Our overnight sleeper train arrived at Ha Noi station at 4:30 this morning. Dark and raining. Slogged our way to the station, but no taxi to pick us up. We had thought the travel agent was to arrange this. We were wrong. Long story-short, we had a “private” taxi take us to the hotel, and when we arrived were presented a charge of $20. It should have been $5, the hotel concierge negotiated it down to $10. We know we should negotiate before the ride, but with the rain and frustration, we didn’t. Another travelling lesson learned.
Spent the morning cleaning up and waking up then decided to head out into Ha Noi for the day. What an experience. We in the US don’t use our sidewalks nearly enough. They are great for eating, playing, sleeping, working, and driving on. This is a full-blown machine shop.
We are also quite comfortable crossing the street now even in a hailstorm of motorbikes. Just keep moving at the same pace, as they go whizzing by, no sudden moves or starts or stops. Stay composed, (at least inside). This is a great example of what these people carry on a motorbike, this is an I-beam, must weight hundred pounds!
Another great picture of their electrical/phone system.
It all works, I have a better internet connection in our hotel room then I do at home!
Then it started to rain again, and very hard, doesn’t slow the motorbikes down, they just cover up. Note the passenger.
Final packing for our flight out tomorrow morning.
We have had a great time in a culture that seems quite comfortable with itself. We have travelled from the smallest villages to the largest city in the region. People everywhere have been friendly and warm. We have many good memories. Thanks for following our experiences.
