Around Hoan Kiem Lake

Last day and gear review, part II

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February 26th 2009
Awakened as usual at 6:00 AM by construction and the shouts of "chi ui!" which means "Hey/attention/alert sister/lady!" In the alley. I had some fruit, then decided to walk since it was already warm and humid and I figured I'd better get my exercise in early. I tried to find a Trung Nguyen cafe, which are supposed to be ubiquitous and as evil as Starbucks, but I was directed only to cafes that ... read more

Asia » Vietnam » Red River Delta » Hanoi

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The conquest of Vietnam by France began in 1858 and was completed by 1884. It became part of French Indochina in 1887. Independence was declared after World War II, but the French continued to rule until 1954 when they were defeated by Communist forc... ... read more