Hanoi is absolutely mental...I thought Ho Chi Minh was busy but this place beats it. I'm expecting to see someone get squished before I leave, hopefully not one of us. Bom our guide took us out when we arrived and we had to cross a massive junction, apparently the best way was to walk corner to corner - the rules were Don't stop & Dont run!! We all made it across in one piece, probably one of the things I'll remember about this place.
After lunch I went exploring with Essex, Bom told us to just get lost and we'd see more. He was right, I even successfully read a map in search of a massage....which after walking half way across the city was very disappointing. Some skinny bloke patting my arms and poking me in the head not quite what I'd hoped for. Also had a pedicure which I was much more pleased with. I sat in a salon with 6 women watching Vietnamese soaps and at one point the girl pointed and laughed at my toe and they gathered round and laughed at me, I'll never know what was so funny.
The lake was really busy with joggers/walkers/people doing weird exercise. I found Vietnams equivalent to muscle beach, full weight section all set up and being used by teeny tiny people...very funny.
After dinner we went to see the water puppet show, I wasn't really sure what to expect but apparently I fell asleep so that probably says it all. We had drinks at a rooftop bar and watched the carnage below while the locals watched Leanne FaceTime her dog.
In the morning we took a walking tour to see some of the city sights. The mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh - actual dead man in a glass box, think I was more concerned about the guards with guns all around than the dead person in the room. Then another temple/Bagoda and finally an old prison which I probably found most interesting until I got separated from the group and found myself alone in the dark cells/dungeon.
Our last night together we had a lovely dinner & cocktails, Leanne did a group portrait which kept us amused. Then to a nightclub which we had to ourselves, me and Katherine wandered off in search of new people & ended up in backpackers hostel bar a few doors down-much more fun. When that closed everyone went to the empty nightclub, when that closed everyone went to what we're calling an illegal rave across a highway and through a dark doorway surrounded by dead rats. Luckily at this point we had enough about us to realise it probably wasn't the place to be and went home. Really really fun night and a good send off for the people going home tomorrow.
Thursday we all had lunch at City View and said our goodbyes....sad to see the girls go but it's nice that I am carrying on and have lots more to look forward to.
So off we go to the airport - next stop Laos!!! Vietnam has been interesting, exhausting & brilliant. The home of 'kiss me' (excuse me), morning glory & mums club.
Bye bye Vietnam