Slightly late to start writing here, but giving it a go! Maybe I can include some notes about 1 month on transiberian and days in Hong Kong later. But procrastination is my middle name... So let's see! ;)

Arrived last night from hong kong on Vietnam airlines! Great service and beautifully dressed hostesses.

I had applied online for visa on arrival letter, so my name was on a list. I just filled in form + 1 photo, and payed $25 (small notes, exact is better). Easy and quite fast. A lot cheaper than doing it through embassy before leaving home!

The driver from hotel wasn't there so I took a taxi outside, as tourist info ones inside were double price. Inside seemed safer, but too expensive. So got taxi outside but agreed that no extra costs in tolls,etc would be payed by me, and I had no problem. Meter running, it cost around 300,000 VND, which is what guide book said it should be.

Got to Little Hanoi Hostel in the old quarter. Lovely room with private bathroom and free wifi. By the time I finished studying about booking train to Sapa or boat to Halong Bay, it was quite late. The hostel recommended a place to eat, but I ended walking for a bit and then just going back to hostel. Needed to tackle the madness with fresh eyes in the morning. Was a bit daunting to step out into the crazy streets at night on my own. Could'nt even find a place to buy water or biscuits! (thankfully hostel had supplied some kind of grapefruit in room, so had that).

Got up early and headed out! Whole new perspective! Still quite daunting, but not intimidating! Started walking in direction of Hoan Kiem lake. Just taking it easy and mastering the skill of crossing roads!!! Insane! The trick is to cross very slowly so motobikes can swarm around you. If you cross quick they can't judge distance / movement and you will get splattered. :) they will NOT stop! Ever!

Having a coffee beak now in Highlands coffee (not the most local place I could pick, I know) which gives a little break before tackling those roads again! All so very exciting!!