Hanoi

 When we got up the first morning in Hanoi it was utter chaos outside. Since we were here about twelve years ago the number of cars has dramatically increased and the bigger the better for wealthy Vietnamese. There is a 200% import tax on cars. The narrow streets can’t accommodate cars, bicycles, pedicabs, carts being pushed by vendors, buses, tour company vans and pedestrians. The sidewalks are used for parking motorcycles and the cars park right on the narrow streets. Everyone walks on the streets with vehicles coming at you from every direction. We couldn’t believe that within two days we were walking into traffic through intersections like locals but feeling like we were taking our life in our hands every time we stepped out the door. There are no stop lights, traffic just flows through intersections from four directions and you’ve got to walk through it. 

Our first day was a little stressful. We used an atm and no money came out. Then we had to find the main branch of the bank which was a distance away. After that got straightened out we tried to use the atm attached to the bank and it kept Philip’s card. They couldn’t return Philip’s card without his passport which he wasn’t carrying so we had to taxi back to hotel and back to the bank.  The whole thing took most of the day but we learned a few lessons from it and so many wonderful Vietnamese tried to help us. We’ve met nothing but wonderful people. I find that the first few days you are vulnerable because of the time change and the culture shock. 

For the first few days we got lost every time we left the hotel but I soon learned to get around and getting lost is great because you find things you might otherwise not see. We’ve been eating anything and everything with no problems at all. Google maps has been a godsend. My favourite meal in Hanoi is Bun Cha. You get a bowl of broth with your choice of bbq pork or veggies and then a bowl of noodles and a giant platter of greens with tons of thai basil, coriander, mint and many other greens we didn’t recognize along with different spices and sauces, Then you add what you want to your broth. I think it cost about $2 cad each. I was in heaven. 

We hired a driver for a morning and he took us to some places we couldn’t find. Here there is a street for each thing. A packaging street, a shoe street, an eyeglass street etc etc. we were both on the back of the same motorbike in all the chaotic traffic but didn’t feel nervous though we had no helmets 

We haven’t seen many of the tourist sights and have been contented to wander the streets and tiny alleys. We did go to the water puppet show which was lovely. We saw one last time in Ho Chi Min but this one was even better. 

We brought our eyeglass prescriptions from home and have both had glasses made for about $15 each. They were so good we had second pairs made. 

It was very hot and muggy when we arrived for four days. On the fifth day it dropped dramatically and we went from sleeveless and shorts to undershirts, two long sleeved t’s one being light wool, scarves, fleeces and down coats. 

We did manage to go to the ethnographic museum about 8km away and wished we had days to spend there. World class museum with exceptional local and world textiles. I shocked myself because for the most part I knew which country each textile piece or garment was from without reading the exhibit details.

We’re super excited because in about a week we splurged to go on a tour at the very north of Vietnam with an ethical tour company for five days. Staying in stilt houses with four different ethnic groups. Stay posted to see where we are now.

I’m having trouble getting pictures to be the right size but will figure it out soon.

Vancouver Island on the way to Hanoi

We spent six days with Oliver and Meagan and our little grandson Noah who had just turned two. We fell in love with him even more. He knows us now and ran into our arms without any shyness and is the apple of our eye. He’s speaking in full sentences and has the delightful habit of saying ‘maybe not’ instead of no. He’s busy exploring his world and is the most cheerful little fellow.

We rented a car to drive Victoria airport very early in the morning to make the connecting flight in Vancouver with Korean Air. What an incredible airline. Tons of attendants to meet your every need. Three gorgeous meals either western or Korean. Lots of cool snacks like bananas and juice and drinks or ramen on demand. Pillows, blankets, slippers, great headphones and reclining seats. We messed up on booking seats because it was 48 hours before and not 28. Had middle section back seats but it was no problem. The seats still reclined and they made the isles on either side wider so nobody was holding onto your seat while waiting for washroom. Only hitch was we were a little late arriving in Seoul and they rushed us through security and we literally had to run to our gate which was at least a km. We were overdressed and hot but had no time to shed layers. 

When we arrived in Hanoi it was chaotic. Philip’s bag didn’t arrive till the next day but they gave us some compensation. Outside our hotel had arranged a driver who was holding a sign with our name. After such a long travel day, nearly 24 hours, it was a relief to be met. 

We loved our hotel immediately. It was in the middle of the old quarter but quiet.