Hanoi

Wow.
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After a thankfully short trip I found a guesthouse and thought ' that'll do' . On reflection it seemed a bit rundown and then had the awkward scenario of canceling my room. They weren't too happy , but I was at my next stop .Its quieter and cleaner and cheaper too.it's down an alley lined full of hawkers selling veg , fruit and meat. it's a scene i'm sure that would be familiar  to someone from 50 + yrs ago.

Hanoi is the capital although it feels marginally less frenetic that Saigon.The Old Quarter may be busier than most areas as it's where a lot of the cheaper hotels are and many , many motos are after business. I feel it's rude to ignore them and try to at least shake my head when I'm asked for the hundredth time if I want a ride / massage / marijuana.

In the middle of the city
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I took a day trip out to Halong Bay , the number one attraction of Vietnam. It's reminiscent of  Ninh Binh with it's towering limestone rocks.The difference is these are in the sea rather than inland water.The trip included a visit to a couple of caves , one of which was only discovered in the 1980's and is very impressive . It's been made ' tourist friendly ' mind , with coloured lights to emphasize some formations and even an artificial fountain. The next cave was a nice contrast as it's wonders were more natural.

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A visit to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre was a must . It's a North Vietnam speciality. A puppet show on water basically.The water is coloured to disguise the workings below. It was all very sweet with little tales like fishermen being outwitted by the fish and all skilfully done . It's only a shame there wasn't more children there to enjoy it , it was largely an adult tourist audience.

There's a lake in town that is supposed to be populated with giant turtles. One was infact photo'd a few years ago and there is a stuffed one from the '60s on an island. However the turtles are integral to a legend of the lake and theres a theory the appearances are stage managed! It's certainly hard to see how an air breathing animal could not be seen on a regular basis in such an urban setting.

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I'm struggling a little with this entry as i'm being jostled by kids playing on the next PC . I can tell you that the most popular pc  game with the yoof of Vietnam is a competitive dancing game.Thought you might like to know.

I was reading a  Vietnam guide book from '91 over dinner . My how things have changed. It actually wouldn't have been possible to do the trip as I have as the overland border crossings were restricted or impossible for foreigners.On the other hand it's a shame that tourism makes it so easy.I had visions of getting local buses and trains with no one speaking English, getting lost in the middle of nowhere. all those fun things. With tourist buses tho it's easier , quicker and just as cheap as doing it independently - just not as fun!

You're not even safe on a boat.
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Life must be pretty good if I'm grumbling that it's too easy .someone give me a slap.

I'm off to Laos next on another long bus ride.Apparently I have to go all the way to Vientine which is on the other side of the country.. I don't know why , across the border would have been fine , maybe I'll just jump ship/ bus .