Arrived midday and managed to navigate through the throngs of taxi lads and hop on the bus. $35 vs $3 and took the same amount of time. Being pushy must work though otherwise they wouldn’t do it, but I would never go with the people who come up and don’t leave ya alone. Just annoying!
Old Quarter
Now that my little rant is over I can focus on the positives, of which there are many!
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.
Staying right beside the Lake, and beside a hape of tourist things
Booze and Ball
Spent the weekend in Hanoi. A productive Saturday started with a Parkrun and finished with the Celtic game. Sunday I again got out for a run and ended the day watching Liverpool lift their 20th title.
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 this lovely lake.
Visited the area then with Dave, a friend from back home, who introduced me to the wonders of Bun Cha!
Tourist Things
My accommodation was above a travel agency, so I had a good idea of what is on in the area. 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!
Unfinished Business
Hanoi surprised me. Was a lot more enjoyable than I was anticipating and I think I’ll definitely return. 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.
The Ha Giang Loop will need to be done at some point.
DavAI SummAIriser
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