The Many Faces of Hanoi

Being in Hanoi offers a multitude of impressions, from the calm lake in the centre of the Old Quarter to the frenetic pace of the ever-present “moto-bikes.” Crossing the street is not a matter of gingerly picking a potential route, but more a dodging, weaving, leaping and a final gasping arrival on the far side. But the other side also offers a challenge. There is no sidewalk available, not solidly clogged with parked scooters, people squatting -- eating or preparing food, shops and stalls, many drivers of the bicycle-driven “cyclos” who plead with you every few steps as you thread your way along beside the roaring traffic.

Then there are the many newly-wed couples, posing prettily by the lake while the background noise consists of honks, hawkers’ calls, blares, all accompanied by LOUD speakers mounted on bikes which pour out all kinds of “music.”

Right across the street from a graceful old French colonial building is a shop with propaganda posters. And here – a stately parade line of cyclos, each carrying one of the omnipresent Japanese tourists past the huge building which presents the famous Hanoi water puppets four times every day.

The food: extraordinary; the wi-fi – everywhere; the sounds and smells exotic. From here we catch a train to travel to the Chinese border to visit the hill-tribal area of Bac Ha. More later….