first I have to thank Stevie for the adorable photos he posted of Pez and me. He should be grateful that I already am in Zen-Mode and revenge doesn't satisfy me. (Even Pez trying to see every last Pagoda in Greater Hanoi couldn't upset me.)
His description of the city and its wheelocentric system is quite accurate, though. I think the best way to determine the Vietnamese population would be by counting the motorbikes. If you see an unused motorbike somewhere (meaning that someone isn't driving it, sleeping on it or breastfeeding on it) you can assume confidently that the owner must have died.
If you should come to Hanoi, bear in mind the most important rule: If u cross the street, don't ever hesitate. It's like walking on hot coals, it only hurts when u lose your determination.
Due to some digestive problems I had to put off our Lucullan excesses for a while, only some maggots joined the list of eel, pigeon, crab and frog. But we are already seriously on the lookout for some thit cho (dog's meat) - watch out, puppies! :)
One highlight of our visit in Hanoi was the Waterpuppet Theater. Historical, religious and every days - stories are being told by puppeteers, which are supported by musicians and singers. Having had 3 Bia Hoi immediately before the performance, we secretly wished they weren't WATERpuppets of all things, splashing and twiddling around in the water... At last, Stevie gave in and rushed to the toilet 5 minutes before finish. Victory! :)
Another irritating event was the insidious infliction of injury on Stevies left ring finger by a supposed spider during our first night in Hanoi. This led to the following "conversation" in a nearby pharmacy:
Stephan: Hello.
Pharmacist: Hello.
Stephan: Diclofenac? smearing gesture
Pharmacist: ...
Stephan: more smearing
Pharmacist: Ahh, you need some Voltaren ointment.
But this couldn't cloud our spirit as our first accommodation was generally bug-free and very nice and low priced.
Meanwhile, as we are back from Ha Long Bay, we had to change to a more adventurous lodging. For 9 bucks a night (per room, not per person) we sleep in the same guest house, but in something best described as the staff's bunk. We expect Laos to get a lot worse...
The full album here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephan_mittas/sets/72157608526783220/
Over and out
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