…but I do love Hanoi.

Just a quick hello from the capital of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. I have been busy taking in this magical place that I haven’t even had time to scribble all my random thoughts into a paper journal. And believe me, there are so many thoughts and feelings. I am in love with this city.

I haven’t left and I am already thinking about when and how I will get back here. Maybe staying in an unbelievable house full of warm, interesting, cosmopolitan folk a la “L’auberge espagnole” has unduly influenced me. The work these folks do for cultural organizations, NGOs and the like work my heart and mind into a frenzy. I could see myself spending a year in Hanoi too.

I really feel at home in Alisha’s house. Although English is the universal language, German and French compete as the strongest language overall. I have been happy to hear and use French here with Francophones from France and Switzerland. Really love how the Germans and a Spaniard (actually, Catalan) also speak French fluently.

I have taken many of the quintessential sights, but (un)fortunately did not get to see Uncle Ho as he is in Mother Russia for body maintenance. Personally, I think Madame Tussaud is on the case if my viewings of Mao and Lenin can serve as a benchmark. Two out of three ain’t bad.

Tonight, I am off to Sapa for the weekend with my darling hostess, Alisha, and her 2 friends. I am looking forward to the night train ride as I think the journey will be much like that between Moscow and St. Petersburg only with better company.

Of course, I am keen about hiking around Sapa and environs too! Ready to be the tent in the minority villages. (Hi, fellow geeks! 😉 )

Alison is coming to Hanoi tomorrow and I will meet her on Monday. I have to book our Halong Bay tickets; but if everything goes as planned, we will be sailing on a luxurious junk in the Guilin/Krabi-esque UNESCO World Heritage site on Tuesday and Wednesday.

In fashion news, I had two jackets made–one corduroy, one silk, that I am about to go pick up. They were more expensive than they should’ve been but I don’t have time to go to the fabric market and then to a separate tailor before I leave.

Speaking of expensive fashion gear, I bought a crazy Ipa Nima bag from the Tina Sparkle store on super gentrified Nha Tho street. I feel decadent, but not guilty.

Must run. Or rather, stroll around with a big silly grin on my face in this chaotic wonderland. Hope that you are all doing well!

I leave you with this tiny bit of advice: Come to Vietnam. You won’t regret it.

This entry was posted on Friday, November 25th, 2005 at 12:41 am and is filed under Travel, Wheee!.
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