Up early to head to Hanoi. Our painting we were having done arrived by motorbike at 7am. Amazing copy of painting we had seen at Nha Trang. Huge 1.2m x 1.2m canvas. Don't think there is anything these guys cannot do - and quickly.
Then Sue arrived with Kobe's bag left at their place- surprise! Another tearful farewell and she was off to school. Have had an amazing time with them all !!
Headed off to airport at 8am for flight to Hanoi. Short flight - about 1 hour. Met by Cuong who will be our guide when we go to Sapa in a couple of days.
Into hotel - Paradise Hanoi Hotel - very nice. All got changed as now very cold in the north. Fleeces and scarves.
Into Old Town to grab lunch- of course!
Found the Travellers Inn for a bite.
Crazy walking around as it has narrow streets like Hoi An but the traffic of Ho Chi Mihn. No room to walk on footpath so on road in single file. Grandy loved it - not! Tedddddddddd!!!!!!!
Walked down to the Hoan Kiem Lake with its famous Rising Sun Bridge (currently under restoration). Lake was beautiful and misty. On the way stopped at the thousands of shoe shops with Vans, Converse, Diesel, etc. no need to get made in Hoi An as these are great quality and are from the factories as these brands made in Vietnam. Now we know!
Then went to see the Water Puppet Theatre. This is a very ancient art over 1000 years old. It was really good to see and amazing how they worked the puppets in the water.
Then to the City Cafe which is on a top floor to see the beautiful twilight view of the city and lake- from there it was dinner where we stumbled upon the Rockbilly Resturant which was lovely, quaint and warm. After feeding the hungry beasts it was a walk back through the mad streets to the hotel and bed.