Hello Hanoi!

Welcome to Hanoi, a unique and interesting city that trives in communism, but also craves capitalism. Yes, every day around 4pm you can here the communist government pushing down messages to the people through the streets and alleyways. But the people seem to take that....and then put their own twist on it. They are just as 'greedy' as us 'westerners' and if you aren't careful, they'll get you!

Case in point, I arrive in Hanoi, clear customs and head out to hail a cab. I point to the hotel in my guide book, The Stars Hotel on Bat Su, and the guide says yes, he knows where it's located. So, we agree on a price and away we go. Well, he takes me to the Star Hotel where a gentleman asks me if I e-mailed for a room. I said yes and he said that the place was full, but that he had another hotel just around the corner. He tells the driver to take me there. I quickly look up and notice we aren't on Bat Su and that the name of the hotel is different. I ask the cab driver and he's very quiet. We show up at the next hotel and sure enough, there's someone already on the street ready to take me to the hotel. I knew something was up and smiled to the driver and said, 'this is not the hotel I asked you to take me to. Please take me to the Stars Hotel on Bat Su.' He smiles and knows the gig is up and takes me there. He then proceeds to ask me for more money since we went to the other two hotels first......fat chance! I get out of the cab and two people walk up to me right outside of the door and tell that the hotel is full. There again, I know better, and walk straight in where there are tons of available rooms. But that's the Vietnamese people, nice and always out to make some quick money.

Hanoi as a town is a lovely place. It's a capital city and has a lovely cafe culture. The Hoam Kiem Lake in the middle of the Old Quarter is nice and somewhat serene and THE place to people watch. They also have the outdoor beer cafes which are the best way to meet the locals and get drunk really cheap. Sitting on chairs meant for small children, you can usually find the locals drinking 'fresh beer' in the early evenings as a way to escape life and watch the world go by. If you are ever in Hanoi, don't be afraid to stop off and order a beer, as the beers are usually cheap (i.e. less than $0.25) and the locals love to try their English with you.

No trip to Hanoi is complete without a visit to see Uncle Ho. For those that fought in the 'American War,' as it's referred to over here, it might not be that kosher, but Ho Chi Minh is quite the revered feature in Vietnamese ways of life. His picture is everywhere and people hold him in high regard. His embalmed corpse is immaculately preserved and well guarded in the mausoleum complex and visitors must remember to dress appropriately. Unlike Napolean, Uncle Ho is at eye level, so there's no ceremonial bowing or anything like that. The room is fairly dark and Uncle Ho's face and hands are lit up in the center of the room. It's an interesting sight, that's for sure!

Also, I quickly got used to the change in requests from "rickshaw? rickshaw?" to "motobike? motobike?" And yeah, even though it is like taking your life into your own hands, no trp to Vietnam is complete without jumping on one!

Until next time......

Love, peace, and soul.