Report From the Field 6
Current Location: Still in blistering hot Hanoi
Last time, I didn't give Halong Bay the credit it deserves. The place was amazing! At first, I was doubtful at how great it was going to be, mainly because I've seen similar things around China. But being there proved me quite wrong. Despite all the tourists there (at the docks waiting to board our boat, it was the first time in a long time that I've seen so many white people!), you really get a sense of peace and quiet amongst the rock islands and the green sea water. Almost everyone who cruise around Halong Bay also enjoys a dip in the cool Gulf of Tonkin water. However, most people fail to mention one thing about swimming in Halong Bay (Saki, you too!!)...the water is filled with jelly fish!! We didn't realize this until a British girl on our boat got stung by a big one, but the closer you look at the water, the more jellyfish you get to see.
As for Hanoi, I hate to admit it, but the heat has drained most of the energy out of me. It's so hot that everyday when I go outside, my glasses fog up. It seems that all I can muster doing everyday is get some lemon juice and sit under some sort of fan or cooling device. I did get to see Uncle Ho yesterday though. The man looks pretty good for being dead for all these years. Apparently, his body is taken to Russia for a few months every year for restoration.
Lastly, even though the French contributed countless acts of oppression and cruelty, I do have to give them some credit. One of the highlight so far for both Laos and Vietnam is the little bits of European air and culture they have contributed to the two countries. For example, in Hanoi, the French style buildings really gives the city a bit of flair and feel of sophistication. The French influence food are great too - gotta love the warm, crusty French bread.
Alright, I need to find a cooler place to stay now. Will leave Hanoi in a few hours on an overnight train ride to Hue. My farewell to this great city of vespas, vespas, and even more vespas!
Last time, I didn't give Halong Bay the credit it deserves. The place was amazing! At first, I was doubtful at how great it was going to be, mainly because I've seen similar things around China. But being there proved me quite wrong. Despite all the tourists there (at the docks waiting to board our boat, it was the first time in a long time that I've seen so many white people!), you really get a sense of peace and quiet amongst the rock islands and the green sea water. Almost everyone who cruise around Halong Bay also enjoys a dip in the cool Gulf of Tonkin water. However, most people fail to mention one thing about swimming in Halong Bay (Saki, you too!!)...the water is filled with jelly fish!! We didn't realize this until a British girl on our boat got stung by a big one, but the closer you look at the water, the more jellyfish you get to see.
As for Hanoi, I hate to admit it, but the heat has drained most of the energy out of me. It's so hot that everyday when I go outside, my glasses fog up. It seems that all I can muster doing everyday is get some lemon juice and sit under some sort of fan or cooling device. I did get to see Uncle Ho yesterday though. The man looks pretty good for being dead for all these years. Apparently, his body is taken to Russia for a few months every year for restoration.
Lastly, even though the French contributed countless acts of oppression and cruelty, I do have to give them some credit. One of the highlight so far for both Laos and Vietnam is the little bits of European air and culture they have contributed to the two countries. For example, in Hanoi, the French style buildings really gives the city a bit of flair and feel of sophistication. The French influence food are great too - gotta love the warm, crusty French bread.
Alright, I need to find a cooler place to stay now. Will leave Hanoi in a few hours on an overnight train ride to Hue. My farewell to this great city of vespas, vespas, and even more vespas!
4 Comments:
I wanted to rent a vespa once...
Next time I have the urge, I'll make sure to check out Hanoi :)
India has many vespas. Come with us to IC.... They come in nice fancy colours too.. oh and the best part - they've got these amazing fireworks that shoot right out the back end. Stand clear on launch!!
Btw.. Peter is Slovak (either that or the guy must be some sorta Hungarian secret agent!! oooooooooooooh!)
Haha - hon, the reason I didn't swim was b/c I went in February and the water was frickin' cold ice water! But I kayaked - and got invited to have tea with the floating village people in their home. That was very cool.
Going to Hue, huh? Are you going to travel to Hoi An as well? So many people rave about its traditional architecture and cultural richness.
try the pressed sugar cane drink called "nuoc mia" to cool off. pronouced "nuuc me-eh", with the end tone rising. one of my favorite drink from the country.
and speaking of french, for a small lunch you should try the " banh mi ba le". it is a french baguette smeared with pate and butter filled with fresh veggies and meat. it's very good.
:)
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