Hanoi is the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and is often referred to as the ‘Paris of the Orient’. Filled with lakes, tree lined boulevards and French designed villas, this romantic city cuts a distinctly different style of life to that in Saigon.

A visit to the old quarter in Hanoi is a must; comprised of trading streets where traditional and modern goods are traded from centuries old ‘tunnel houses’ and narrow streets are abuzz with colour and activity.Many of the streets are named for the products they sell so we saw gold, tombstone, paper, ceramics, flower, lantern cloth and art streets, just to name a few. We then headed to Dong Xuan Market to undertake a bit of serious haggling

Visit Ho Chi Minh Quarter this morning where we see Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (luckily for us "Uncle Ho" had just returned from restoation work!!), Humble House on Stilts and One Pillar Pagoda

It was then off to the Ethnology Museum. which was totally fascinating showing different eras in Vietnamese history and the lifestyles of the people of those times. Completely off the track we saw the most gorgeous groups of school children also on a visit to the museum and I was fortunate enough to be allowed to photograph some of them...especially the little man in his suit...soooo cute!!!!!

Visited the Temple of Literature and then headed over to visit Hoan Kiem Lake to see Tran Quoc Pagoda and to enjoy a performance of the famous Water Puppets. Brilliant show to watch even if you cannot understand the language.

I had the chance to catch up with some dear friends from Australia who are teaching in Hanoi and we enjoyed a catch-up cocktail of 2 and a wonderful meal. I am convinced that one day I will return to Vietnam to teach.....I feel it is in my destiny....

Despite all the wonders that Hanoi has to offer I have to say that I still prefer the hustle and bustle of Saigon