Woken by an enormous crack of lightening which brought the children scuttling from their room to ours. Heavy rain while we breakfasted then cleared to not quite so hot. About 26. Wandered up to locals market seeing everything from rows and rows of dried fish to stacks and stacks of bras and knickers. Everything and anything one could want. Very narrow between stalls, got the impression we were mildly annoying to the locals. Back to our hotel for a swim the. Out t...

Another day of travel yesterday arriving into Hanoi around 3.30pm. Lots has changed in 18 years. No army planes forming a guard of honour for new arrivals at the airport. A brand new terminal and amazing modern road in from airport to city with fancy bridge. Journey in was pretty quick. May de ville where we are staying is perfect. What it lacks in style it makes up for in location. The rooftop pool is small but an absolute oasis and our rooms seem to be removed...