Hanoi

Disclaimer: I don't know how to format so what I write comes out near the photo. An iPod touch does have its limitations, but hey, its light ;-)
What a let down after the tranquility of the rice fields. Chaos, busy, noisy, energetic, vibrant, youth in power, motor scooter paradise, narrow alley/streets in the old quarter brim full. Our hotel on one of these, surrounded by fruit sellers, shoe makers, beauty parlors, street food stands and bicycles and
scooters racing up and down all day and most of the night. This time our room is in the back, so noise isn't the issue. Our room has an air conditioner/heater combo thing, which is great since the fog/smog makes everything feel wet all the time. On the streets one finds EVERYTHING, even chickens. I don't know how they survive as its hard enough for people to cross the road ;-)


There is an effort at education about smoking, even by those selling cigs:





In case one is feeling homesick for US food (I cant imagine why with al this great VN food) there's even a KFC on the second floor near the recovered sword lake.


And the ever hardy peddlers are undaunted by traffic.


We were only there one night this pass, long enough for a great massage/shiatsu to work out the kinks from kayaking and then back to the countryside and more fog and cooler weather.
-On the road with Kathryn

Location:Hanoi