Hanoi Day 50 7/11/2014

Our last morning in HK saw us head off to our favourite coffee shop, Chez Eric (Kayser) to have our usual breakfast of orange juice, Danish pastries, a latte for Diane and cappuccino for Simon.  It was starting to drizzle so we didn't feel too bad in having to just pack and then wait for the airport bus to the Central terminus and then catch the airport express. When we got to the terminus we were pleased to see we could check our bags in there rather than have to take them to the airport (something Paddington could do?) however we did have some hassle as whilst Diane's ticket had been amended to the 7th Simon's hadn't, strange noting we were both on the same booking and they have pushed back the flight a day!  However the rest of it went smoothly and after a slight delay we arrived in Hanoi, with an hour gained as they are GMT +7 not 8.  We were quickly through immigration observing all the custom officials in uniform reminiscent of the Viet Cong, as per the American blockbuster films such as Platoon, Hamburger Hill, Deerstalker and dare we say it, Rambo!  However the extra hour was soon lost as we had to wait for the minibus to take us to the centre of  Hanoi which clearly wasn't going to leave until it was full.  The journey into Hanoi took just over an hour and the driving here seems as crazy as China.  Our driver especially seemed in love with his horn!  We were not sure where the airport was in relation to the city in order to locate ourselves (we later found out it is to the north) but we were dropped off at the designated point.  A short walk via the Hoan Kiem lake  and on through the Old Quarter to a very warm welcome at our lovely boutique hotel, The Oriental.  Our room is on the top floor, with petals over the bed; very romantic!  As it was now after 8pm we headed straight out for a meal to Highway 4, a restaurant recommended by the hotel and also in Lonely Planet.  Our route took us through the Old Quarter, which is a fascinating place, full of narrow streets, a vast array of shops, loads of motorbikes, noise and exotic smells.  A very vibrant, intoxicating place.  Dinner was a tasty local dish, Chicken Steamboat, with a local veg, Morning Glory, washed down with the local beer (we tried both the Hanoi and Saigon beer, with us both preferring the former).  Vietnam has certainly started well for us, the only potential spoiler being the forecast of a week of rain!