Hanoi – Day 2

First full day in Hanoi.

Started with breakfast in the hotel, where I made a fusion breakfast of pho, crispy bacon and smoked dried fish. Quite yummy. Then a leisurely stroll down to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s oldest university, where the guidebooks say it’s possible to escape the bustle of Hanoi for a while. It really just swaps the bustle of the city with a bustle of tourists, less noisy but still a lot of people around. A handful of possibly Japanese young women wanted their photo taken with L and myself, not sure why.

Strolled back, via an icecream parlour where I had durian frozen yogurt/icecream. Quite tasty.

After checking out of the Hilton we’re now ensconced in the tour hotel for a couple of days, at the other end of the old quarter. Not as salubrious but has all the necessities, is clean, and has working aircon.

Met the rest of the tour group, seem an okay bunch, a mix of Brits, Australians, two Germans and a Kiwi. Had a meet and greet, some food, and more beer. Tried both Hanoi and Tiger beer, both okay but again, that blandish style that I’m not a fan of.

Also bought a couple of cotton shorts today, not from the guy selling t-shirts who seems to be stalking me. They’re a little snug, it’s not a great country for clothing larger folks, but will do the job.

Tomorrow begins the tour proper, with pho at 7.45am.