Vietnam 2 - Exploring Hanoi

We had a brief wander around the streets in the close vicinity of our Hotel. We needed to go carefully, and keep our bleary eyes open, just to get used to the traffic. Crossing the road was a nightmare, that first time. Bikes from all directions, hooting, cars, lorries, and more bikes. Yet, it was in a kind of slow motion, nothing went fast. The bikes might even mount the pavements, yet they avoided you, as long as you kept in a straight line and made it obvious what you were doing. We stopped to watch and had a coffee with condensed milk in it. Just watching traffic...oh, and the wiring. I bet they don't PAT test in Vietnam. I bet they don't even have a good earthing system either.... just look at the wires/cables along the roads!

A new beginning... back to real travel. Vietnam 1

My first few photos, sort of bleary eyed, from a coach window, so excuse a few odd reflections. But this was the journey from Hanoi airport to our hotel, Sunway, in Hanoi city. (these pix were all taken with iPhone)

Just my first view, a bit of culture shock combined with jet lag. We had a drink of warm milkless tea in the hotel and went exploring for essentials, like the nearest ATM. One travel tip: don't expect banks to want GBP (£ sterling) they only want US$ or Dong (VND). Second travel tip: The Sunway Hotel was the only hotel that had UK plug sockets in all rooms, rather unexpected, but they worked.

Moving on...and on...and further

It's the night before my adventure begins. I'm off to Vietnam so I thought I would resurect my blog to keep my reader up to date. Photos might be added, but doing this on my iPad is a first... So...watch this space...