Hanoi

Both HCMC and Hanoi are the busiest places I've ever been. I told Pat that I don't think I could live here. The constant beeping from the hoards of scooters that go everywhere is obnoxious. Of course, pedestrians don't have the right of way and you would lose the gamble of crossing a busy intersection. We did venture out once we got to our hotel because why come if you're not going to see the city. 

On our way to the hotel we both were hungry since we only had coffee since morning. We saw many little "shops" if that's what you would call them along the streets. Our motto when trying to find a restaurant is "pick the one with the most locals and eat there"! The problem is ... Picture small Asian people, around five foot, sitting on little plastics chairs that are 8 inches high. Now picture Pat and I siting on them. Pat put 3 on top of one another because he was so worried they would hold him. Our chicken and rice with hot soup and some sliced veggies hit the spot and cost us only $5. 

Our hotel is right in the heart of Hanoi, so busy and filled with chaos. Most everyone wears masks while riding their scooters and it's due to all the exhaust. My throat was sore after walking around all day.

Here's a few photos for your viewing pleasure?

This is the old gate in Hanoi where the Vietnamese faught off the Chinese for hundreds of years ..... That's a lie, but it sounds good.  ;)

A pagoda, Turtle Tower, in the middle of a lake in the middle of downtown. It's lite at night .... See below.

For those who wonder about the weather here, it's a little chilly tonight but today was perfect. We're headed to Ha Long Bay tomorrow by bus. 

Happy Christmas Eve everyone .... Wish you all were here!