Hanoi

30th December 2011 - 7th January 2012

After getting up at some ungodly hour of the morning we flew into Hanoi (Asia Air again).  It was strange to see a huge number of poeple lying in the ground in KL airport.  It was wierd that they had not made it to the departure lounge.  With mind ticking over I commented to Rich that there must be a reason.  Then it all became very clear!  There are no toilets at the departure lounge so everyone waits til the last minute to go through - which indeed caused a bit of chaos.  Funnier still - once on board the plane - every single person needed to go to the toilet before take off - not to mention the excessive amounts of "carry on" luggage they had in tow.  Another light went on in the weary brain of mine - everyone carries on so they dont have to pay for baggage.  Any how - made it to Hanoi - quite a long flight from KL - 3.5 hours.  Arrived to some very cold weather.  We really had not anticipated how cold it was going to be.  On talking to lots of travellers we are all in the same boat!  So layers of Summer clothes the answer as it is impossible for us to buy clothes here and really even if we could we have no need for winter clothes where we are going.  We did however manage to buy a scarf each at the markets for $2 each - so that will have to do.

We arrived at the InterContinental Westlake - stunning hotel set on the lake in Hanoi.  5 nights here will be no problem at all.


InterContinental Westlake - ear muffs  - a necessary accessory!

Christmas Tree at InterContinental Westlake - made from hats

We spent 4 days exploring a really beautiful city - whilst the weather was very grey.  One of the highlights was going to the Ho Chi Min Mausoleum.  Here is where Ho Chi Min is lying in state - the same as Stalin and Lenin - the great Communist Leaders.  It was a very communist experience with bags being checked in at one point then cameras at another.  Filing past his body was very orderly with us being reminded that hands needed to be out of pockets and no gaps between you and the person in front.  Many guards - very serious.  It was the first time we had seen a body like this - quite strange really, but certainly give you insight into how he is regarded and how important he was to the Vietnamese people.

Ho Chi Min's resting place

There is no such thing a supermarkets here.  There is not a shop with everything there is one shop for one thing.  Everyone can be a butcher - side of the road - meat lying out ready for sale.  Thank god we were here in the cold as in hot humid weather these streets would smell extremely bad.

The culinary experince has been really great.  We stopped in for lunch at this place on day 2 (courtesy of Lonely Planet) and found what was like a market place for Vietnamese food.  It was open air - with a shade sail as a roof but massive inside and absolutely packed (we had to wait for a table).  We had a big lunch including pancacke, squid, soup, spring rolls and a beer and lemonde for $10.  We have found some great places to eat and definately had lots of Vietnamese food.  (With only a couple of burgers on the side)!

Vietnamese Pancake and Hanoi Beer

If Bali traffic was a little uncomfortable - this place is just out of control.  It is like being in a rally.  They being a new meaning to overtaking - literally they just make a third lane in the middle of the road.  Every 2 metres the driver is honking someone - and we really decided that it is better not to watch.  There a very few trafic lights or round abouts - people just go where they need to and cut across the traffic. There is plenty of honking but nobody is cursing or waving there arms around.  And fingers crossed (as we still have to get to the airport) we have not seen one accident.  Driving seems to be a good example of the nature of the Vietnamese people.

Motorcycles and Cars dodge traditional shop

We went to the Water Puppet theatre for a show in the evening.  The show went for about 45 minutes and cost $3.  The theatre was packed and we actually had to book a later than wanted show because they all sell out.  It was a good thing to do - amazing that the puppeteers stand in water for that long to do the show.  The music was good and overall very cute.

We have found our time here really interesting - emersing ourselves in the culture with the people and service just what you would expect at a 5 star hotel anywhere in the world.  I am starting to feel excited about being part of working in one of these hotels. 

4th Jan - off to Halong Bay.