Jumbo Beach Towels

The real reason to visit Ha Long Bay..

Ha Long Bay is the leading candidate for Seven New Wonders of the World - an amazing, jaw dropping "have to see it to believe it" kind of place. And I had. Seen it. One year earlier, to be exact, while on a business trip and it amazing and my jaw did drop. I wanted S to experience the same thing and I was counting my blessings that I was going to see it again.

Normally we are on a tight, tight backpacker budget that forces us into fan cooled rooms with questionable stains on the walls, the sounds of the noisy street (or beach) keeping us awake. But for this, our one night (well, my second one night) on Ha Long Bay sleeping in a junk boat, for this we decided to splash out a bit. And what a difference that 20 extra dollars can make! The food on my trip last year had been good - a solid good. But this year.....just look.

The first course of lunch. We knew that things were looking good when this plate of humongous shrimp (I like to call'em shramp) were set down in front of us. We peeled these guys and dipped them (who am I trying to kid? I bathed mine...) in the limey, salty peppery mixture you see at the top of this page.

I will let you in on a secret. I like eating squid, octopus and cuttlefish the most when they are purple. I have no idea why. When you place a plate of pale white calamari in front of me my stomach is like "nope" but when I see a piece of tako that is the colour of concord grape juice something in my brain breaks and I become submissive to its charms.

Yes - we are still on lunch! You may recall that I am normally a vegetarian (an ass kickin' food lovin' one) but on this trip I decided to eat fish because frankly, I think they are dicks. The wonderful staff on this boat made us an entirely pescetarian 5-course meal. This was a lovely fish steak smothered in a sort of Vietnamese warm salsa - tomatoes, onions both spring and white, chili and of course, garlic.

Our boat was much nicer than our course backpacker senses were accustomed to. Every thing was dark wood polished to a high sheen - very posh.

We eyed the requisite karaoke machine with suspicion, knowing full well that all of the Da Lat wine and Ha Noi beer was going to loosen us up enough to give it a go. But first, a perfect simple photo of a cold towel in a little laquered basket.

I am really at my very happiest when a meal begins with a vase of jumbo shramp and some carved vegetable flowers. I want every meal to start with these things. Do not be surprised if you come to my house and I present you with a tall refreshing glass of shrimp and a carrot rosette before you're even all the way in the door.

These were in served in a really light broth - mostly clam nectar and garlic and were very delicate and pretty, but....I have had a bad relationship with bivalves since a terrible, horrible, life changing-ly bad bout of food poisoning from mussels a few years ago. Only recently have I been able to even entertain the notion of placing a clam anywhere near my mouth - but these boys made the cut! Cautiously, mind you - I only ate about 5 and even then was terrified to go to sleep, as if they were little clam axe-murderers just waiting for me to relax and close my eyes.
For the grand finale: crab shells stuffed with crab cakes. Just when I was feeling a little riced out, a little accosted with lemongrass (I hate the stuff and am pummeled with it daily) they brought these little gems out. Now, I don't harbour any notions that these are in any way Vietnamese other than the fact that the crab lived here, but let me tell you: I was one pinch of Old Bay Seasoning and a little pot of aioli away from sheer bliss.

I will always remember my first time to Ha Long Bay. I will remember the beauty, the eerie calm, the almost spooky way that the karst rock formations jut out from the murky sea. It was magic in the truest sense of the word.

But my second trip? I will think about those tiny limes, the plump shrimp, the delicate blush of an octopus tentacle, the meatiness of the rich crab meat.

And I'll look you straight in the eye and tell you that the first time was more meaningful.

You'll believe me, right?

v

Realated to Ha long bay

Ha Long cruise: Indochinasails: www.indochinasails.com

Ha Long kayaking: www.kayakhalongbay.com

About the Author

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA) offers a wide selection of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar adventure tours, including hiking and trekking, biking, motorcycling, overland touring and family travel packages.

Four Girls on Beach Towels $14.99 Four Girls on Beach Towels - Premium Poster

Bathing Beauties on Beach Towels $39.99 Bathing Beauties on Beach Towels - Giclee Print

MLB Team Beach Towels $19.95 MLB® beach towels add team spirit and color to your day! 100% cotton. Machine washable. Imported. Ten teams, please specify when ordering. 30" x 60".

Printed Summer Beach Towels $9.99 Soft, absorbent over-sized towels adds comfort and style at the beach, on a lounge chair and the lawn. 100% cotton terry. Choice of polka dots, flip-flops, beach umbrellas and floral designs. Imported. Machine wash. 40" x 70". Sold Separately.

Jungle Lions Beach & Bath Towels $11.99 Our towels are thick and thirsty, and guaranteed to spice up your trip to the beach or bathroom. These towels measure 30" x 60" and are made from 100% fully machine washable cotton.

