Hanoi old quarter and streets
Landing in Hanoi started with waiting in a line that seemed enternal for the visa, but turned out not as bad. We skipped grab and decided to take a driver sitting by the airport’s entrance. He had a very small car with the emergency engine light on. We safely made it to a very nice hotel in the old quarter. It’s very easy to find a decent hotel as there are many. Take one inside the old quarter to discover its streets.
An additional bonus was the noodle vendor just around the corner, professional cook with an efficient sidewalk kitchen with 4 people in charge of cooking and distributing food to the 5-10 tables. The tables and stools fit the size of a Playmobil or 5 year old but once we got used to them, real chairs felt odd. Another cute man was in charge of distribution of drinks that he buys for you at the shop right next to the sidewalk kitchen.
Walking out of the hectic old quarter we learned about Confucianism in the temple of literature. We also checked out the murals in the north end of the old quarter and the endless connected mosaics on the east wall of the main road confining the old quarter. Generally, buildings are uniquely thin and tall and decorated in different styles. Don’t forget to look upwards. Hanoi old quarter and streets are full of surprising architecture above street level.
Later we went to Cat Ba island where we could relax and enjoy its special views
