We spent today just exploring Hanoi. Originally we planned to go the Lao Embassy but go there too late- so it'll have to wait till next week.

We took a cab to Ho Chi Mihn's Morselieum . Alas it's only open in the morning and the museum is closed on Friday. So more stuff to do when we get back to Halong Bay. It'll fill in the time waiting for the Lao visa anyway!

The outside of the building is really cool and I was very impressed at how the guards kept their uniform so white (perhaps Daz has made it to Vietnam?). And just down the road was a a statue of Lennin.

So on to lunch. Easier said than done (!) we sat down in a cafe which turned out not to serve food- felt felt bad so had some juice- drinking it quickly so the ice didn't melt too much. Then walking a bit furher we decided to head to the KFC on the way. Foruntately we were saved by a little old lady with a curb side shop. You see then all over with low stools usually bustling with locals.

The meals can vary but most have cooked duck, cooked noodels and a big pan of hot broth. The broth is used to heat the other food and make a rather tasty noodle soup. Very yummy and so far no stomach upset. Although I was very upset when I ate one of the chillies. The little old lady found it hillarious.

Went to see some water puppetry at night and yes it is as strange as it sounds. The puppets were above water whilst some really good, serene Asian music played in the background which reminded me of the Zhang Yimou films. But the puppets were boring. No story, just an easy way to get tourists in to see the "real vietnam". I guess it was alright.l

We had ice cream for 2 bucks. Great init! They were in cups as well and some were in shapes of bikes or buildings for very cheap. Fab