Posted by Amanda

When you are sleeping in a long house with open windows and a bamboo slatted floor you hear everything. The dogs barking, the motorbikes screaching to avoid bicycles, and the general talking of the neighbors woke Noah and I. Plus, the hard floor wasn't great on my hips. We got ready and ate breakfast before everyone got up. Getting ready is pretty easy when there is no hot water and you sleep in your clothes. It basically means putting a clean shirt on and brushing your teeth. Breakfast was some eggs, tea, and good French bread. Just when we decided to go back to bed everyone got up and the owners took away the mats and nets.

We decided to take a walk around again. We did see two very cute cats sleeping on a weaving loom. I managed to pet them without being harassed into buying something. We stopped for a drink at one spot where they actually had cold drinks.

Lunch was about the same as dinner. Sat on the floor, nothing spicy enough. Then back to the bus for our drive to Hanoi.

It was nice to arrive at our hotel to take a shower and clean up a bit even if the hot water didn't last more than a few minutes. The hotel in general is a bit shabby with a dirty carpet and a leaky sink. The view from the window includes a construction site and a very large bright green pond.

Our first stop for the night was the water puppet show. Apparently, there isn't that much new material for water puppets as it was almost exactly the same as what we saw before except the puppets were in better shape. The musicians were very unhappy looking. You begin to think this is the worst job in Vietnam--playing musical instruments for tourists.

Dinner was at a very nice restaurant where only Westerners seem to eat.

Noah and I walked around a bit after dinner seeing some very sweet restaurants along the way. We likely caused a motorbike accident when we crossed the street. The two drivers began fighting afterwards but people pulled them apart. We kept walking not wanting to get caught up in things. Our search for bubble tea ended unsuccessfully so we just used the free internet in the hotel.

A number of students came back from their massages. Apparently, the place was a bit creepy with happy endings offered all around.

Earlier in the day we'd purchased a rice wine jug thing. It comes filled with everything you need to make the wine, just add water. I added some water, found it too strong, then emptied it. It was filled to the brim with rice. I can't believe how much rice was in there. I was afraid a bunch of bugs would also come out, but they didn't. We now have a nice flower vase as an intended gift. Of course our room smells like rice wine.