The Real Hanoi

Been away for the past couple of weeks. Busy with work again...as much as I'd like to write but just couldn't find the time and energy to. Wish I could write more as it eases my mind and make me happy while looking at the photos on my blog. Yeah, although the photos are of lousy quality, I'd like to think more of it as remembrance rather than art.

I've manage to capture a few pictures of Hanoi during my work session in Hanoi. It's a pretty decent place to visit should you like french buildings and would like to know more about the
Vietnamese culture.

Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. I've always thought that Ho Chi Minh was the capital. But no, Hanoi being not only the capital is a major tourist attraction.





























The hotel was good although just a budget one at about USD35/night.















The people are friendly and accommodating but only a few speak and understand English. Instead, we had to learn a few Vietnamese language to be able to move around and order some food. The hotel of course is the best place to ask for help when you are in need.



























No, food is not cheap. A bowl of rice noodle (like koay tiao soup here) cost as much as USD1.5 minus the comfort of sitting in a proper restaurant. Yes, these plastic/wooden chairs or tables and kind of hygiene are what you'll get. But definitely the local taste, which is light and healthy. The better restaurants cost whey more without the actual Vietnamese feel.

This was called Brittle Fried Noodle. I was expecting a plate of noodles and it turned out I got some crunchy fried flour (taste a little like 'taupok') with lots of 'choi sam' and some beef. Taste was good no doubt but it was more like a snack rather than a meal.