Hello Hanoi

Hello everybody,

I am writing from my deluxe bus accommodation from Hanoi to Ha Giang, Vietnam. I will be riding on the back of a motorcycle (with a trained guide) for three nights while exploring beautiful mountainous terrain. SO pumped.

On the morning I left Laos, I stumbled upon a cafe themed on The Little Prince. It’s one of my favorite books for those who don’t know.

After completing a load of laundry and ensuring I had my passport, I journeyed to the Luang Prabang airport.

On my flight, I made yet another friend, Max, from the UK. He also had a sudoku book ( which I love) and shared a page with me:).

After arriving in Hanoi, we took a taxi to his hostel, as my accommodations were very close. On the way to the hotel, it started to pour rain… but we stopped at Circle K (these are the 7-11s of Vietnam) and got these fashionable raincoats. Hit me up if you want one. (See the other picture below for a full raincoat showcase).

I only had one full day in Hanoi, so I decided to make the most of it. I started on foot, as my hotel was in the hustle and bustle of the Old Quarter. The driving here is so intense, and the beeping is constant. When a light turns red, people on scooter bikes still go through while loudly honking, hoping they don’t get hit. Crossing the street is also insane. You kind of walk out into the road and hope nobody hits you.

My first stop was the Note Cafe. There are so many fun messages on the wall. Below is one I added. After an excellent Matcha and some Tiramisu (because who doesn’t want cake for breakfast), I decided to go to the Temple of Literature.

The temple was incredible. Founded in 1070, it became the first University in Vietnam.

My favorite part was the Well of Heavenly Brilliance, seen in the picture below.

After walking around, I was violently sweating, so I bought this little tourist fan to keep cool.

While I was cooling off, a young Vietnamese girl asked if she could interview me for a school project. She is absolutely adorable. She gave me the a beautiful cookie her sister made. When I told her I was from the US, she lit up and told me it was her favorite country, asking for a picture. Here she is below.

My next stop was the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, which details women’s societal role throughout history. While waiting for my taxi, it suddenly started downpouring, and I had to put this cutie on again.

My favorite exhibit was about worshipping the Mother Goddess. She represents women’s desire for freedom, independence, and happiness.

There are four palaces of the goddess. Mother Goddess of Mountain Palace, Mother Goddess of Earth Palace, Mother Goddess of Heaven Palace, and Mother Goddess of Water Palace.

On my way back to my hotel, I stopped for this scrumptious meal.

I decided to take a little chill in the hotel room, and suddenly, I was sleeping, meaning I fell asleep before 7 p.m. What the heck? I slept until 7 a.m. this morning and am one rested gal.

Anyway, I am so excited to go on the Ha Giang loop. I highly recommend looking it up.

Cảm ơn (thank you in Vietnamese),

Mahala