Hanoi

Had my first day in Hanoi today, and it was lovely. The city is a bit crazy with all the motorbikes, but I'm getting to be a pro at crossing seemingly un-crossable traffic. Just walk slow like the guidbooks say. My favorite thing about Hanoi so far is that there is a shopping street for everything. Today I walked down several item-specific streets- glasses, commercial paint, sewing machines, silk, knives and scissors, toys, shoes, restaurant supplies, it was fun. Never thought I'd see a sewing machine street.

I walked around the old quarter and visited a temple on the lake in the quarter's center, which was nice. I also went to the women's museum, which was kind of like a trophy case for women soldiers and patriots who had served in the American war (obviously here they don't say Vietnam war) and women who had otherwise served the country. There were lots of displays on scientists, teachers, farmers, pretty interesting. I went to the Temple of Literature, which has nice architecture including these weird turtle shaped monuments to the teachers.

Did a bit of shopping, bought a knock off north face for $12, sweet! Might buy some fake trainers as well, why not. Figure its late enough in my trip that I can buy some stuff, only have to carry it around for 3.5 weeks now. Time is flying by!