Arrived around midday and managed to navigate through the throngs of taxi lads offering a lift. $35 taxi vs a $3 bus and they take the same amount of time.
Being pushy must work for them though or otherwise they wouldn’t do it, but I would never go with the people who come up and don’t leave ya alone – so annoying!
Now that my little rant is over, I can focus on the positives, of which there are many!
Signs from the 50 year celebrations
Old Quarter
I booked a cheap enough spot close to the pick-up for the bus to Ha Long. The original plan was to spend the Friday night in Hanoi before heading to Ha Long for the weekend.
However, the race was postponed by a week, so I extended my stay for a few days, especially as the gaff was in such a prime location – right by Hoàn Kiếm Lake.
The bridge to Ngoc Son Temple – an island within the lake
The lake at night
Booze and Ball
I had a productive Saturday – starting with a solo Parkrun, followed by a good stretch in a nearby gym, and finished with the Celtic cup game.
Viciously attacked by a wild dog at the gym
A E S T H E T I C
On Sunday, I once again got out for a run and ended the day watching football – after the disappointment of Celtic’s cup defeat it was great to see Liverpool lift their 20th title.
A bit of hurling on the left, and final day Premier League action on the right
West Lake
A few friends who had lived in Hanoi told me to check out West Lake – the expat district. I was enjoying the main tourist hub but it was great to get up to West Lake during the week for a run around it.
A foggy day at West Lake
The next day I went up there again with Dave, a friend from back home, who has been living here for a number of years. He introduced me to the wonders of Bun Cha – always great to meet up with someone who knows the area!
Tourist Things
My accommodation was above a travel agency, so I had a good idea of what’s t odo. But I was happy having a more relaxed week and just exploring as I went.
The Note Cafe is a fun one and I had some tasty Vietnamese coffee there and of course I couldn’t leave without checking out Train Street – more dangerous than I expected!
The famous Note Cafe
The infamous train street
Unfinished Business
Hanoi really surprised me – I thought it would just be a big busy city vibe, but it was a lot more enjoyable than I anticipated and I look forward to returning.
I I was too busy running, getting massages, and writing notes in the Note Cafe to check everything out, but I would like to see St Joseph’s Cathedral, and have heard about some interesting family museums as well.
Hopefully get back when the weather is a bit dryer and can tackle the Ha Giang Loop while I’m at it.
But up next, is Ha Long for the half marathon.
DavAI SummAIriser
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