Our Epic Journey aka 'I hate you'
- Trans-siberian, SE Asia,
Oz & NZ, most of South
America (inc. Easter
Island), Antarctica,
Central America, US and
then home!
Arrived safe and sound in Hanoi late pm and got taken to a hostel (touts waiting at drop off point) on arrival by motorbike (first time I have agred to go on one and was an experience) Is in Old Quarter and despite my best efforts to go somewhere posh place is great (clean room with Vietnamese furniture, shower, bath, hot water, satellite tv, free internet and brekkie) and is astronomical at 7 dollars a night (Darling Backpackers on Ban Thanh) people here are dead (if a bit too) friendly. After a welcome shower we go for a wander round the streets which are full of markets and general hustle and bustle. Buildings are a lot more colonial and less functional than in China and low rise. Is great to be able to read the script (although not understand it) and see the occasional French and English word. Loads of travel agents and cafes for travellers and we succumb to having a cheese and ham toasted sandwich in a cafe overlooking the huge lake with a v strong Vietnamese coffee.
Whilst walking the streets we came across a "Bia Hoi" of which there are loads - basically a street micro-brewery where beer is served using a syphon tube out of a large barrel - but its cheap - about 10p a pint and very tasty - so we stopped in for one and watched the world go by on our mini chairs - another Asian phenomenon - felt like back in primary school!
After lots more wandering we find a recommended tour company and find out about going to Sapa (northern hills for trekking/chilling) and Halong Bay (Karst hills plus water) on a boat. Go with Explorer Travel and leave tomorrow but will come back to Hanoi after. After dinner and welcome glass of wine drift off to sleep in our double bed watching BBC News 24 - could almost be at home!
Hanoi Hotels
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