We lumbered off the plane from Thailand to Hanoi (the capital of Vietnam), yawning from the trip and the lazy sun and sand of the Thai islands. We wandered through customs and made our way to the front entrance. Dave struck a deal with a taxi driver of questionable credentials and we were soon on our way. The number of motorbikes hit me first; the city and highways were teeming with them. Then I noticed the honking… a honking so constant, so persistent, Dave remarked that it seemed to be a driving necessity here as essential as lights. No doubt the honking was an integral part of what seemed to be a chaotic dance between motorbikes, each other, pedestrians, cars and buses. We arrived at our hotel to the lights, noises and smells of the ever-present street vendors and markets. I looked at Dave as we ventured out on the street (and I mean street; the sidewalks were covered with items for sale and motorbikes, if they were present at all) and said “So NOW the trip begins!” Throughout the next few days, we would make two more stops in Hanoi between side trips.
During the first stop, we got a taste of Hanoi culture. We traversed the wild outdoor markets of the city (fruits! vegetables! beautiful birds in cages! flowers! raw meat! cooked meat! various unidentifiable animal parts!) with Maureen and Folker and enjoyed the thrill and sheer terror of a motorbike “taxi” ride through the city. Walking through the old quarter of the city proved to be an excellent way to see, hear, smell, and feel this city and its rich culture and history.
After delicious pho noodle soup at Pho 24 with our new friends, we head our separate ways as Dave and I embark for the far north to Sapa...
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