Day 2 - Hanoi

Saw Hanoi from the back of G's bike. I'm not a fan of museums and if you've seen one pagoda you've seen them all. Checked out the Botanic Gardens, where young lovers like to gather, the Opera House, waved to Ho Chi Minh from outside (the Mausoleum is closed on Mondays), watched the Water Puppet Show (impressive), did some souvenir shopping (Vietnamese silk!!) , wasn't able to get myself an Au Dai though, very disappointed. Didn't find one that I liked. Started to rain. Rode around in the rain for awhile till we seeked shelter in a Western style cafe that served 'hashers and bangers' :p Had The Kiwi Special that looked like a typical Western breakfast except for the pan-fried Chinese vegetables that were heaped on the toast. Weird...



Had my first bowl of pho for dinner, which we ate perched on tiny plastic stools by the side of the road. It was tres delicious!!! Tried some of the home-made rice wine that they drink before having pho as well. Man was that powerful shit. Think vodka neat served in a chinese ceramic tea-cup.

On to a pub where the rest of the guys were gathered (again), had 1 beer but really wanted to do more Vietnamese related stuff. Left and was taken to a cafe on Hoan Kiem Lake for some Vietnamese coffee. Strong stuff. Had mine with LOTS of condensed milk :p Very romantic atmosphere, fairy lights, gentle breeze, listening to the water lap against the sides.

Took a ride in search of their famous wines that are apparently good for health and to make men 'strong' if you know what I mean. There are various types, some with snakes, some with geckos, others with worms. Wasn't really planning on drinking any of it. Wanted to get a bottle for a friend instead. I'd seen a vendor with bottles and bottles arranged by the side of the road but I couldn't remember where. And he probably wasn't even there anymore, considering it was really late at night. Managed to find a restaurant that was willing to sell us a litre from they're stash. (Thank god G. could speak Vietnamese!) Settled on the one with bees and grubs. Only because it was difficult for them to get the snake out of their bottle and into the vodka bottle they were gonna give me. I was grateful all the same. Was then asked to sample the stuff. It PACKS A PUNCH! But what else is new :p

Happy with my purchase, we called it a night. Flying home tomorrow.