Where on earth to start re Hanoi! I can honestly say I have never experienced a place quite like it. We stayed in the Old Quarter, the old French Colonial area, a busy, vibrant, bustling place. It has a magnetism that draws you in.
There are over three million motorbikes on the roads in Hanoi, along with cars, coaches, buses, bikes and all sorts of other random traffic.
When we arrived, we were instructed on how to cross a road. Walk with confidence, never step back and make eye contact with drivers. Initially I was afraid to cross the road! Never have I walked into, and through, moving traffic before. There is a technique, you take a deep breath, then step out slowly in front of motorbikes, as they go around you, and stop in front of cars, letting them pass. We tended to bunch up with the locals, on many occasions I almost grabbed a strangers arm as they drifted away from us. Hubs has finger bruises all over his left arm where I hung on a little tooooo tightly!
Here’s a little taste of Hanoi traffic. If interested, click on the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjFrOlR-0Q8
Lake Ho Hoam Kiem. Lake of sword restored.
It was Tet when we arrived, the Lunar New Year, the biggest festival In VN. The locals told us it was quiet, as most businesses had closed as people were returning to their families to celebrate. Quiet is not a word I would have used! Each day, as more and more people returned it became busier and busier, I have honestly never seen so many people and traffic in such a small area.
An example of locals crossing a road.
There were many Buddhist shrines and each and every one felt so peaceful and serene. People were putting money in amongst the fruit offerings for the maintenance of the shrines and surrounding buildings. These beautiful flowering apricot trees were present in so many homes, hotels and businesses. Apparently they are rented for the New Year, they are MOST auspicious.
Street food vendors lined most of the streets in the Old Quarter, mainly on the pavements. Here, people were given the basic ingredients for a meal and cooked the food themselves.
The houses/businesses fascinated me. Each and every one was unique, most have at least three floors, and most are tall and narrow.
There are musicians everywhere in Hanoi, many play the mandolin and the recorder. It was lovely wandering around the lake at night listening to haunting melodies rising and falling, then fading into the background.
The old quarter has a life force of it’s own, it’s a little how I imagine New Orleans felt before Katrina struck. Hanoi City center is totally different, far more westernized with skyscrapers and wide roads. The traffic there is just as scary though. Sadly, the death rate in Hanoi is horrendous, for drivers and pedestrians. There was talk of banning motorbikes but obviously the motorbike industry is opposing such measures.
The old quarter is like one single living breathing organism, you simply become a part of it. It does has a magic that is utterly unique.
Locals drinking tea, these small stools are very popular.
I wish I had bought a lantern here!
And finally….
there be dogs everywhere in Hanoi. Unfortunately there are still many restaurants that sell dog meat, a local said the dogs are tortured and killed slowly, this apparently makes the meat taste better!??! Sobs.….. Many pet dogs and cats are stolen, and many of the dogs thieves that are caught are badly beaten by locals who oppose such practice. Apparently the daily papers are full of such stories.
What a vibrant, colorful, chaotic city! You are having a real adventure!
Beautiful pictures. I’ve never been in that part of the world, but we heard so much about it when Vietnam was fighting the French, and afterwards fighting the Americans. They endured a lot of pain and misery. It is good to see that they have regained their own culture and are able to enjoy day to day life. As for eating animals, I have considered that, and looked into it all my life… it is really a great study. Wishing you great adventures. Travelling in unknown places is a wonderful way to explore what living is all about. with love, xxx
An amazing trip, Dina. Looking at your new blog post about your evening on the water I can see that you escaped the hustle and bustle of the city (as interesting as that was) and I’m sure all experiences were memorable. The trip of a life time and I’m so glad that both of you had a good time.
A most enjoyable post and wonderful pictures. It certainly looks and sounds like a fascinating place to visit. I think that I’d prefer somewhere less busy and quieter. xx
Hanoi must be another world … I found it hard enough to cross the roads in Italian cities! The eating of dogs is a tough one to overcome I’m sure …cross fingers it lessens with time. Enjoy yourself in such a vibrant & busy world!
Great post and images. Hanoi seems an interesting and colourful place.
I’d forgotten for a moment that you were off a-traveling, and when I saw “Hanoi” I thought, “WHAT?!” But now I do remember, and I’m thrilled for you. What an adventure. I recall reading that there was a bit of conflict at the Olympics about the Korean taste for dog; such was banned in the venues, but apparently sellers were out and about on the fringes. It’s hard to think of, but different cultures and all that. I am a little curious: was part of the history of the practice a lack of other food? When I was in Liberia, dogs would be eaten on occasion, but it was because of a significant lack of protein. Well, enough of that.
The lanterns are gorgeous. One of my readers lives in Vietnam, and has written about Tet, as well as other customs of the country, the fruits and plants, and so on. You might enjoy looking at it. You can find it here. enjoy!
What a great sense of life in VN today in these pictures. How do you find the space to post with so much going on? I have said this before, you are amazing!!
A travelogue blog while your memories are fresh and current, is a great idea. It’ll be really special to browse and look back on, in the future.
Looking forward to more fascinating postings from abroad. xxx
Sorry I can’t get past the dog story – how horrendous. I’m a country lover so such a busy place wouldn’t be for me I’ll stick with experiencing it second hand through your post.
Oh gosh, you really are experiencing Hanoi as it should be. The lake looks to be a tranquil spot. Where I would end up I think. I’m reminded of driving in Florence which was bad enough, this sounds ten times worse!
It’s fascinating seeing how others live in other parts of the world, I think Hanoi would be far too busy for me, but good to experience all the same. I’ve had to quickly skim over the last part of your post, I can’t bear to think of dogs being tortured and eaten. Enjoy the rest of your trip.
I am SO envious. What a fantastic adventure. I remember L saying that she hired a motorbike when she was out there – I’m very glad that I didn’t know at the time! We have a lovely lantern that she made in a lantern making workshop – maybe you could make your own? Have fun out there. xx
What an amazing start to your adventure. And how well timed, you are missing the polar vortex. Hanoi looks fascinating but I don’t think I could cope with the traffic and the crowds.
Oh dear, dogs on the menu, Dina you can’t rescue them all and bring them home. Anyway, those two look very well fed.
A great post and wonderful photos. I am looking forward to seeing where you go next.