Wednesday in Hanoi

We woke up early, enjoyed the morning breakfast buffet (with both Vietnamese and western foods) and then set out by foot to explore the area. The hotel is in the “old quarter,” with some large government buildings and many small streets with everyday services. We both wanted to get pedicures and went to a nearby salon recommended by the hotel. Though it was much less expensive than at home (about $16), the experience wasn’t great: communications were a challenge, it took too long, and both of us were cut by our respective beautician. Oh well! We also walked to the large lake in central Hanoi that is both a popular gathering place for locals and home to a Confucian temple built in 1800. The area was lively with equal numbers of local and foreign tourists. Dinner was at a small nearby restaurant. We shared tilapia cooked in banana leaf and simple chicken with vegetables: $16 total. The street action everywhere seems chaotic, but somehow works - though pedestrians must be wary! Crosswalks aren’t more than street drawings, and there are few stop signs or stoplights. Many intersections have no stop signs nor any system for prioritizing traffic, so vehicles (2/3 motorcycles, with balance divided between cars and bicycles) just honk and go, weaving their way across. Didn’t see any accidents but it’s harrowing to walk along or cross the street! We will meet the rest of our group tomorrow morning.Read more