Three Women on Beach with Pink Towels on Head $24.99 Jim McGuire Three Women on Beach with Pink Towels on Head - Photographic Print

Jumbo 46 Inch Beach Ball $9.99 Jumbo Beach BallPerfect for parties at the pool, beach, or lake! Ball measures 46 inches when fully inflated.

Jumbo Love-n-Peace Zebra Tie Dye Beach & Bath Towel (54" x 68") $24.99 Jumbo Love-n-Peace Zebra Tie Dye Beach & Bath Towel (54" x 68"). Our collection of high quality velor beach towels are perfect for all you wet and wild adventures and are as unique as you are. Each towel features detailed prints that are fade resistant on the velor portion of the towel. Each towel has a printed super soft velor side and a plain white terry cloth side so you can dry off quickly and then stay warm with the fuzzy velor texture. Each towel measures a Gigantic 54'' X 68'' that's over 4 and a half feet wide and 6 feet long! These towels are perfect for every day bath use and are also great for time on the beach or pool. Bring them to the beach and show your unique style with these great beach and bath towels.

Two Women in Swimwear, Lying on Beach Towels, Sunbathing $24.99 H. Armstrong Roberts Two Women in Swimwear, Lying on Beach Towels, Sunbathing - Photographic Print

Set of Three Palm Beach Personalized Towels $39 These fashionable cotton towels are accented with pompom trim. The green and pink towels are each embroidered with your initial; please specify. Machine washable. Imported. 18" x 25". Sorry, no Express Delivery.

Floral Box Beach Towels (Set of 2) $68.58 Bright and playful, these 2-ply beach towels feature a vibrant color palette and 100-percent ringspun cotton construction. With a fun floral print, these towels will brighten any beach excursion. Set includes: Two beach towels Pattern: Floral with circles and ovals Design: Jacquard Type of cotton: Standard Construction: 2-ply Color options: Multi Materials: 100-percent ringspun cotton Dimensions: 39 inches wide x 68 inches longCare instructions: Machine washable The digital images we display have the most accurate color possible. However, due to differences in computer monitors, we cannot be responsible for variations in color between the actual product and your screen.

'Napoli' Beach Towels (Set of 2) $68.58 Vibrant and playful, these 2-ply beach towels feature bright color palettes and 100-percent ringspun cotton construction. With charming tropical prints, these towels will brighten any beach excursion. Set includes: Two beach towels Pattern: Turtles and flowers Design: Jacquard Type of cotton: Standard Construction: 2-ply Color options: Multi Materials: 100-percent ringspun cotton Dimensions: 39 inches wide x 68 inches longCare instructions: Machine washable The digital images we display have the most accurate color possible. However, due to differences in computer monitors, we cannot be responsible for variations in color between the actual product and your screen.

'Fun in the Sun' Beach Towels (Set of 2) $68.58 Scenic and charming, these 2-ply beach towels feature a playful color palette and 100-percent ringspun cotton construction. With a 'fun in the sun' sailboat and palm tree print, these towels will brighten any beach excursion. Set includes: Two beach towels Pattern: Fun in the sun palm trees and sailboat Design: Jacquard Type of cotton: Standard Construction: 2-ply Color options: Blue Materials: 100-percent ringspun cotton Dimensions: 39 inches wide x 68 inches longCare instructions: Machine washable The digital images we display have the most accurate color possible. However, due to differences in computer monitors, we cannot be responsible for variations in color between the actual product and your screen.

Cube Stripe Beach Towels (Set of 2) $62.35 Dry off with these colorful velour yarn dyed jacquard beach towels. These cotton-made towels features a stylish blue and green stripe design with cube details throughout. Set includes: 2 towels Pattern: Stripes with cubes Design: Jacquard Type of cotton: Standard Construction: 2-ply Color options: Blues and greens Dimensions: 39 inches x 68 inches Materials: 100-percent ringspun cotton Care instructions:Machine wash The digital images we display have the most accurate color possible. However, due to differences in computer monitors, we cannot be responsible for variations in color between the actual product and your screen.

