Hanoi

Day 64 - 28/07/2010 - 20:33 - Hanoi, Vietnam

So we've had our two days in Hanoi, and are now back in the room packing ahead of our 3 day trip to Halong Bay where we will  take part in various activites such as kayaking and will be spending 2 nights on a boat, coming back in 3 days and heading  straight to Da Nang/Hoi An on an overnight (yet reasonable timed train).

Yesterday was a strange day. We were very tired but still headed out at a semi-reasonable time - around midday. We headed for  the lake in the Old Quarter - Hoan Kiem lake. From what it looked like it seemed very nice but as soon as we got to the  waters edge Laura said she felt really ill. There was a public toilet nearby I quickly gave the cleaner 2000 dong (around 5p)  and Laura was sick. Bad times. She felt very very ill and there was only one place she should have been - bed. We walked back  to the hotel, she was even more ill and then got into bed. I watched over her a little, making sure she was OK but I ended up  going out on my own that day.

As Laura wanted to see the Old Quarter, I went over to see the "newer" side of the city. The side of the city that was  insipred by communism rather than the French colonials. It was pretty good. I saw some old Commie favourites such as Ho Chi  Minhs masolueum (although it was shut I didn't go inside) including the goose stepping changing of the guard (Moscow). I also  saw a Lenin statue (various) and lots of overly patriotic monuments/oversized flags. I also paid a massive 50p to go and see  Ho Chi Minhs palace grounds which actually was surprisingly nice although the palace itself was very European looking.  Finally I saw the one pillar pagoda which was pretty impressive but not as big as I'd thought it would be.

It was raining a bit but luckily only a small shower so I began to head back before it kicked off big time. I went home via  the Hang Day Stadium (I've read on Wiki that all 4 Hanoi teams use it - 22,000 capacity stadium!) stadium which was worn down  but quite big and impressive still. When we got back Laura still wasn't feeling great and I was starting to feel a bit tired  and getting a head ache. We got a pizza ordered (with the help of the Hotel) and just ate that. We went to bed at 8pm - very  tired to go to bed that early! I can't quite believe it myself but we didn't get up until 9am! We obviously needed the sleep!

Today though, Laura was feeling much much better which was good for two reasons - I had my fellow explorer back by my side  and no more pizza (which was OK, but a bit strange tasting!). We went downstairs for our free breakfast (which was a choice  of various foods on a menu). I had bacon, eggs and bread. The bread, was fantastic - out of this world. Crispy outside and a  VERY fluffy inside! Delicious!

So today we sucessfully headed for the Old Quarter today and walked all the way around the lake taking in the sights and life  in the vicinity of the lake. We saw the main temple which was on a small island on the lake as well as a pagoda in the middle  of the lake which couldn't be accessed by foot - it was isolated. The water in the lake was a beautiful green colour. We sat  on benches around the lake at frequent intervals, taking it all in and enjoying the sun! We stopped for lunch on the other  side of the lake at "Pho 24" a Vietnamese Pho (noodle) bar. We both ate a bowl of Pho (I had beef meatballs, Laura had  chicken) as well as some spring rolls and a drink each for £6. We continued around the rest of the lake going in land briefly  to see a gothic church from the French period. It stook out like a sore thumb but it was very very beautiful and took us all  the way back to Eastern Europe just looking at it! We also saw some people filming a music video which was rather interesting  (shame the music sounded rubbish - cheesy pop!) When we reached the part of the lake we started at, we went for a drink on  the 5th floor balcony of a cafe. It only cost £2 for drinks, something that would never happen in the UK (tourist attraction,  reasonable prices). We sat there for a good hour, just taking in the beautiful view over the lake and Hanoi.

We came back to the hotel to wash off the humidity and then headed out for some food. I wish I'd taken my camera for various  reasons. We were sat on the balcony, overlooking the street below with a tradtional lamp lighting the table. The food was  very good for the price - I had prawns with cashews/pepers in sauce and rice and Laura had chicken with lemongrass and chilli  stirfry. Both were delicious. We also saw two Lizards on the roof chasing each other which provided us with great amusment.

Hanoi is great - I've only two gripes! The traffic hazards (it's very difficult to cross the road here because everyone  drives like a nutter) mainly in the form of scooters and those trying to sell you something. I really didn't want to be rude  but the best thing to do is ignore them!

Roll on Halong Bay tomorrow!