Hanoi, Hanoi, VietnamThis morning we had our regular breakfast before starting out for the day.
Eve had a sore foot, so decided to stay in for the morning. I decided to head down to Hoa Lo Prison, which Eve wasn't too looking forward to seeing anyway. It was quite a hike to get there, but once I arrived the lines were very small.
The prison was built, by France, during French Colonialism between 1886 and 1889. I was used for political prisoners up until they were forced to leave Vietnam in 1954. It was then again used, during the Vietnam war, and was nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton, by the American prisoners of war that were held there.
Most of it was torn down in the 1990's, only three structures and two bunkhouses remain, as a museum. Towering skyscrapers now surround the area.
Our afternoon trek was in search of the train on Train Street. We had crossed the tracks quite accidentally a few times this week. We chose Saturday to experience it just because the trains ran during the day on weekends and more frequently.
We found a cafe on the upper track. Literally the track was right in front of us. We got there about 40 minutes before the train's scheduled arrival. We had a couple of cold peach teas and some food. Greg ordered a Vietnamese sub and fries and I ordered beef fried noodles. We had a nice chat with a couple of young American guys at the next table. It was their first time to Vietnam as well.
We did some more walking in the Old Quarter, got a little lost but eventually made out way back to Hoan Kiem Lake, which seems to be the heart of everything in this area of Hanoi.
Today instead of the usual congestion of vehicles and motorbikes the roads around the lake were closed to motor traffic and it was pedestrian traffic only. It was a carnival atmosphere with many, many vendors - lots selling food and lots geared towards the many children around - the bubble making merchandise, toys, balloons & vehicles for children were very popular.
There were also street musicians and dance demonstrations around the in lake
We stopped for supper at a restaurant that looked like it catered to mostly tourists. Probably very expensive for most of the working locals, but reasonable for a lot of tourists.
It was on the lake so there were lovely views. Greg ordered the Stir fried squid with five colours for 219,000 VND (about $12. CDN) and I had the Stir fried shrimp with cashew nuts, also for 219,000 VND.
On the road home we ran into more closed streets but this time a market had sprung up down the middle of the street. There were many merchants selling everything from souvenirs to clothes to jewellery and more. About half of the usual merchants on that street also stayed open for the crowds of people perusing the stalls. When we got back to our hotel, the front desk is advised us this market only runs on Saturdays.
One of the great things about staying at our hotel is that the spa is open until 11pm and we can book treatments on short notice. Unlike any where else, we can get a spa treatment then go & continue to relax in our room after (not have to get fully dressed, then drive home or go back to work!) On our return to the hotel I went for a hot stone massage and facial...about 2.5 hours of pampering for about $68.CDN. Though not customary here (just like Japan), no tipping is required (but is appreciated). I tipped, as she did a wonderful job.
Some rest now as tomorrow is our last day here and it will be a long one.
Allan Latoski
2023-02-13
Looks like I should be able to take larger deliveries on the motorcycle!