Hanoi

Hanoi, population of 6 million, was our last stop in Vietnam. Our first night in the city, we headed for the streets on a mission to find the best street food in town. We settled on a popular place serving rice and pork. This meal was one of many street food stall meals which was nothing short of amazing.

Chris eating rice, corn and caramelized pork.

Katherine’s favorite street meal, consisting of rice noodles, hot broth, pork, fried onion, crushed peanuts and a massive plate of fresh herbs. We also ordered crab spring rolls.

One of the highlights of the city was vietnamese coffee overlooking the lake in Old Town.

While in Hanoi we toured the famous Hanoi prison where American POWs were held during the Vietnam War. The prison/museum mostly focused on Vietnam’s fight for independence from the French. However, there were two rooms dedicated to the American/Vietnam war, specifically the treatment of the American POWs. These rooms told of the wonderful treatment provided to the POWs, including Christmas dinner. As we know, this does not align with the stories told by John McCain and others. So the real story is open for debate depending on story-teller.

John McCain’s flight suit.

Pictures of the POWs celebrating Christmas.

Our last two days were spent on a boat in Halong Bay. Having decided to leave this reservation until last minute (hoping we could get a discounted journey during the low season), our boat of choice was booked and we ended up on a Luxury cruise – blowing our travel budget out of the water! But learning the cheep options have rats and/or increased potential of sinking; we considered the money well spent which also guaranteed us a life-vest!

Our cabin room was complete with mini-bar and marble bathroom! Could it be mistaken for the Ritz Carlton?

Chris lounging on the top deck.

View overlooking Halong Bay. I know it looks photo shopped!

Kayak trip off the main boat through a floating fishing village. This fishing village of 700 lives on the water, having both a floating school and bank. One of the many seafood items harvested by the village is elephant ear clams, which were severed for dinner that night on our cruise.

Chris eating elephant ear clams trying to win cheesiest smile of the trip.

After dinner, we were given the opportunity to fish for squid. Katherine, originally not keen on the event, became the squid fishing champ with a total catch of three squid! For the record books (not that anyone was counting), Katherine – 3, Boat Captain – 2, Chris – 1, Everyone else on the boat – 0.

Katherine showing off one of her many squid.

We finished the trip with morning ti chi and a long four hour drive back to Hanoi. Again there no seat belts and the driver took the liberty of driving anywhere that other cars weren’t which included on coming traffic lanes.

Chris walking through the streets of Old Town Hanoi. The sidewalk is mostly filled with people (cooking, sitting, drinking, selling goods) and motorbikes. There is usually very little room to walk, often requiring you walk with the traffic on the road.

Katherine enjoying a glass of fresh beer. Note she is the only female in this bar or as we prefer to call it the frat house.

Woman cutting pineapple.