Hanoi, Vietnam - 16th -20th May 2011

We arrived at a sensible hour at Hanoi airport. We look out in arrivals for our taxi man to our hotel. We saw him but he didnt see us, he did however, after another vietnamese man smacked him in the face with his custom made sign for David Williams to get his attantion. I would say a short drive into Hanoi city but it truly felt like the longest of our lives. I dont know what we expected? Maybe not pristine roads with beautiful flowing traffic but certainly not the hair raising experience. I spent most of the journey behind my hands, peeking every so often through parted fingers to check the status of Dave and Bridger in the back.

We established that there are alot of mopeds in Hanoi. They dominate the roads, however its quite obvious that cars that are in charge. Buses even more so. The first roundabout (if you could call it that) was terrifying. With motos coming from left right and centre and cars veering towards each other from all directions with hands constantly on the horn. I turned to both in the back and told them i loved them. I really thought we may die. The taxi driver laughing turned to me and said "it ok, safe" pah!

We were glad to get to the hotel through all the hussle and busle and were actually releived that it was off the main road and down a quiet little alleyway. Thankfully after our Kl experience we were able to check in there and then. We were on the 4th floor and there was no lift but the staff kindly hoiked our bags up the 5 flights of stairs! We then went to check out the old quater.

As soon as we left we just wanted to go back. Its was nothing short of mad. The pavements were lined with moped after moped and those areas unoccupied were dotted with tiny plastic tables and chairs and little vietnamese women selling there freshly cooked food. The only option was to walk on the road side which was trecherous. I think the thing that mesmorised us the most was the cages attached to the back of tiny 100cc's. If you asked which came first the chicken or the egg we would say the 10 caged chickens first and then the 20 dozen eggs piled high. Followed shortly by ducks, fruit, rice and even a large electric keyboard! We tried to cross the road but gave up after at least 7 minuites of trying.

We found sanctury in an old barber shop as Dave wanted to get his hair cut as he was rather warm. It was cooler than Kl but still hot. Me and Bridger just sat and took it all in. A vietnamese man infront of us was having a rough looking cut throat shave. After releif that his head wouldnt roll to our feet he was rinsed off by the lady. She then promptly put a head tourch on (at this point we didnt know what the hell would happen). She pulled out an extra long cotton bud and started an ear cleaning ritual ewwww!

After a few hours our road crossing skills improved dramatically. We have observed others just walking out into traffic and noted that mopeds just slowed and dodged you. So we gave it a go. We did realiase that it was not the same with cars and buses lol. But we were getting better, there was much less screaming and hand holding from me and much less shouting from dave, at me, for screaming.

On our first evening we met up with Lou Boop for dinner and had a lovely catch up cuppa and ice cream in the very cute and highly recommended 'Hanoi House'. So lovely to see another face from home so glad she took the plunge and decided to travel!

On our second day we were much more confident in the city. We had a walk down to the big lake and had a late breakfast. We spent most of the day getting our bearings in the labyrinth of streets. In the evening we had the oddest experience in the vietnamese water puppet theatre. I can only describe it as 30 minuites of something totally new. I dont know how someone would have even come up with the concept. Its lots of wooden puppets splashing around in a pool of water led by puppeters from behind a curtain. Even though the narration was in Vietnamese we got the jist of the storyline. Lots of singing. Very enjoyable but definaly only needs to be a one time experience.

On our third day me and Bridger took a day trip to Halong bay which is north east of the city. I think we can safely say that 7 hours of driving on a cramped minibus is shit. But the lunch on the boat was awsome, we visited some mega caves and a floating village. More on Halong Bay later.

On our fourth day we decided to visit the mausoleam of Ho Chi Minh (affectionatly called 'Uncle Ho') the famous president of vietnam who reclaimed his country from the French. He is a national treasure and his body was embalmed 40 years ago when he passed away. We were able to view his body. The room was silent and he was laying in a glass box. 6 guards surronded him all with guns. No photography was allowed and we were shuffled out pretty quick. We also visited the museam where Dave was asked by an asian guy to pose for a photo with his wife! haha! I quite like having a celebraty boyfriend! We also had a look around the presidentail palace which was lovely.

The food in Hanoi is unbelivebly amazing with its speciality of 'Hanoi fried fish' we hope it only gets better as we get down. We have to admit Pho (traditional vietnamese noodle soup) for breakfast is growing on us.

Sadly it was time to say goodbye to bridger :( We headed for the sleeper train to our next destination. SAPA.

To view our Hanoi photos please click on the link below;
https://picasaweb.google.com/112941139607408893724/HanoiVetnam16thTo20thMay2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCOm669OBmcCNxgE#