Blogs from Hanoi, Red River Delta, Vietnam, Asia - page 9

Yesterday was another test of endurance with a 14 hour train trip. It wasn't all bad though, the scenery in the north of Vietnam is very different to the Plains and rice fields of the South. They still have rice fields but also have stunning mountains and karsts and rivers flowing through narrow valleys with water buffalo everywhere. The journey was also made more bearable by the 12 year old girl in the seat next who had been learning English at school for only 2 years but was a great conversationalist. With a bit of help from Google translate we got on famously as she told me all about Vietnam, Ba Na hill station in particular, where her family had just been on holiday, and Vinh city where she lives. As we neared Vinh city she ... read more

Big apologies but it's our last day in Hanoi, taxi pick up at 6 pm. Few places to see and watching the Old Quarter go by before we head and a last dunk in the pool! Had a superb meal last night with super company overlooking the lake in the Old Quarter and soaking up the celebrations of Reunification Day! Ciao for now followers, it's been sweet & memorable xx... read more

I had a huge breakfast in anticipation of missed meals during the long day of travel. There were sad good-byes to our hosts at La Beauty de Hanoi. I gave maple syrup to the lady who oversees the breakfast kitchen and to the girl at the front desk who called me Santa Claus. I explained to her that it was Santa’s duty to give gifts to people who do a good job. Claudette also left a good tip in the box for that purpose. I guess it was acceptable and appreciated, judging from the wild-eyed smile from the staff present. Incredibly, we made it to the airport in virtual silence. The driver followed all the rules of the road. I wondered that they even existed, and he didn’t honk his horn once during the 45 minute ... read more

Our boat engines started at 6:08 this morning; we had been consulted and had voted to start early to make the most of the day. After soup plus scrambled eggs, I went out onto the front deck to enjoy the sight of the mountains drifting by, wanting to soak up every moment of the unforgettable rock formations. The wind was stronger and the boat was moving faster, plus the mountains were more numerous – dramatic end to our visit. Arriving at the embarkation harbour, we could see the incredible number of docking points – dozens, if not over a hundred. On shore again, Thuy told us that due to the weather forecast, sailing on Ha Long Bay was shut down for this day and over-night. We had a lucky visit, especially because yesterday's sun let us ... read more

Our hotel had a limited menu for breakfast, not including Pho! Eggs they are happy to do. Elizabeth came early and opines that they do the Chinese breakfast foods for the early-rising Chinese businessmen. Our first visit was to the excellent Women’s Museum, where chairs were set up in the courtyard for a conference and celebration for International Women’s Day tomorrow. Oddly for me, I visited the gift shop in the lobby before going to the galleries. Lots of silk scarves continued to entice, but I managed to curtail my instincts to buy. Instead I found a cheerful decorative lacquer plate depicting a boy and a buffalo. The Museum was well organized and provided excellent signs in Vietnamese, English and French. On the second floor were many garments and accoutrements related to traditional weddings from sever ... read more