Mai Tai Cotton Beach Towels (Set of 2) $68.58 A fun fruit, flower, and sunglasses print highlights these yarn-dyed cotton double jacquard beach towels. A hibiscus flower print borders two ends of the Mai Tai beach towels. Set includes: Two (2) Mai Tai beach towelsPattern: Orange and pink fruits, flowers, and sunglasses Design: Jacquard Type of cotton: StandardConstruction: 2-ply Color options: Orange/pinkDimensions: 39 inches wide x 68 inches longMaterials: 100-percent ringspun cottonCare instructions: Machine wash in cold water, tumble dry on medium heat

Jumbo beach shovel - Pack of 24 $37.3 One jumbo size shovel with a wide handle that will accommodate two little hands for easy shoveling. Nothing like being able to move big scoops all at once. Not only can your child use this shovel at the beach, it is a great size for helping around in the yard work too. Shovel measures 17" in length, has a short neck that is only 5 1/2" with scooper end that is 9 1/2" x 6 1/2". Dimensions:. Length: 14. Height: 14. Width: 14

Jumbo beach shovel - Pack of 72 $70.42 One jumbo size shovel with a wide handle that will accommodate two little hands for easy shoveling. Nothing like being able to move big scoops all at once. Not only can your child use this shovel at the beach, it is a great size for helping around in the yard work too. Shovel measures 17" in length, has a short neck that is only 5 1/2" with scooper end that is 9 1/2" x 6 1/2". Dimensions:. Length: 20. Height: 20. Width: 20

Jumbo beach shovel - Pack of 48 $57.15 One jumbo size shovel with a wide handle that will accommodate two little hands for easy shoveling. Nothing like being able to move big scoops all at once. Not only can your child use this shovel at the beach, it is a great size for helping around in the yard work too. Shovel measures 17" in length, has a short neck that is only 5 1/2" with scooper end that is 9 1/2" x 6 1/2". Dimensions:. Length: 17. Height: 17. Width: 17

Jumbo beach shovel Pack of 96 $120.72 One jumbo size shovel with a wide handle that will accommodate two little hands for easy shoveling. Nothing like being able to move big scoops all at once. Not only can your child use this shovel at the beach it is a great size for helping around in the yard work too. Shovel measures 17 in length has a short neck that is only 5 1/2 with scooper end that is 9 1/2 x 6 1/2 . Dimensions:. Length: 22. Height: 22. Width: 22

Jumbo beach shovel Pack of 72 $87.19 One jumbo size shovel with a wide handle that will accommodate two little hands for easy shoveling. Nothing like being able to move big scoops all at once. Not only can your child use this shovel at the beach it is a great size for helping around in the yard work too. Shovel measures 17 in length has a short neck that is only 5 1/2 with scooper end that is 9 1/2 x 6 1/2 . Dimensions:. Length: 20. Height: 20. Width: 20

Jumbo beach shovel Pack of 48 $73.48 One jumbo size shovel with a wide handle that will accommodate two little hands for easy shoveling. Nothing like being able to move big scoops all at once. Not only can your child use this shovel at the beach it is a great size for helping around in the yard work too. Shovel measures 17 in length has a short neck that is only 5 1/2 with scooper end that is 9 1/2 x 6 1/2 . Dimensions:. Length: 17. Height: 17. Width: 17

Jumbo beach shovel Pack of 24 $47.95 One jumbo size shovel with a wide handle that will accommodate two little hands for easy shoveling. Nothing like being able to move big scoops all at once. Not only can your child use this shovel at the beach it is a great size for helping around in the yard work too. Shovel measures 17 in length has a short neck that is only 5 1/2 with scooper end that is 9 1/2 x 6 1/2 . Dimensions:. Length: 14. Height: 14. Width: 14

8' Jumbo Beach Ball $177.04 Kids have a big imagination and this giant, multicolor ball will bring out their best! This 8' diameter vinyl beach ball is great for team building activities, push ball races, field day activities and more. Includes an attached rope to help players control the ball. Inflates using a high power electric inflator/deflator. Weighs approximately 15 lbs.

WypAll® X80 Jumbo Roll Towels, 12 1/2 x 13 3/8, Red, 425Sheets/Roll. Roll of 425 $54.94 Manufacturer: Kimberly-Clark. Roll of 425. WypAll X80 Jumbo Roll Towels, 12 1/2 x 13 3/8, Red, 425Sheets/Roll Customers also search for: Cleaning Cloth;HydroKnit;KIMBERLY-CLARK;Towel;Towels;Wipe;Wiper;Wipes;Wypall

Wet Products 42in Jumbo Beach Ball $4.13 - The Jumbo Beach Ball has an inflated size of approximately 42" (107cm) diameter- Constructed of 10 gauge (0.25mm) vinyl material that has been tested and certified safe for children- Jumbo Beach Ball comes with an easy to use repair patch- Perfect for the beach, pool, and sporting events- This pool toy is Suitable for children ages 3 and older Gender: Unisex

Surf Doubled Jacquard Jumbo Beach Towel $39.99 Surf doubled jacquard jumbo beach towel. Velour 100% Cotton. Machine wash cold. Do not bleach. Tumble dry low. Available in Orange. Size 40x70.

Luau Doubled Jacquard Jumbo Beach Towel $39.99 Luau doubled jacquard jumbo beach towel. Velour 100% Cotton. Machine wash cold. Do not bleach. Tumble dry low. Available in Multi. Size 40x70.

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