Crazy here in Hanoi. The way you cross the street is slowly. They miraculously don't hit anyone. The thing to remember is not to run. Slow and steady works. I tried to take pictures but the motor scooters whiz by so fast that my old but trusty camera is unable to document the visual effect of non stop motor scooters like a swarm of flies. They also seem to be going in all directions. It is really incredible. No traffic lights Also the weather is not so nice so it is not very bright outside.
Tomorrow I go on a one day trip on a boat in Halong Bay. Hope it is warmer. Today I went to the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh. First time I have actually seen a preserved person. [Lemons yes, but never persons. -- ed.] They really revere him here. Seems he really led a saintly life. He was an educated man who spoke many languages and chose to live a simple life and dedicate himself to the people. I would say that Vietnam is very close to being a third world country although they have their cell phones and blackberries. I am writing this in between drying my hair. The hairdryer in the room only operates for about a minute and overheats. Then I have to wait for about two minutes for it to works again so I have spare time in between. Finished my hair and had a manicure across the street for $5. People here are very nice. There are no fat people in Vietnam except for us tourists and that includes the Chinese and Koreans. I am staying in the old quarter of Hanoi. Very narrow streets full of activity and tourists, hotels and hostels. Just had the most fabulous meal in a not so third world part of Hanoi. it was the best meal I have had so far and it cost all of $20 or less with a whole bottle of local wine. There were even a few traffic lights on the way there. On my return I met a couple of coppers from New Zealand and England in the lobby who are training the Vietnamese on terrorism. Fun Day. Also I came up with a description, I saw Aladha Buddhas the last few weeks.
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