Hanoi Day 2

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Xin chào

Yesterday was my first day in Hanoi. I didn't have anything planned. I just walked around checking out nearby streets and shops. Where I am staying in Old Quarter are mostly hostels, hotels, travel agencies, restaurants, bars and gift shops. 

Even though I was taking it easy, giving time for my land legs to adjust, I still ended up walking almost 9500 steps. If I keep going at that pace, I may even loose some weight. One can only wish.

I haven't been outside yet, but it may be raining a little. I did bring an umbrella with me, but I think I will still add rain gear to my things to buy list today. I don't have any real plans for the day except more walking and exploring more of the Old Quarter area.

I spent the day aimlessly walking again today. I put a few things on my shopping list: rubber slippers, a light wind breaker/rain jacket, a broad brim hat and earbuds (to replace the ones I apparently left on the plane, lose #1). I managed to find and buy all of them.

I walked further away from my stay today and was not ready to walk back, so I took my first Grab ride on a motor scooter. Pretty cheap, less than a dollar for a 10 ot 15 minute ride back to my place.

                                                                                                    In the evening I went out to get something light to eat. Earlier in the day I stopped and got a Bahn Mi sandwich so I wasn't very hungry. I found a guy on a corner selling chicken skewers, gà xiên nướng. Perfect. 



                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I also past by a street performance by some young musicians playing instruments called, Dan Nhi with background accompanied music. Very nice. 

    If the video doesn't work here you can see it on  Doug's Travel PageI on Facebook or on YouTub at: https://youtu.be/pSXhoLGum3Y



                                                                                                                                                                  The streets are full of decorations and brightly lit signs. I reminded me a little of the flashy signs of Las Vegas, but with an Asian flair.
                                                                                                                                                                                                               I capped off the evening strolling through the streets, now with less cars and motorbikes, replaced with people and restaurant/bar seating encrouching into the streets. Pretty sure part of the area I pasts through is the infamous Beer Street. 

Finished the day at 9404 steps for the day. 10,000 here I come.









Arriving back at the Hostel, I asked at the front desk about boat trips at Ha Long bay. The receptionist suggested a 2 day 1 night trip. I took a look at the brochure and decided to do that. I have my room reserved here through the night of March 11. The van will pick me up on March 12, then return to the Hostel on March 14. I will sleep one night on the boat.

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