Hanoi

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It was so hard going to sleep last night because I just wanted to go out and explore some more, but eventually I did fall asleep but was awake again at 5.30am!! Fiddled around for a bit and then headed out to explore Hanoi. For such a large city it was really quiet during the night, I slept with the window open and was amazed at how quiet it was. Mind you it makes up for it during the day.

So armed with my map, and trusty bottle of water I headed off after a fresh fruit breakfast at the hotel. Even though this is a tiny little hotel the staff are great and very helpful. One of them even running out last night to buy me a travel adaptor so I could charge my electronics!! Of course a tip was involved but still very helpful and friendly.

I just love it when I get lost and I ask someone on the street where I am and they have no idea and they end up turning the map round and round. So its not just me who cant read maps.

Today I was doing a self guided tour of the Old Quarter, with the help of Hayden's notes and Lonely Planet. I did ask someone where to go to get hair ties, not a big ask I thought! Look at the shop they sent me too!!! I didn't want gold plated hair ties, needless to say I didnt get them there.

I found the Hoan Klem Lake which was beautiful and relaxing, an oasis in the middle of this busy, bustling city. Lots of people relaxing and enjoying the beautiful gardens. As per usual someone found me, a lovely young girl who talked to me about the fact that she needed desperately to sell me this fan as she was saving money for university. Of course I bought it, paid $5.00 for it - but it was real silk!! She was so lovely I couldnt resist. Anyway she taught me how to cross the road in Vietnam. You just walk out into the traffic and they go around you. Dont stop, dont hesitate just keep walking. She told me the government has said that Vietnamese people are not allowed to run over tourists! So now I just walk out saying to my self don't stop just walk, and I have made it so far, but its an exciting way to get across the road.

I wandered around the lake and the tourists spots and then headed into the Old Quarter where there is absolutely everything you could want - silver, jade, silk, clothes, shoes the list goes on. I found the hotel I will be staying in next which is right in the middle of the Old Quarter so I decided to move on and do more exploring. I had a wonderful Mango shake sitting by the lake and just wondered where else you could wish to be!!

I decided to head back to my hotel so I could get organised for going to Sapa and have a brief rest after 5 hours of walking.

As I have said before, wnen travelling you just have to go with the flow. When I got back to the hotel I found out that the tickets that I had booked on line before I left for the train to Sapa, a mistake had been made by the Agency and they had booked it for last night! No drama they say, instead tonight I will be going to Sapa via the Sleeping Bus, all good you can lie down and sleep apparently on the bus and we will get there in the morning. I will come back on the train - so they say today, who knows!! Anyway it is part of the adventure......

I guess I will be offline for a few days as I am not sure about internet access in Sapa, or even Ha Long bay, but that just means I will have lots to write when I get back. For those of you thinking of a holiday I recommend Vietnam if you want to actually experience Asia before it gets too touristy. Vietnam is on its way to becoming another Thailand, but at the moment I can walk down the street and be the only Western person for blocks and blocks, and I have spent more time talking to the Vietnamese than other tourists and that's why I'm here to learn about Vietnam!

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Photos

Market Stall
Right outside the hotel every day

Breakfast this morning
Not sure what it was but it was yummy and three pieces cost me $1.00

Old and new
Selling from her bike while on her mobile

Hair Ties???
I don't think so

Bonsai everywhere
They are amazing!

Comments

[Arleen Jones]

think of me when you are enjoying all those beautiful tropical fruits and vegetables. Enjoy yourself Sandra, glad you're having a good time. Love from Sophie, Peter and Arleen xxx

[sandrasophie]

Having a fantastic time
Hi there I am having a fabulous time and very relaxed. Hope you are all well and the little white dog is being good. Love Sandra xxx

[Michael Long]

You are obviously having a great time and the photos are great, keep them coming...........Cheers (envious) Michael