My first thought was overwhelming, loud, busy and dirty but not in a turned off kind of way. Just a lot to take in kind of way. I am glad this isn't our first stop on our travels but that we eased our way in. My senses might not have been able to take it.
After spending the last ten days on the quiet eastern islands in the Gulf of Thailand, it feels like this country that has about 86 million people (a tour guide said 91 million) with 65% under the age of 30, are all here in the capital of Hanoi. In actuality 10% of the population lives here.
As time is flying we jumped right in after arriving at 6 pm with some street food and the famous Ro Nuoc - water puppetry - that goes back to the 11th century as a form of entertainment when the rice fields were flooded. Not high tech but the live band consisting of authentic, original musical instruments were great and gave you a sense of history. Was enough traditional music for Brad and Anna to refuse another musical cultural evening with me of Cay Cau. I guess I kind of agree.
Navigating the streets is a feat all in itself. Where horns blaring are not cuz someone sees a cute girl, but a warning to get out of their way, they are not slowing down, and the yellow lines in the middle are purely decoration, with no speed limits posted and any traffic signs mere suggestions.... Well what can I say, cross at your own risk, stay in groups and try to make eye contact with the on coming vehicle.
I thought there were motor bikes in Thailand.... Well that was nothing compared to Vietnam!
I think I heard that there is probably one motorbike per person, and if 10% of the population lives in Hanoi, that is 9 million motorbikes.... Let me just say, the honking never stops. NEVER.
After school pick up.
Another sensory overload is the sights. No simple clean lines or large expanses for your eyes to rest on expect the beautiful central lake in the Old Quarter. In a big city where property is expensive, homes are built up. That makes for a lot of skinny tall buildings with wiring all on the outside.
Vietnam is known for their noodles, more so than rice, and so even locals joke about their noodle wiring.
These boxes are the meters to see which family on which floor in which room is using how much electricity.
The wires often hang low enough for us to almost hit our heads. Surprisingly, with all this open wiring there aren't many electrical fires.
The huge number of bikes reminds me very much of Indonesia where they carry their purchases and families all on one bike. It always amazed me that you very seldom heard sirens or saw an accident. Enjoy. Also those wires!!! Seems a little dangerous but I guess that's what you do and it works! Love you.
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