Hanoi on foot

Well, after taking such a long break in HCM, where all I did was get up and down the bus, I think I should start exercising a little. Thus decided to explore Hanoi on foot

It's always a slight dilemma when it come to exploring. Following a tour and going on foot has it's pros and cons. With a tour, it's a lot less tiring, and u get a guide to explain the history and significance of the attraction. On foot, u get to explore the inner workings of the city, and interact with the locals more. I guess it's good to have a balance. Some tours here and there and some walking on ur own too.

Oh, they serve breakfast here! Of all the places I've stayed in Cambodia and Vietnam, this is the only place which serve breakfast, and it's rather decent too!

Initially wanted to visit the temple of literature first (it's suppose to be Vietnam's first university from the ancient time...I think). However, just as I was abt to leave the hostel, the housekeeper suggested for me to visit the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum first, as it is supposed to be opened for only 2 hours a day till 1130. So a change of plans then!

Was a little disappointed to be rejected at the entrance :( apparently there is a dress code, and singlet and slippers are not part of it. I actually tried to enter via a different entrance but to no avail. 

I proceeded on and ended up in the Vietnam war museum. It was a bit of a let down as most descriptions were in the Vietnamese language and I couldn't understand anything.

The thing which doesn't need English to understand

Kids! Lotsa them! 

So I carried on with my walking tour and ended next to the Singapore embassy, where a man smoking outside approached me and ask if I was Singaporean. Apparently, the way I crossed the road is v Singaporean. Haha, the first thing he asked me was if I registered my presence in Vietnam, which I sheepishly replied "No". Chatted for a short while more before he directed me to the Fine Arts Museum 

After lunch at the museum, I carried on to the temple of literature. I guess it was good luck that allowed me to witness the graduation of some students there...and they were v popular with the tourists.

I think they make a tortoise statue for every scholar there 

Graduation!

Was on my way out when I heard a girl shouted. I turn around and these 2 girls approached me, asking if I could take a picture with them, which I gladly obliged. Since I'm doing so already, I ask them to take one with my phone too as a keepsake 

:)

Went my to the hostel since I was rather exhausted from all the walking. Left an hour later after a nap in search for the Hoa Lo Prison and the Vietnamese women museum. But it's a pity that both were closed, and so I went on to Hoan Kiem lake (I'm actually writing this from a bench in front of the lake...has a rather poetic feel to it) while waiting for nightfall before going for dinner at the night market.  The lake looks much better in the day than at night. Finally understood what the website meant when they said that the lake is like a mirror with a reflection. 

Hoan Kiem Lake in all its beauty

Sesame balls!

Very expensive water chestnuts...$40,000 dong. That's like 2 USD

I order something like fried noodles with eggs...and it turn out to be some crunchy cracker like noodle. Guess I'll just have to make do with it bah 

Haha, solo walking tours are always v exhausting, but I'm really looking forward to the Halong Bay tour tmr!

Mark

A more Vietnamese taste perhaps :p