hanoi streets (for rachel:)

My friend Rachel lived in Hanoi a while back, and when I knew I was going there, it was fun to find out from her what she had enjoyed about the city. I found myself doing all the things she mentioned were nice and enjoying all the things she said she had enjoyed . . . especially the food, bikes, and people. I thought Hanoi had great atmosphere. I loved the tiny street stalls with little plastic tables and little plastic stools where we could buy spring rolls and other treats. I loved the ladies selling fruit from baskets hung from a bamboo rod on their shoulder, bouncing with every step. I loved the conical hats, motorbikes, cafes, yellow plaster-peeling walls, leftover French architecture, and the smiles of the people we met. It was a really great introduction to Vietnam. Here are some pictures: