I got a late afternoon off work and dashed out to see some of the tourist attractions before leaving Ha Noi. These included Hỏa Lò Prison, the Temple of Literature where philosophers used to hang out and think hard about stuff, Train Street where a train passes by every 4 hours, and St Joseph’s Cathedral which could use a paint job.
All these spots were some distance apart, but I enjoyed filling that time by just observing the locals living their lives. A dad was fixing his 12-year old son’s bike before he hit the highway, a fire was being lit in the street, some elderly men were lighting their bong-pipes while playing Chinese checkers, and kids were being fetched from school with 4 people on one bike – the usual stuff. One family bike had the littlest member standing in front showing dad’s face the drawing she had done in school.
A real highlight was getting a free private tour of the Ho Chi Minh Museum. I found a pamphlet advertising these free tours. They are given by students, at no charge. All that’s expected from you is to pay for any food, drinks and tickets, but of course I tipped. I had the sweetest little tour guide named Lan, who was so passionate and knowledgeable! We spent two quality hours in the huge museum and I learnt so much about the legend known as Ho Chi Minh. Lan was even sprouting out complicated words like “reunification”, which is hard for anyone to pronounce!
Ho Chi Minh (not his real name) lived an incredible life – traveling the world in pursuit of harmony between people and nations, learning from others, and making huge strides towards peace. He became fluent in Chinese, English, German, French and Russian, was imprisoned twice, and ultimately unified both ends of Vietnam. I now totally understand why he is so revered. He also expressed how important exercise is, which could account for all the fitness activities I have seen.
I decided to end the day by pretending to be posh and took an elevator to the top of one of the most popular rooftop bars in the area. I knew I smelled like a camel, but the penguin-dressed staff were very friendly. I slowly sipped on a big, expensive beer and appreciated what I had paid for. I considered the times that I have been somewhat swindled in the streets.
“Happy Hour” is a good example. Buy 1 get 1 free? No, no, no, no. That often means “buy 2 of 1 and get 1 free”. But wait! There’s also tax and a service charge to add to the bill. There was nothing happy about it.
I bought two meals one night as I like to have next-day lunch sorted in advance, and I had a mini-fridge. The one meal decision was based on an amazing photograph of barbecued chicken and rice, with an assortment of veg and a sauce that I could already taste just by looking at it. It was a chicken leg and a cup of steamed rice. The other order (for the same price) was made just across the road: “Bun Cha”. The bag was so heavy that my arm nearly fell to the floor! It consisted of a huge portion of noodles, a tub full of meatballs, a bottle of pho sauce, and this ridiculously large bag of leafy greens!
I’m so ready for Da Nang and surrounds in the middle bit of the country. I have booked a flight and a few nights accommodation near the beach at an amazing rate! I’m quite surprised that I have survived Ha Noi unscathed. Stick an elbow out while walking near the road and the associated arm will never bend the same way again. Side-step onto the road to dodge a sidewalk biker and a hip might need replacing.
Basically, mind your step constantly, otherwise you will be very late for dinner.
Next: Vietnam #9 – Security Matters
Previously: Vietnam #7 – Egg in My Face
Discover more from Roaming Unbound
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.