Hanoi - Day 1

Talk about off to a flying start, I must have walked most of the city centre and explored streets until I became lost and off the map… Soon backtracked to a point I could gain my bairings though ;) Found a Highlands coffee (with a limited selection of cakes but fantastic views from the 3rd floor balcony!) for a refuel before walking around the central lake, this is worth a visit as they had a selection of mini sculpture on display, one in the form of a row of lotus flowers, eye-catching and adds a splash of colour in the smog!! In this same area a short walk takes you to the wonderful Opera House with a fantastic Pattisarie across the street selling Italian dishes. Another short walk takes you across from the lake and to St Joseph cathedral, this is a truly magnificent gem - it is a must see, not for the intricate architecture on the outside or the vivid nativity scene outside, but for the magnificent gothic interior and the ornate displays in the alcoves as well as a complete wooden alter. Truly wonderful and a break from the madness of the traffic outside. (There is a midnight mass here but in Vietnamese so I will try to attend one in the local church). Hanoi also boasts a large number of restaurants, pubs, cafes and craft markets/shops, the most impressive of these is the propaganda posters gallery…
I end the day at ‘Le Pub’ funnily enough in the form of an old English bar!! Sells beers from all over the world including Leffe, Hiennaken and other Euro faves ($5 a bottle), but the local stuff is $1 a bottle and is fine for those who want to partake of the amber nector ;) They also do soft drinks and light snacks.
Stef arrived today and it was a fantastic surprise to see him at the door at 6.30pm - the two travellers hook up for Christmas! :) Great to exchange stories of travels over a curry and beer.