.jpg)
I took a short trip over a weekend to Hanoi, Vietnam with two new friends. We missed you Carrie!
Hanoi is in the northern part of Vietnam. We spent one day in the city and one day in the country. And it wasn't enough! I would love to go back. There was so much to see and learn and do.
Vietnam was constantly being ruled by the Chinese or fighting them off for centuries. So there is a lot of Chinese influence (Buddhism, Confusism, ancestor worship, pagodas, temples, etc.)
But then Vietnam was colonized by the French in the 1880s until 1954. The city has french architecture, french food, and a surprisingly lot of people speak a little french. You see french cafes next to Chinese temples and baquettes being sold next to noodles.
The American War lasted from 1961 to 1975. From my super limited understanding of this war, the Americans supported controversial Southern Vietnam in fighting the North to keep the country from becoming communist. Northern Vietnam won and the country became communist with support and influence from the Soviets.
Soviet looking propaganda could be seen throughout the busy city and as well as architecture of some government buildings.
And did I say busy city? The streets were crazy. Lots of scooters. Lots of bikes. Lots of people. The guide books even give you advice on how to cross the street 'keep a slow and steady pace and the scooters will go around you.' By the end of the weekend we were pros.
The fresh springrolls and beef noodle Pho were my favorites. We ate at 2 restaurants that came recommended and loved it! KOTO and Highway 4. We tried ostrich, goat and an unidentified sea plant found in Jessie F.'s salad. But so much more was out there for the brave.
We learned to say hello 'Xin chao' good bye 'Tam biet' and thank you 'Cam on.'
My haggling skills got a little better and we also learned that everyone and the guide books are serious when they say only use taxis from a reputable list provided by your hotel. Ask me someday, and I'll tell you a story about a guy not on the list...
5 comments:
Jessie, I am in awe of your travels and experiences. Thank you so much for sharing it all!
Those spring rolls and noodles look amazing! And what a trip in the country complete with bikes, boats, and crochet linens. Do you ever get nervous traveling to such unusual places?? Probably not, knowing you. So happy you have adorable friends to take along.
What an amazing trip! Thanks for sharing all of it with us - I am curious if you get nervous, though. We get uncomfortable when we travel anywhere when we don't speak the language. It looks like such an exciting trip! Can't wait to see you soon!
I'm so glad you loved Hanoi too! I'm glad girls weekend wasn't a total bust! :) Great photos!
Your trip looked like a blast.. well minus the food! I'm so glad you are doing fun adventures, I miss you girl.
Post a Comment