Vietnam Nov 2013 - Hanoi

Well I got to see Mark for 5 days after his Route 66 trip, before I left for Vietnam with my sister Tina.

We arrived in the afternoon to our hotel. It was in the old quarter which is narrow roads with much traffic. All lined with shops on the ground floor and homes above them. During checkin they sat us down and went through a few things. The main point was how to cross a road in Vietnam. Their tip of never stopping, go slowly, keep moving forward, NEVER step back - proved invaluable and we were soon experts... well nervous experts.

It was incredibly humid and we soon needed to stop for a beer. The bar had the beer on ice. This woman was making a delivery of ice!

Both the stools for sitting on and the table for our beers were only about 40cm high. We also were perched outside on the edge of the road.

There were many happy faces coming along on their bikes trying to sell us their wares.

The cars and motorbikes were whizzing close to my toes.

Before I left Australia I booked a guide for a day through Hanoi Kids. Lovely Ngoc met us at our hotel and took us out and about for the day. In particular we requested to visit the Museum of Ethnology.

It was very interesting and showed how much the Vietnamese acknowledge and appreciate the diversity their minority groups provide.

In the middle of Hanoi sits Hoan Kiem Lake. From early morning to late at night the locals are walking around or relaxing with friends by the lake.

This bridge linked a small island where there was a small temple. Ngoc took us to out of the way places for food. We had Bun Cha for lunch. Noodles, herbs and pork (done 2 ways and bbq'd) with dipping sauce and fresh herbs.

Afternoon was egg coffee. This was black coffee topped with a mix of egg yolk and sugar (possibly condensed milk). Whipped until thick and spooned on top. It was delicious!

The guides are volunteers and will not take payment. We were very happy to provide a manicure in return whilst we had foot massages to ease our weary feet.

Our favourite meal in Vietnam. Vietnamese pancake with a small amount of pork and shrimps inside. super crispy edges. Each piece we wrapped in rice paper with herbs. Dip and munch.... divine!

Cold noodle salad for lunch.

Tina earning her keep on the street! It was surprisingly heavy!

The closest thing to a Melbourne coffee shop we found. Good coffee and the only seating these tiny stools on the footpath. Good thing they were strong! It was across from the lake so a good spot to sit a while and people watch.

A couple of cocktails were consumed in this bar overlooking a main intersection. People young and old would cross the road as would push bikes, motor bikes, cars, buses and trucks. At times it was mayhem.

A typical 'restaurant' on the street. Anyone seems to be able to set up like this. They bring noodles and hot water and a few things for flavour.

Our last night in Hanoi we ate at a lovely restaurant. Inside and on BIG grown up chairs!! This beef had been cooked in the bamboo. It gave a terrific flavour to the meat. The sauce had clams in it which was a different combination.