Lynn (from here on in known as Lindsey(LynNZ)) arrived at the house around 9 in the evening. Apart from a slight faff with the visa officials at the airport her journey from the antipodes had been without incident. Like us she was tired but otherwise well and excited to be here. There is a small cafe bar right outside the gates of our accommodation so we sat and discussed our relative journeys and drank several Han-oi beers whilst catching up and looking forward to the adventures in store.
Next morning suitably refreshed we set off to explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi. We will be returning to Hanoi in two weeks before jetting off to our respective destinations so did not intend much “sightseeing” other than getting a feel for the city. We will save all that cultural stuff for our return. It had rained heavily overnight but this to be expected at this time of year and it was still “Spitting” when we set out. Not real rain but that fine stuff that wets you through (P. Kay, 2002)
Vietnam was colonised by the French (have I mentioned that I don’t like the French) for several years until an uprising and subsequent treaty freed them of the french yoke in 1957. Because of this influence the old quarter is typically french in appearance and character. A little faded now but still incredible to see and walk through. A veritable rat run of small streets and alleys cut through by major thoroughfares. Designed for a more sedate time these quaint passageways and roadways struggle under the weight of a mechanised age.
The traffic in Hanoi is legendary but still comes as a huge shock when you are forced to negotiate it on foot. Fortunately the city authorities have tried to help by installing zebra crossings and traffic light controlled crossings every few meters. Unfortunately no one has told the drivers of the thousands of scooters, motorcycles and cars that traverse these roads everyday how to use them and no one pays the slightest attention to them. Crossing the roads, of which there are many, is a challenge to say the least. The only way to cross is by a leap of faith and to close your eyes, step out into the fast flowing river of traffic and only open them once you reach the other side. Amazingly it works. The traffic parts as if by magic and no harm befalls. It’s chaos theory in action.
It is approaching the Vietnamese festival of Tet and everywhere is being decorated in preparation for the festivities. A strange eclectic mix as a lot of the churches and Christian owned buildings still have their Christmas trees and decorations on them in contrast to the bright red and gold accoutrements of the Buddhist festival. It is strangely comforting to see these two distinct cultures co existing so peaceably. We could all take a lesson from that.
The day was spent wandering the old quarter, a few beers and some of the best street food we have ever had including a Viet BBQ where you cook your own food on a table top gel burner whilst sitting on the obligatory primary school size bright plastic furniture.
A good
day without issue or incident other than me waxing lyrical about the perils of shiny wet uneven pavements before slipping arse over tit in front of a group of bemused Vietnamese shop traders. No injury was incurred and I tried my best to pretend that no one saw me.
Back to the “digs” and get ready for moving onto Danang tomorrow. A short internal flight and a couple of grab bikes should see us on the beach by tea time.
Bare, Crispy and LynNZ signing off Hanoi Vietnam
Next morning suitably refreshed we set off to explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi. We will be returning to Hanoi in two weeks before jetting off to our respective destinations so did not intend much “sightseeing” other than getting a feel for the city. We will save all that cultural stuff for our return. It had rained heavily overnight but this to be expected at this time of year and it was still “Spitting” when we set out. Not real rain but that fine stuff that wets you through (P. Kay, 2002)
Vietnam was colonised by the French (have I mentioned that I don’t like the French) for several years until an uprising and subsequent treaty freed them of the french yoke in 1957. Because of this influence the old quarter is typically french in appearance and character. A little faded now but still incredible to see and walk through. A veritable rat run of small streets and alleys cut through by major thoroughfares. Designed for a more sedate time these quaint passageways and roadways struggle under the weight of a mechanised age.
The traffic in Hanoi is legendary but still comes as a huge shock when you are forced to negotiate it on foot. Fortunately the city authorities have tried to help by installing zebra crossings and traffic light controlled crossings every few meters. Unfortunately no one has told the drivers of the thousands of scooters, motorcycles and cars that traverse these roads everyday how to use them and no one pays the slightest attention to them. Crossing the roads, of which there are many, is a challenge to say the least. The only way to cross is by a leap of faith and to close your eyes, step out into the fast flowing river of traffic and only open them once you reach the other side. Amazingly it works. The traffic parts as if by magic and no harm befalls. It’s chaos theory in action.
It is approaching the Vietnamese festival of Tet and everywhere is being decorated in preparation for the festivities. A strange eclectic mix as a lot of the churches and Christian owned buildings still have their Christmas trees and decorations on them in contrast to the bright red and gold accoutrements of the Buddhist festival. It is strangely comforting to see these two distinct cultures co existing so peaceably. We could all take a lesson from that.
The day was spent wandering the old quarter, a few beers and some of the best street food we have ever had including a Viet BBQ where you cook your own food on a table top gel burner whilst sitting on the obligatory primary school size bright plastic furniture.
A good
Back to the “digs” and get ready for moving onto Danang tomorrow. A short internal flight and a couple of grab bikes should see us on the beach by tea time.
Bare, Crispy and LynNZ signing off Hanoi Vietnam
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