Hanoi and Uncle Ho

Another sleeper bus dropped us off in the nation's capital just prior to 6am. Our hostel was full so we couldn't head straight to sleep however we could at least ditch our bags and head out exploring before the heat of the day.  At the lake front we were confronted  by tai chi, runners, badminton players, dancers and all sorts up and about before work.  After trying our hostel again at 9am we were told to come back at 12pm, so read a bit more of our books by the lake and gorged on all you can eat pasta, salad and fruit at a LP recommendation.  No sooner had we checked in, we both fell straight to sleep and woke in time to go out at night and explore the old town for some tea.

Somehow we had managed to avoid any booster vaccinations before leaving the UK and at home so decided now would be the time to get these done.  I think we got a better deal getting them done at an international medical centre than we would have at home.  And they even sorted Si and I out with a lollipop!

On the next morning we set off for Uncle Ho - the poor old guy wanted nothing more to be cremated but in a mausoleum he lies, under lights and armed guards for thousands to walk through and see.  We spent the majority of the rest of our time in Hanoi at a 5th floor cafe overlooking the picturesque lake before the long awaited trip to Halong Bay.

Pics are here