Back to Hanoi

So it was back to Hanoi again after Halong Bay. Went to go buy a bag with wheels. I realised that wheels are a backpacker's best friend. After pseudo-haggling (went to seller who gave me lowest price), went to the Hanoi Water Puppets Theatre (click on the article for more info). The hour-long show had singing, comedy, and dragon battles.

The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi - in front of a busy city street

If you are wondering about food: If you live in Melbourne, the Vietnamese food in Melb is of the highest quality, but Vietnam food is dirt cheap (and at times just plain dirty). Never got sick during the 3 days in Hanoi. I recall what I normally tell people: eat where Vietnamese people eat.

Walked past the Hanoi Backpackers Hostel - run by 2 Aussie boys. It's the only real Western-style hostel in Hanoi. Didn't stay there this time, but maybe next time.

View from my hotel - 'Viet Anh Hotel'

After being really annoyed in the 1st day in Vietnam, I was getting used to how things worked, and was starting to enjoy the country. The city is constantly moving, and everyone is very entrepreneurial. There were rarely people begging, I think it's due to the pride of the people. But signs of communism are everywhere, and you wonder what life would be like now if the government was more democratic.

DN