I pride myself on being fairly well-travelled and easily adaptable to any situation, but Hanoi, Vietnam is like no place I have ever been before! I arrived last night after two relaxing flights totalling 17 hours on Asiana Airlines. I was lucky enough to convince the ticket woman to give me window seats in rows that were entirely empty for both legs of my journey. This was great because I got to lay down and sleep for both flights. The food was also great, and it was definately one of the best flights I've been on.
After going through immigration (with some minor confusion) and customs, some friends of one of my students met me at the airport and took me to my hotel (which is actually quite nice). I got a good night's sleep and don't really feel any jet lag (thanks to some strategically taken sleeping pills :).
This morning, I ate a delicious breakfast at my hotel, and immediately felt the French influence in Vietnam. For example, I ordered chocolate pancakes and ended up with chocolate filled crepes. After that, I decided to venture out for a walk in the neighborhood around my hotel: the Old Quarter.
Well, stepping out into the street was like stepping back in time in a whole new world. I have literally never seen more people and motorbikes in one place in anywhere I have ever been. Simply walking on the sidewalk was an adventure. But daring to cross the street was a death-defying feat. Seriously! At first, it seemed kind of fun - like a game of Frogger or something. BUT, the fun ended and the terror set in when one came within one inch of hitting me and running over my foot! Words really can't describe it - watch the video below!
After nearly dying 58 times, I went back to my hotel and met Lucky, Sweety, and Mr. Lam (all friends of one of my students). They were very nice and took me to the Temple of Literature, and then to a delicious lunch. After that, we went to the Museum of Ethnology. This was one of those classic examples of locals knowing what is cool - I wasn't even planning to go there, but it turned out to be a highlight of the day! On the inside, it's just a regular museum, but on the outside, there are old-school ethnic houses and lots of cool interactive displays. It was so much fun!
Once we finished there, we drove to my student's mom's office, and then headed to Le Mat Snake Village. There, we met up with about 8 members of her extended family, and had an amzing meal of cobra - served many different ways. Eating cobra was a goal of mine, and is sure to be a highlight of my trip! Not only that - it tasted great!!! I drank the blood and bile mixed with alcohol, and ate the fried skin, ground bones, stir fried meat, spring rolls, soup, and several other snake entrees. It was such a great experience, and was the kind of thing I never could have experienced on any tour. I also drank a lot of snake and bee wine - maybe too much haha!
Tomorrow, I've booked a boat and kayak tour of halong bay - I really can't wait!!!
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