Arrival in Hanoi

Having got up at 5.00am to catch the 7am this plane from Vientianne this morning.

I moved from a warm Vientianne to a cooler, misty, drizzly Hanoi. I arrived in Hanoi safely if a bit chaotically. Firstly I was dropped off at the wrong hotel, but managed to find my way to the right one, where they asked me to go their sister's hotel (which had I nearly booked anyway). But its fine (unless of course you like windows into the open air to your room, but thinking of the pollution outside, air conditioning may actually be better not having windows) and the internet is free.

Vietnam is slightly easier than Laos or Thailand in one respect. They always use our western alphabet its easier to recognise street names.

The intial impresssion of Hanoi was madness, narrow streets and millions of people mostly on motor bikes. The bikes that aren't on the road are parked on the pavement so you have to walk on the road. I hope all the Vietnamese never want cars to replace their motor bikes because they'll fill the entire country. Crossing the road is an act of faith as the motor bikes and the few cars and buses weave around you. To be honest I don't know if I'm going to like this bit of the trip.

I had an exploratory walk around the centre this afternoon which gave me a slightly better impression. There is a lake in the centre with one way traffic around it but it is relatively calm. Also there are some wider boulevards, with impressive colonial buildings.

Time for a shower (lets hope its hot- yes it was) and then find a suitable restaurant. Fried rice again!