Our morning started with a leisurely trip over to Singapore airport. Like the others before him, our cab driver was a friendly, well-informed, proud and welcoming Singaporean – our Brisbane cabbies could learn a thing or two!
As we landed in Hanoi, there was clear excitement and anticipation from many people on the flight. It gave us a real sense that this trip is something pretty special. The airport was simple, and was the first of many times today that we questioned ‘need-to-have’ v ‘nice-to-have’. Brand new sparkly airport? Nice to have.
We were greeted by our Hanoi guide, Duc – a lovely young guy studying tourism who’s been a personal guide for 3 years. He safely got us to our hotel in the Old Quarter and left us for a free afternoon with the essentials – a map of a walking tour and tips on how to cross the road.
Our ‘3 Star’ hotel is actually luxurious – clearly catering to the thousands of Western families that tour this city. The girls loved the welcome in their room…
The Old Quarter is a busy shopping area of town. Narrow streets are lined with pavements filled with tiny stores. Each street sells a different product – ladies clothes street, kids clothes street etc. Our walking tour took us all over the bustling main streets of the Old Quarter, with our own dodgy navigation taking us on a few detours through strangely quiet back streets. A great way to experience the city.
It didn’t take long for us to be reminded that tourists are fodder for scammers. While waiting to cross the road, a group of women loaded Emma up with their ‘nom la’ (straw cone hat) and baskets of Pineapples for a photo. ‘You take photo, you buy my pineapples’… Let’s just say that they turned out to be the most expensive pineapples we’ve ever bought but at least we have a photo to show for it :). No wonder the lady is smiling…
We’ve just come back from dinner – fabulous fresh food, including the most amazing spring rolls ever. 500 000 Vietnamese Dong ($25) for 1 entree, 4 mains, 2 beers, a wine, 2 soft drinks and a tip. Seriously!!!
So far, so good for the girls. The sights, sounds and smells have been challenging their senses, but they’re coping well. Looking forward to a day with Duc tomorrow, starting at the Mausoleum. So much to explore!
Love M and the Bunch xxx
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