Waking up to Vietnam

I took the sunset flight to Hanoi. It was beautiful, the golden reflection on the plane's metallic body was something I haven't forgotten. We landed in this foreign land and I wondered what to expect. I had been told so much about Vietnam, mostly by disgruntled backpackers in uniform. I was happy to arrive with a clean canvas and decide for myself.

We landed, I made friends with a group of 10 loitering people of the same species and soon I was riding along with them in a van hurtling towards the old city quarter of Hanoi. Of course we got there and within minutes scam no.1 was pulled off. An Aussie guy who I had been chatting with - he too was traveling alone - decided that he would join me to get away from the rather large crowd in the search for accommodation. It is easier to find a home when you are solo or in small groups. So off we trotted. I was fully loaded, backpack, day pack, a little bag and a 5 kilo box of goodies that the post office in Vientiane wouldn't take off me. Within minutes I had serious problems.... one of my flip flops broke. But low and behold, all the 'horrible' Vietnamese people the crazy backpackers had spoken about were not there that night. I found a lovely Vietnamese lady (well she found me) She stepped out of her shop, grabbed my flip flop and took it into her shop. She produced a needle and thread and began to sew my flip flop (!!) back together. I tried to offer her Dollars but she refused. She was Amazing! I got to a hotel and slept very well that night.

I woke up to a Vietnam that I adored. The chaos and the traffic I simply loved it. There are a million and one motorcycles on the road at any point in time in this city (and maybe one four wheeler). In order to get across the road, you just walk, you don't wait (you'll be there until you receive a pension) you just walk straight across. The only vehicles you have to watch out for are the four wheel variety - yep, they don't stop - Otherwise the motorcycles perform a ballet around you and you are left completely unscathed. I used to walk to the middle of the road, stop and take pictures of the oncoming traffic, I simply loved that buzz (and secretly knew I was safe, they are more afraid of Forangs crossing the streets than we are of them!!

I spent a few days in the city and met up with Maya and Matt once again. We had a drink at The Little Hanoi, recommended if you're ever in town. Followed by a mixer at the Jazz Club.

We then headed off to Halong Bay


TBC