The Only Way is Hanoi.

Back on the mainland and we head straight to the food. Iced tea. pork spring rolls, vegetable rice paper rolls, sticky rice, chicken, beef pho and chilli chilli chilli at Minh Thủy (Vietnam Masterchef winner). Congratulations Minh, I could have virtually drunk your nước mắm dipping sauce. 

Across the other side of the world but just like his contemporaries; in his pjs playing video games before bedtime. Add a trendy haircut. 

The city is awake again. 

Bánh mì with cucumber slices, coriander, pickled carrots, chilli sauce, mayonnaise, and cheese please. Hold the gluten. 

Morning time porridge. 

Why not a winter hat and heels? What a boy. 

She's turning some heads.

"Phuong, look, it's me". Phuong tells me I'm a "crazy girl". 

Bánh chưng. Sticky rice, bean paste served with pickled cabbage. 

Hopping frogs. Poor buggers don't know what's coming their way. 

She had a lovely smile. 

Chicken chase. 

We loved our time in this vibrant place however brief. See you again I hope, Hanoi.

Halong Does it Take to Get There?

Photo heavy blog posts. Wifi has been letting me down. 

Korean doll candle making in Seoul with the lovely Song, hi and bye to Hanoi, bus boat bus boat (progressivley more beautiful...and raucous) to Halong Bay, smiling Vietnamese, fun night on the island, a blessed hour of sunshine and green tea ice cream that I simply must track down at home. 

Back we go to Hanoi. Eagerly awaiting some authentic Vietnamese food.