Northern Vietnam: Ha Noi (Old Quarter)
The change of pace from the idyllic beaches of Kauai to the heart of Hanoi in the Old Quarter was immediate. I wasn't quite sure how to describe the scene, so I've branched out into second-rate videography. This is a typical walk about and street crossing in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, one of the most densely populated districts in the world. It's basically an advanced level game of live Frogger...with your family.
The scene from our balcony. TIP: If you watch the video, go to SETTINGS and change the speed to .5. It allows for a greater appreciation of the work.
This scene happened within minutes of our first morning out. I stopped for a moment here to look at a map. Not fully understanding the rules yet we thought this was kind of for fun. As it turned out they put a bag of bananas in Dean's hand, a bag of bread balls in Ruby's hand, a bag of pineapple in Martens hand and I was on the hook for 300,000 Dong. I learned later from a guy that there's three things you do when you're on the street: Walk slow, Be confident, Don't stop. I stopped, they saw confusion and I lost the match.
Once you learn to navigate the streets a little bit, you're rewarded with some ancient architecture, deep history and some pretty good street food. I have a hard time spending more than $20 for all of us to eat and get drinks.
Temple of Literature. Built in 1070
Wreckages of French and American aircraft shot down by Vietnamese troops.
It's all about Ho Chi Minh, or Uncle Ho.
Hoa Lo Prison. Also known to American pilots shot down in the Vietnam War and prisoners of war as the "Hanoi Hilton."
French bakery in Hanoi.
Outside Hanoi a couple hours, Ha Long Bay.
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