Hanoi

Trip Start Dec 05, 2007

Trip End Jan 02, 2008

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Flag of Vietnam Hanoi, Vietnam
Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Yesterday I walked from my hotel to the Old Quater of Hanoi, past the lake which is in the middle of the bustling city. Lovely quiet oasis, strangly no boating I must ask why. The Old Quater has narrow streets all specialising in a particular trade, like shoes, clothing, ironmongery, straw matting etc. Would you believe they have even transformed one street into selling Christmas decorations ! Not many Westeners about, the locals are very friendly and nice. I stopped and had some spring rolls in a cafe full of locals, knew it was good food by it's popularity, and the women make them on the spot. The coffee here too is bloody briliant !

Traffic is a nightmare and it's an art of survival to cross the road. Hundreds and thousands of motorscooters going flat out, some with 3 people on them or 2 with baby in between. The secret is to keep walking at a steady pace and never stop or hesitate. They weave around you.

Food is good here and so far havn't got any tummy bugs. The hotel is old worldy and comfy, huge free breakfast everymorning, as much as you can eat.

Tomorrow we go to the hilltribes, then Halong Bay, Maybe wont find an internet for some time. Anyway rest assured I am looking after myself well and will be well looked after by our guide. Back in Hanoi next Monday. Weathers dry and nice temp, lets hope it stays that way.

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lake	old quater	burning fake money	old quater
hanoi	tree lopping

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Comments

maggie1961 on

Greetings
Hi Mary... Guess I'm first on this service, glad to haer your holiday is going well. Just a tad jealous!
Have fun and dont think about anything but FUN. Will you be home for Christmas? Chat again later, Take care and lots of love Rea and Dawnee

mary_fraser on

Re: Greetings
Hey Rea, great I've had my first comment ! Yeah it's pretty good here, back in Hanoi in an internet cafe. Beginning to feel very familiar in this city and getting better at crossing the roads. Wish you could see some of my pics of Halong Bay. It is out of this world. Don't quite understand how to upload yet, this is a fast connection, unlike the crappy hotel one, but no luck with the photos. Cheers, Dort/Mary