We arrived in Hanoi early this morning. This is where the exotic chic of old Asia blends seamlessly with dynamic face of new Asia. Where medieval and modern are two sides of the same street. It is a blend of French style and crazy Asian pace. We have chosen to stay in the Old Quarter which has been the hub of commerce for nearly a millennium. A mass of motorbikes swarm the small streets of this area and it is still the heartbeat of Hanoi. Merchants display their wares on the sidewalk along side the vast array of motorbikes that are parked within a hairs-width from each other. We see women carrying their goods over their shoulders or being pushed along on bicycles.Every inch is filled with someone trying to sell something. This is the happening place.
The city center spreads out from the edges of the Hoan Kiem Lake which is just to the North of the Old Quarters. The Temple of Literature was dedicated to Confucius in 1070 and is still a most beautiful place to visit. We amble up and down the narrow streets getting immersed in all that is before us. We stop for a cup of lotus tea where the proprietor tells us that it takes hundred of flowers to produce 50g of tea. They still hand process it here. Each street has a specialty so if you are looking for tea you go the tea street. If fresh rice noodles are what you need you go to the street that sells noodles and try to make a selection. The spice markets stopped us dead in our tracks as the most savory smells came from these shops. We were mesmerized as we walked from street to street. We take a pedi-cab through the city at night just to see things from a different perspective.
We want to spend a few days exploring this area and then head out to the countryside. We have booked a junk on Halong Bay where we will spend a few days sailing amidst the limestone karsts. We are still getting acclimated so we will see how the days unfold. We will let you know.
No comments:
Post a Comment