It's raining again. Well not true as it's the first time it's rained. Not bad for rainy season. We've put the weather to good use. David has been quizzing the receptionist Emily on how to get to Cat Ba Island and Yvonne focused on reducing the jet lag (went back to bed for a snooze).

Had a walk in old town.
Strolled around Hoan Kiem lake and the streets of old town today. Well I say strolled, around old town its dodge the mopeds but thats part of the adventure. The lake is a good place to sit and watch the locals. It was Sunday and it appears this is the day to get married. There were 5 or 6 brides and grooms trying to get the best photos around the lake. The brides were all wearing traditional costume. A bridge to an island in the middle of the lake appeared to be very popular for the wedding photos.
We have found a number of French cake shops. French bread is the accompaniment to kebabs for sale from mobile elephants leg sellers.

We stayed out late last night and were the last to leave the pub at 12.00. The staff explained we had to go or they would be in trouble from the police. They take licensing laws very seriously here, but we did notice some backpackers pubs with locked doors and very loud music; lock in ?????

We have booked a bus-bus-ferry-bus combo ticket to Cat Ba Island for tomorrow. Sounds all very intrepid but it was easy as the hotel staff did the lot. Price for the travel 260,000vnd around £8 each each way.

Don't know about wifi on the island so it might be a couple of days before we blog again.