby!

Troy made a new friend!!

Good friends!!

Good friends and good dinner!  Mike doesn't show up on film . . . hmmmm . . .

What a serious group!!

The Man-Purse is popular at the water puppet show too!

Did someone say buffet??

EMBA3 Chicks Rock!!

Okay, EMBA3 dudes rock too . . .

Ms. Ngan from GreenLink warmly accepts our gifts

The GreenLink Team!

-Kayce

A Trip to Remember

An incredible trip that has changed our lives forever . . . too many experiences to list, but have captured some to help describe the trip and the country:

Temple deep in the center of Marble Mountain in Danang - yes, this is in the center of the mountain.  Something to do with virility, so we stayed far away . . .

At the top of Marble Mountain

Nighttime in Hoi An

Road to Hue

On the Perfume River heading towards the Perfume Pagoda

Inside the Citadel in old Hue City (the old capitol)

Entrance into the City - surrounded by a moat

The Emperor's private theater - I bet they saw plenty of water puppet shows!!

One of my first experiences as a passenger in a car - the 'safe way to travel'.  Happy to see the Ford sign . . .

School's out!!

Ayyy, Calypso!!  Ha Long Bay!

Delivery in Ha Long Bay

Kayaking in the Bay

OMG . . . monkeys!!!

Ahhhhh . . . Nha Trang . . . 

Traffic in Ho Chi Minh City

A full moon over the Hanoi Opera House

Carl and Gary look both ways before they cross the street . . .

Good food!!

Chillin' at the Lake

Good food, good beer, good friends at Cafe 69!

-Kayce

Diplomatic Relations

The EMBA3s were not the only diplomats in Vietnam this week.  The ASEAN Summit brought dignitaries from around the region and from elsewhere in the world, to work on ensuring peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region.

The Indian delegation's departure at Hanoi Airport.

Hillary's plane . . . I think it's called Air Force 15???

I bet Sarah Palin can't see this from her window!

Yes, the Russians were here!!

The Americans are here!!  Nice to see a familiar flag!

The Malaysians.  I've never seen so many Mercedes Bends!!

I guess Hillary was here the whole time!  Is this the "weasel coffee bean"?

We ventured off to forge some new diplomatic relations, starting with the American Embassy, where Jennifer almost got detained for taking recon photos out front.

A new BSU fan!!!

15 years?  You've got nothing on Kirk and Nancy!!

Then Mike arranged a meeting with the JTFFA on MIA/POW Recovery Efforts - thanks, Mike!!  This was definitely a highlight!!

-Kayce