Hi everyone. Had long uncomfortable trip up here, but all worthwhile. Hanoi is a fascinating city. There are 6million people and about the same number of motorbikes. Its on the go all the time. We are in the old quarter of the City near Lake Hoan Kiem. Spent the first day wandering around this area and went to a Water Puppet Theatre show. They have shops for everything here with particular things all in one area, eg around the hotel is all the shoe shops, another area will be all clothes, and even Christmas decorations. People are all very friendly, and the Hotel people are particularly helpful. Climate is not too hot but quite humid. We have eaten at local restaurants trying out the Vietnamese dishes - all have been really nice. I don't think we
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