Hanoi, Vietnam - Day 1

 Hanoi Day 1

I finally arrive in Hanoi. These long flights are certainly not getting any easier with age. I arrived, totally spent. My flight was already scheduled to arrive at 9:30 pm. Not my favorite time to arrive at a new destination. On top of that, the flight from Seoul, Korea was delayed about an hour. 

Luckily I pre-booked a taxi to my accomodations: Hanoi Travel House in the old quarter of Hanoi. It took about 20 minutes for me to finally find the taxi coordinator showing my reservation. 

The ride in from the airport was more than 30 minutes. I had a great chat with the driver on the way in, via Google Translate.  Arriving in Old Quarter about 1 am, the area was hopping with activity. I was nervous arriving so late at the hostel. I found that nervousness unfounded. The front desk it appears is staffed 24/7.

I got checked in, I got my lower bunk in a room on the 5th floor. Again lucky for me, they have an elevator.

Going up to the shared room with 4 beds, I was the only one there. I got settled in, took a quick shower and hit the sack. 

I didn't have a totally restful night. Not unexpected. I often find that when I arrive so late and exhausted, my first nights rest is not good. 

Even though I got to bed late, I still woke up too early, before 7 am. I must have had some deep sleep because I found backpacks all over the place of new people that had checked in after I feel asleep. I didn't hear any of them come in.

Most other places I have stayed with breakfast is included, the breakfast service starts at 8 am or even
later. I came down about 7 and the breakfast service was all laid out. I ordered the bacon omelette. The breakfast also included fresh watermelon juice, coffee, fresh fruit, sliced tomato and cucumber, bread and rice paper with something. It was all delicious.

Capital One recently changed my debit card from Master Card to Discover Card. I haven't found anyplace yet that will honor Discover Card debit cards. Luckily I have plan B and C, but it is going to add a layer of challenges to get money.

I spent a good amount of time this morning looking for an ATM that I could use, no luck. It is Saturday and some ATM locations are closed. I will try again on Monday. In the meantime, I have to use my Mexican back debit card to get money.

It is very pleasant outside, a little overcast, there were some sprinkles earlier, but not hot.

The streets are bustling with pedestrians, motor bikes, cars and vendors. Very much alive with activity.

It always takes a bit of time to get used to a new currency. 

A guy approached me this morning wanting to clean my shoes, they definately needed it. He quoted me 150,000 dong and before thinking, I said sure. While he was cleaning, I realised I OK'd a shoe cleaning for about $6 usd. I am sure I got taken. But, my shoes are clean.