Hanoi’s Old Quarter at night – it’s a feast for the senses. We’re here on a foodie tour, having our own feast. We’ll try summer rolls at the next stop, so let the foodie tour continue! Continue reading “The Old Quarter at Night”
Oh Man. I Could Eat a Buncha Bún Chă
The next stop on our Hanoi foodie tour is the one I’d been looking forward to the most – Bún Chă. Westerners are familiar with bánh mì. They know about phở. But not very many Westerners have heard of a dish that Hanoi is famous for: Bún Chă. Continue reading “Oh Man. I Could Eat a Buncha Bún Chă”
GPS – Also Known as Green Papaya Salad
Regions all over the world have their signature salads. In Italy, it’s an Italian salad, of course. The French have salade Niçoise. When it comes to salad in Southeastern Asia, it’s all about green papaya salad. Continue reading “GPS – Also Known as Green Papaya Salad”
Who’s Ready to Eat Worms?
We’re in Hanoi, Vietnam, on a foodie tour in the Old Quarter. So far we’ve been treated to steamed rice rolls and sweet donuts. Now we’re approaching Stop Number 3, and the question is, “Who’s ready to eat worms?” Continue reading “Who’s Ready to Eat Worms?”
Friday Night Foodie Tour
It’s Friday night in Hanoi, Vietnam. Not just Friday night – rush hour on Friday night. You’ve seen photos of Hanoi traffic. Good luck getting anywhere if you don’t know what you’re doing. Fortunately for us, we’re staying near the Old Quarter, where we’ll be going on a Friday night foodie tour. Continue reading “Friday Night Foodie Tour”
In the Heart of Hanoi
We’re staying at the Sofitel Metropole Legend Hotel, in the heart of Hanoi. From here, it’s a short walk to the Old Quarter, just on the other side of Hoan Kiem lake and a park. This isn’t the most glamorous part of the city, but it might be the area with the most character. Continue reading “In the Heart of Hanoi”
Roughing it in Hanoi’s Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel
We’ve just landed in Hanoi, Vietnam. On this trip, we’re stepping out of our comfort zone to take a peek at how the other half lives. The limo ride from the airport to the hotel was our first taste. Next stop: Hanoi’s Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel. Continue reading “Roughing it in Hanoi’s Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel”
How Did Vietnam Become Vietnam?
We woke up this morning in Taipei, Taiwan. This afternoon we landed in Hanoi, Vietnam. Now we’re in a black sedan cruising down a tree-lined boulevard on our way to our hotel. Looking around as we go, my overriding thought is, Vietnam is amazing. But how did Vietnam become Vietnam? Continue reading “How Did Vietnam Become Vietnam?”
Nervous Time in Hanoi
Our flight from Taipei touched down at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport around mid-day. We’d been advised that if there’s anything wrong with our visas – even a typo – we wouldn’t be allowed into Vietnam. I had already fixed one error. We should be good to go. But for me it was definitely nervous time in Hanoi. Continue reading “Nervous Time in Hanoi”
Once Upon a Time in Vietnam…
Once upon a time in Vietnam, people learned how to cast bronze from copper and tin. Artisans made bronze tools, weapons, and ornate war drums. A unique civilization thrived in a wide, fertile valley. We’re flying over that valley now. Continue reading “Once Upon a Time in Vietnam…”
