Report From the Field 5
Current Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
What Hanoi is like:
- Hot. We have left the cool mountains of Laos and descended onto the plane of blistering heat. The sun is very strong here, I almost feel the water from my body being sucked out of me whenever I've been in the sun for more than 5 seconds.
- A vespa here, a vespa there, vespa vespa everywhere! Most foreigners to China are surprised by the number of bicycles in China. In Vietnam, the same holds true for Vespas or similar motorbikes. Several times already, I have seen waves and waves of people on their Vespa, all cruising along, cutting each other off, hitting car bumpers, squeezing through the narrowest of streets - Vespas does it all.
- And speaking of Vespas, crossing the streets in Hanoi is a life or death adventure in itself. We were advised that no matter what happens and no matter who is driving at full speed towards you, just keep on walking at a steady pace. True enough, on my way to this little internet cafe (I'm currently sitting next to a man who's chatting with a dodgy person on MSN and a 7 year old playing computer games), I faultered when confronted head on with a small semi truck. Indeed, the truck did not move - I had to duck out of the way at the last minute.
- Language barrier. The language barrier in Vietnam has been the toughest one so far on our trip. That, combined with the heat, has claimed victim to even the heartiest of souls. I don't mind so much, but it's still a bit of an adjustment after coming from 2 countries where language has not been so much of a problem
- Chinese influence. In almost everything. What can I say, mine is a great culture. ;-)
- They can smell out anyone who is not Vietnamese. Even myself, with the most Asian of faces (and currently as black as coals), have been called out by touts who can tell, probably by instinct, my foreign air.
- Did I mention Vietnam is HOT?
On a side note (espeically Saki, if you are reading this), Halong Bay was magnificent. What a lovely place!
Tomorrow, we will be seeing Uncle Ho in his cozy mosoleum. Tonight, getting me self some beer!
What Hanoi is like:
- Hot. We have left the cool mountains of Laos and descended onto the plane of blistering heat. The sun is very strong here, I almost feel the water from my body being sucked out of me whenever I've been in the sun for more than 5 seconds.
- A vespa here, a vespa there, vespa vespa everywhere! Most foreigners to China are surprised by the number of bicycles in China. In Vietnam, the same holds true for Vespas or similar motorbikes. Several times already, I have seen waves and waves of people on their Vespa, all cruising along, cutting each other off, hitting car bumpers, squeezing through the narrowest of streets - Vespas does it all.
- And speaking of Vespas, crossing the streets in Hanoi is a life or death adventure in itself. We were advised that no matter what happens and no matter who is driving at full speed towards you, just keep on walking at a steady pace. True enough, on my way to this little internet cafe (I'm currently sitting next to a man who's chatting with a dodgy person on MSN and a 7 year old playing computer games), I faultered when confronted head on with a small semi truck. Indeed, the truck did not move - I had to duck out of the way at the last minute.
- Language barrier. The language barrier in Vietnam has been the toughest one so far on our trip. That, combined with the heat, has claimed victim to even the heartiest of souls. I don't mind so much, but it's still a bit of an adjustment after coming from 2 countries where language has not been so much of a problem
- Chinese influence. In almost everything. What can I say, mine is a great culture. ;-)
- They can smell out anyone who is not Vietnamese. Even myself, with the most Asian of faces (and currently as black as coals), have been called out by touts who can tell, probably by instinct, my foreign air.
- Did I mention Vietnam is HOT?
On a side note (espeically Saki, if you are reading this), Halong Bay was magnificent. What a lovely place!
Tomorrow, we will be seeing Uncle Ho in his cozy mosoleum. Tonight, getting me self some beer!
6 Comments:
Like I said Sheila - we're enjoying these itty bitty bits... keep them coming. Btw... we've got to get to the bottom about this asians-need-to-have-fair-skin-to-get-a-good-lifepartner syndrome!! Driving me nuts.. noticed it in both India and now seemingly people in China have this thing too!!
Thanks, Pierre!!
...I'm curious to hear your theory on the asians-need-to-have-fair-skin-to-get-a-good-lifepartner syndrome...
Not my theory! Personally, dusky women are far sexier than what the Native Americans called the "Pale face"!!!
hey gurl, wow! you're in vietnam. that's cool. tell us more and post some pics up!!
in regards to the "asians-need-to-have fair-skin-to-get-a-good-lifepartner theory". all i have to say is... triple dip of french vanilla, butter pecan, chocolate delux. mmmm hummm...
Sheila!!! You're in Northern Vietnam - awesome!!!
Yeah, Halong Bay was one of my favorite spots in my Asia travel with its pristine green waters, shining peacefully like jade. Words can hardly do justice to the heavenly scenery - you just have to be there, right?
Haha - vespa dodging was actually one of my favorite things about Hanoi. It's like playing human frogger.
Ahhh... if you are in Hanoi, don't miss out on:
-'bia hoi' (fresh brew beer for 10,000VND each) at any local bia hoi bar
-'cha ca la vong' (a famous restaurant that serves grilled fish with dill and garlic - in fact, it only serves this dish)
- and 'bun cha' (BBQed meatballs, vermicelli, herbs, and sweet vinegar sauce). There's a place that serves awesome bun cha and crabmeat nem (fried springrolls) at the Northwest corner of the Lake (Southwest of Old Quarters - near the Catholic church)
It's best to ask the locals about the good places to eat (but use your discretion about the hygienes). I enjoy reading your blog! Keep it coming!
The fair-skin theory reigns true in India as well. If you ever read any Indian matrimonial advertisement, every girl on there is 'tall, slender, fair-skinned and beautiful.' It's impossible that every girl fits that description.
Also, along with the other aforementioned comments, the tidbits of your travels are thoroughly enjoyed.
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