I thought Bangkok was hectic, but Hanoi puts it in the dark, and they are definitely winning the horn beeping competition. It is a near constant orchestra of car and scooter toots, morning, noon and night. Also, when it comes to how much stuff, or how many people you can squeeze on 2 wheels, these people are wizards! Saw a family of 5 on one yesterday, a fella carrying a load of mattresses, and another dude carrying what looked like an entire bedroom furniture set, bed, chest of draws and wardrobe! The roads here are Charlie Manson mental. Crossing them is like an extreme sport. There are no traffic lights, and zero break in the traffic (even on 4 way cross roads!). You just have to grit your teeth, think happy thoughts, and literally wander into the maelstrom. f***ing bonkers!
We have been in Vietnam for 2 days now, but unfortunately have had to spend most of our time holed up in the hotel. There was a typhoon supposed to hit, but must have died before it got here, as all we got was a bit of wind and rain, about as much as your average English summer.
As for the people...there are a few friendly smiles to be spotted, but hugely outnumbered by the slapped arse like faces of the general population. Maybe they will be a bit more welcoming when we move out of this f***ed up, crazy city, and head for the seaside. Then again, we may have just been spoilt by the ever present, national grin of Thailand (I miss those peeps.. and the weather)

Much love

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