i filled my day cruising around the streetts of Hanoi on two wheels, the peddle variety of bike. it was an interesting experience for me, having never really rode in busy traffic in Australia i was thrown into the deep end as i manouvered through mopeds, motorbikes, other cyclists, cars and pedestrians. My morning aim was to successfully read the map and find my way from Alicia's house to the Hoan Kiem Lake, i figured if i could get to the lake i could use it as a base to get anywhere (so far my plan is working) plus i wanted to ride around it and check it out! i made it there with quite a few minor detours (unplanned of course) and headed out to Alicia's hotel to meet her for lunch, we had take out, she also called her nail lady who arrived at the hotel mid lunch to do my nails, plonking herself down on a plastic stool next to my chair, she did a pretty good job, costing me ... i cant remember!

I decided it was time i started hitting museums, and galleries etc ... so headed out to the Women's museum and walked into a whole world of wierd, there was some introduction to consenses (i think) speech being held, followed by a vietnamese pop princess, with a massive audience i definately didnt fit in! the Women's Museam was really interesting with artifacts and photographs of women who were involved in war in many different ways whether it be informer, gunner, medics etc, the letters written home from the soldiers were the saddest and effected me the most. they also had a street vendors exhibition, and apparently street vendors are not suppose to sell their wares in certain areas around Hanoi, a new law passed in early January 2008. though i havent seen a street without them! it was a really informative exhibition that gave a deep insight into their lives, their work and their families, with most of them coming from the country to sell varies things or food because their land for farming doesnt make enough for the necessities. It definately gave me more empathy for them. though i still wish they wouldnt follow me down the street when i have said NO a hundred times!

a major headache started setting in mid arvo, as the noise of Hanoi finally got to me, so headed home for some peace and quiet before heading out for dinner.

grabbing 2 Xe om (say ome-motorbike taxi) we headed over to alicia's mate Marcus's house before strolling past the Sheridan to a swanky restaurant Vine Hotel. i didnt believe id be eating in restaurants like that in Vietnam, the food and wine was unbelievable, all of us having hot pots and drinking Chile wine, after dinner we retired to the cigar lounge ... all very la di da!