(Lunar) New Year's in Hanoi

We spent the first 3 days in Hanoi enjoying New Year's buzz and trying to stay warm. The combination of the city shutting down and the cold meant more time than usual hanging out in the guest house (see photo <-) - reading, watching TV, drinking, eating and hanging out with other travelers. In a way, like spending some kind of bizarro Christmas with people you only met a few hours ago but already feel akin to. We made some excursions - to the Temple of Literature, coffee shops, and at night for drinks. It was me, Dave, a Dutch girl, another American (yay!), two other cool Aussies, plus a few others who were in and out.

day and night with the backpacker crowd

For the main event, Dave and I met up with Karl and Amanda, the British couple, had drinks and roamed the streets, braving the crowds to see the fireworks. Unfortunately, it was not a clear night, but it was equally calming and exciting to watch. On the way home, I was somewhat split up from the group and a sweet young Vietnamese guy friended me up. He was gracious and offered me his arm. So funny! I was in a huge crowd and new exactly where I was so I wasnt nervous, also the guy was so obviously nervous/excited trying to speak english that I knew he was harmless so I humored him for the short walk (just a few blocks). He even tried to give me a new years peck before jumping on the back of his friends motorbike. What a cad! haha.



Yesterday Dave and I, Amanda and Karl and 4 other new people we met boarded a bus and went to Halong Bay. We did a one-night boat stay. The nature was stunning. Unfortunately also rather cold - no heat and one blanket for night. It's always interesting seeing where their idea of tourism falls short. But in all a great trip. We did some kayaking (in the cold but worth it) and spent the night drinking and talking.










Today we came back to Hanoi and are off on an overnight bus to Sapa in the mountains where you can visit all the hill tribes. Again, we are bracing ourselves for the cold but soon enough I'll be warm in Laos. Caio!