Hanoi, during a lull in the traffic.

Working ladies, in a good way.

Exercise and beauty – flowers and cycling.

The bicycle evolves, backwards.

Dragon breath

Crabs, still alive, just.

Dried fish and prawns. The smell…

Soft shell turtles. Alive and, well…

Toad bile juice. Yep, its true. Used in traditional medicine.

Lunch, on its way.

Lunch. Are we sure this is safe?

Best meal in Hanoi. Thanks Simon and Ha.

Great evening.

Leaving Ngoc- Nhem homestay was a mixed blessing. The excitement of our first city in Vietnam, but it’s bonkers Hanoi. We were both looking forward to a few days of a little bit of luxury, like lights and a choice of food.

We arrived late afternoon and Hanoi was in full swing. Just walking on the streets in the old quarter is a challenge, crossing the road needs serious planning. Once you are in tune with the city, it gets much easier: Just walk, the mopeds, generally, will avoid you, probably.

A day of wandering around a wet market, shops and life generally, all lived at 100mph.

Food was street meal, £2.50 and a beer for 50p. And it was good!

Lovely to meet Linda’s godson Simon and his wife Ha, who are both Hanoi residents now. A few local beers costing £1 and a G+T costs £1.50, in a smart bar. Great! Sadly the ice wasn’t so good as Linda spent the next 36 hrs very close to the (thank goodness) en suite.

Next, to wander around a bit more!