"Hanoi, part two" a Hanoi Travel Page by ellielou

When I first went to Hanoi, in November 2004, I was thoroughly besotted by the place. I thought it beautiful, exotic, lively. The people were nice, the food fantastic. It was also my first ever visit to Asia, and I had been planning and planning and dreaming and dreaming about the trip for months.

I couldn't wait to return.

I returned there in March, and was disappointed. It was near the end of a monthlong SE Asia trip, and I had just spent ten days in Laos (which I had also adored the first visit) during the wrong season, the very hot season. Getting to Hanoi, where it would be cooler and have more to do, was like the holy grail. I kept saying to myself, aaaaaaah, I cannot wait to get to Hanoi.

I must say, that my initial impression was one of disappointment. Of couse, I will explain more below. And, that's continued below.

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always enchanting street sellers in conical hats

beware of high expecations

Of course, it could all have been incredibly high expectations. That would ruin anything for you.

It could deal with street vendors, motorbike drivers who were increasingly aggessive (the first time I was there I wasn't alone, but remember them just asking once, our shaking our heads no, and being left alone), or just the amazing amount of building being done. Who knows? But, I think unrealistic expectations goes a long way in solving that one.

Still, in a few days, Hanoi once again started working its charm.

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always some action

it's always moving

As with other large SE Asian (and other) cities, Hanoi is always on the move. There is always something to see, something to do, somewhere to eat. But, there's still something managable about it.

And, it's forever picturesque...and, just when you think you're tired of being there, and you're ready to move on, you walk down a street, and are just amazed by the everyday life of the place.