Passing the time in Hanoi

I've decided to spend a week or two here in Hanoi to build up my fitness. I really like the place. It's so vibrant, the people are very friendly and the food is varied and very cheap. While I'm here I've decided to have an eye and dental check. Here's how you do it here. You go to the relevant place, tell them you would like a check up and they offer you an appointment the same day. So in fact two days later (the same day was not convenient for me) I had an eye check. When I asked how much I was told it was free.

As for the dental check - no cavities - but the most thorough cleaning I've ever had. And that was 500,000 VD or about £15. I had tried to get a dental appointment when I was back in the UK. I was told I could have one either the following day (not convenient) or otherwise not for two or three months (also not convenient). I did ask my dentist whether I could have a private check up, but if you do that apparently you lose your NHS registration.

I'm now just passing the time here. I'm waiting here until the house sale completes as I want to be in a relatively open country - and not china with its internet restrictions - while I wait for that to go through. So that's another few days here. How awful!Read more