An evening in Hanoi

It's early evening now  in Hanoi, our very last one, so come with me as we explore the streets of the Old Quarter. Just right outside our front door.

there is washing up being done.  See those plastic baskets and hose?  That for washing the seafood...

My goodness, where did you get that hat?  There is just the right size for you here in the streets of Hanoi.  I wonder which little girls will be getting the ones I bought??

 

 

Fancy a ride in a 'cyclopush'.  No thanks, not enough time, there's too much to explore by foot.

But there is always some one in a hurry, 

perhaps they want some fast street food.

If only everyone would just move out of their way!

 

But we have reached our destination 'Little Hanoi'.  A gem of a place 

 

Hidden up at the top of this flight of stairs.  Come on up, your table is ready, order what you like and we'll have it on your table in a minute or two.

 

No meal this holiday has been without spring rolls.  From Saigon to Hanoi, we've tried the lot.  Loved each and everyone, dipped in chilli oil, nice and hot.

Chicken with cashew, beef and ginger or sweet and sour pork?  A bowl full of rice.  

 

Then fresh mango, always a delight. We ate the lot!

So raise a toast ( yes, that's a G&T I've got) to a wonderful adventure, new friends made and an amazing time.

 

But quick, there's still time to dive through the streets to see what we can find.  

 

But I don't think this is really for sale,

 

Just somewhere to park whilst they handout with friends.

 

A steaming bowl of phô anyone?

 

This little chap, going so fast, like his country - to make up for lost time?

 

But there is still life lived at a slower pace.  More fruit for you madam?

 

Or some spices to suit?

 

Crisps on a stick, freshly fried.  That's something new!

  

Sour plums, mango, lychees too, rambutans, papaya and pineapple.  So many things to be found. 

 

 

Flowers to delight, arranged and ready to give.

Through manic cities, busy towns and quiet rural backwaters, up into the Highlands, through  a mountain pass, along the coast, down amongst the coral reef and paddling through limestone karst.  These two weeks in Vietnam have truly been a delight. 

Young and old shouting 'hello' as you peddle through, waving and high fiveing as you pass by.  A cheerful wave, a nod of the head, a gracious smile - we couldn't have wished for a better welcome.

Always a traveller, never a tourist.  Vietnam - you see it, feel it, smell it, taste it and hear it when you pedal a bike from south to North, Saigon to Hanoi. 

A feast for all the senses.