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!
Sung Sot Cave
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.
Pearl Farming
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.
