Fascinating Hanoi

A few unknown facts TO ME about Hanoi

1)       Hanoi actually has four seasons.

2)       It is very hard to find overweight locals.

3)      The shops/ houses are narrow, due to the width regulations set by the king.

4)      Houses with 3 stories- people only stayed at the GF level, the 1F is for storing their belongings, and the 3F is for praying.

5)      The cleanliness of the food prepared is highly questionable. I had instances where the sellers just recycle used chopstick & wipe the plate with dirty tissues before serving the next meal to the next customer. They even place back the un-eaten green veggies (witnessed near our hotel). This is because the set up where they sell their food is only the sellers with her coal & cooking stove, and 5 kids’ size chairs facing her.

They also scoured the dustbin for reusable plastic cup to re-sell sugar cane juice (witnessed in Halong Bay near the Heaven Cave).

6)      Hanoi is not like Siem Reap, Cambodia where the US Dollar is widely used. Vietnam Dong is still a much better/ convenient choice for small scale shopping on the street. As 90% of the price tag is still in Vietnam Dong. They don’t even have small change for a USD10, and we were lunching at an upper scale restaurant- Avalon Lounge & Cafe. Chances are, you’re giving them USD100 and they will return Vietnam Dong to you.

7)      Durian is a delicacy there, some people lived their whole life only tasted the fruit twice because it is too expensive. While we are taking it for granted here in our country.

8)      Hanoi recommended food:-

-          Sticky Rice with chicken/ beef etc.

-          Pho- Noodle soup made from rice. There is a famous shop just around the corner from Cuo Dong Street. Vietnamese from other parts of the country love this.

-          Fanny Ice-Cream- very fancy Ice cream restaurant

9)     Walking around Hanoi Old Quarters is a nightmare. The traffic is crazy. Crossing the many street leaves us screaming trying to avoid cars & motorcycles that does not seem to be following the traffic rules. Most of the times we could not even walk on the sidewalk because all the motorcycle were parked there, hence more screaming and looking behind our shoulder for motorcycle when walking on the road.

    The motorcycle helmet is not like a safety helmet at all. Boy, their helmet is an art on its own. No padding on the inside to cushion any blows and it is not covering the ears. This is explained by the motorcyclist not being able to hear the honking of warning from other motorists. Thus the bowl shape helmet. Some helmet for the ladies even have a hole at the back for their ponytails!

    

    There is a significant history between Hanoi & Moscow. I just didn’t get the chance to know what because our museum tour was so brief. There were even direct flights from Moscow. I thought there was more history with France.