Well I have spent long enough here in Hanoi, although I have changed my initial thoughts about the place. After my trip to Halong Bay, I managed to find a lovely cheap guesthouse and the people who run it are great. I have been in Hanoi for "Tet" which is their new year here (Year of the Mouse), it basically runs for 3 days, which is a public holiday for the locals - so rather than the normal hustle and bustle of Hanoi, its rather quiet. New years eve here was amazing, around the old quarter and near the Koan Kiem lake it was mayhem (but in an exciting and party atmosphere). At midnight there was a massive fireworks display which lasted at least 30minutes. It was certainly an experience. The 3 days after have been very quiet, there are no markets or shops open...well only food ones and tourist souvenier shops. So I'm just chilling out really, waiting for Sar to arrive at Hanoi airport on the 10th Feb. We will then travel to Nha Trang together and get some beach weather. I have found out that Hanoi is no place to wander the streets during the day is you have a stinking hangover, the fresh air will not help as its full of moterbike fumes and the constant use of the car/bike horns will drive you insane! I have been to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh Museum, Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, the one pillar Pagoda, the presidentual palace, the History Museum and Lenin Park...in order to experience some of the extensive culture that Hanoi has to offer.Any one going to Hanoi I would recommend the following places: Little Hanoi (amazing food), Ladybirds (amazing beef satay), LePub (For the good ol English breakie), Dragonfly (For challenging the locals at a game of table football and Jenga) and if you can find the so called funky monkey bar...well done, that place is phantom I'm sure!