Hanoi

(2 Nights)

After a pleasant and short flight we arrived in the capital of Vietnam. A huge city, yes with many scooters and horns. The outskirts of the city you see miles and miles of rice paddies. The architecture is again of French influence and a huge mix of very old and new. It's so much colder than down South.

After booking into our hotel which is in the Old quarter we put down our bags and headed to the famous ancient art of Water Puppetry at the local theatre. The stage is immersed in water, the puppets are controlled by long wooden sticks from behind a screen - a bit like an ancient "Punch & Judy"
An enjoyable show - with fire breathing dragons, birds, fish and people all to a live traditional Vietnamese folk band. Very glad we saw it.

After the show we bumped into a crazy old Aussie. About 60yrs travelling alone for 4 weeks in SE Asia - intent on finding Girly bars...
Needless to say we had a rather amusing evening, lots of his tales, love story and desperation for girly bars....
Many a beer later we parted ways and he left with 2 girls on a scooter - probably woke up robbed. He is old enough to know better really?

Our second day, fleece and scarfs on we set off on a walking tour of the old quarter. It's a funny interesting fab place.
Each of the streets sell particular items.. so one street sells Buddha's, another metal things, another sweets, another herbs, another toys..... you get the picture?
It's pretty cool

We have booked a 3 day tour of Halong Bay (Another Unesco World Heritage Site) We are so excited! We actually spend one night on a traditional "Junk" boat. We think and hope it to be an enchanting time!

Will let you know on our return!!!

Love Lorna and Steve
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