So I've finally left Indonesia; I wanted to stick around longer as there's still so much I wanted to see, but I've got to budget my time for other countries to visit too. Maybe I'll come back to Indonesia, complete my diving certifications next year. But for now, it's fast-forward to Vietnam. I will be starting my Vietnam visit in Hanoi, then work my way down south to Ho Chi Minh City and hopefully see some good stuff along the way. Arriving at the airport, there was the usual taxi driver madness you have to walk through where everyone follows you around offering you a ride; always irritating, and even though I needed a ride I always say no out of spite. I got my own taxi elsewhere, and went to one of the more well-known hostels in Hanoi. They were unfortunately full, so I had to walk around and visit a few more until I found one with a free bed. The place wasn't all that great, but hostels are for budget people so I couldn't complain(especially for 5$US a night!).
The hostel was in a cramped alleyway, completely filled with backpacker stuff like cafe + bars, laundry service stores, backpacker shops, tourist stands and the like.
Walking around Hanoi, the traffic is even worse than you'd find in Indonesia. Hundreds of motorcycles everywhere, all ready to run a red light when they feel like it. I had the feeling that Hanoi was this big, gloomy city of sadness; the people weren't all that welcoming, it was more depressing than I thought.
Walking around at night. This particular square was light up everywhere, tourist central.
Hoan Khiem Lake, one of the more scenic places around. Or, rather, the only scenic place in Hanoi.
Situated in the middle of the lake is Jade Island, with the Temple of the Jade Mountain temple. It was closed off by the time I got there, so this long distance photo will have to do.
Went for another exploring adventure along the backstreets. Still drab and dreary.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. See those two white guards at the entrance? They're not very nice. I tried to get in, but the mausoleum closes by 11am.
Wide open street in front of the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and museum, devoid of any decorations and such.
The Ho Chi Minh museum! Perhaps this would turn out to be better.
Mostly propaganda at the museum; note the drab, dreay colors inside, dull and lifeless.
Ho Chi Minh himself.
One of the more flashy displays, but really, I lost interest at this point.
But hey, Hanoi wasn't all bad, at least there was the Night Market. On weekends several streets are closed off to traffic and local vendors can set up shop in the middle of the street, a haven for bargain hunters. I liked it, even picked up a few things for myself.
Hanoi doesn't really do it for me. While other people may like it here, I think I'll be going elsewhere; I originally planned to stay for a week here, but no way is that happening now. But first: Halong NBay.