Hanoi Elegance 4 -- truly the best in Hanoi!

We had an early flight to catch today, so we booked the hotel's airport service the night before...

But as we were about to check out at about 5 in the morning, we were given some packed breakfasts!!! Talk about quality service and concern for the visitor!! We were really touched by their gesture, as there weren't that much food choices in Noi Bai Airport.


Each of us had a croissant and banana which we ate at the airport.







































Just want to share how much we appreciated them going that extra mile for guests' comfort.

Thanks HE4!! :)

On our third day in Hanoi, we walked some more...

By this time we have seen most of the Old Quarter, so we weren't in that much of a hurry to go out and continue our walks. We knew that there was more to see in Hanoi, but decided to stay within the vicinity as it was our first visit to Vietnam. Thought it was best for us to be conservative as we had a flight to catch the day after...



After having another hearty breakfast at our hotel, we proceeded to explore the other side of town. The following are more snapshots of the soi's in the Old Quarter.






































Again we went to visit St. Joseph's Cathedral in the Old Quarter. We wanted to go inside but it was closed that day so we just explored its perimeter.





































Next, we visited Hoan Kiem Lake once more. We only went here briefly the day before and thought we could now take the time to explore the museum inside. This lake is also called "The Lake of the Returned Sword". It is the subject of one of the most popular legends in Hanoi.


























































The lake is also formerly known as "Luc Thuy" meaning "Green Water". It smelled funky too! ;)
























We purchased tickets to cross the bridge so we could enter the Turtle Museum and Ngoc Son Temple, which is located at the Northern part of Hoan Kiem Lake.


















But wait!!! We must be lucky today as we chanced upon some baby turtles while crossing the bridge. It is unknown how many of them still survive in the lake, as they are deemed already endangered.
































Inside, we saw the Hu Guom tortoise. It was HUUUUGE!




















And further on, incense smoke was billowing inside and outside the Ngoc Son temple. We didn't stay long inside.




















































The very picturesque bridge on Hoan Kiem Lake:































This is the Turtle Tower or "Thap Rua", which is in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake.


























































Then it was time for lunch... We were still craving for some comfort food, so we stopped at Al Fresco's...


















These are probably the yummiest burgers in town. We ordered our own burger and realized we must have ordered too much seeing that one serving could actually feed both of us.



















There were crayons on the table and giant sheets of paper were used as table covers. So D proceeded to draw his own Hanoi masterpiece :)
































It was more beautiful than the paintings we purchased!!! I promised to get them framed when we go back home to the Philippines.


















By late afternoon we continued our exploration. Another fact that we noticed in Hanoi was that establishments were built on smaller expanses of land, thus making the buildings narrow and high, just like this one:
























One of my favorite shots in the Old Quarter -- a balloon vendor on the way to the town center...


































It was time to end the night, so we sat down in the middle of all beautiful chaos that is Hanoi...























and ordered a cup of Vietnamese coffee...

























Then said goodnight and goodbye, till next time!

















Chúc ngủ ngon!

Thang Long Water Puppet Show and more after....

At the heart of the Old Quarter is the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. We were going about our walk around town when we chanced upon a line of about 15-20 tourists. At first we didn't have any idea what the line was for, but later on we were happy to find out that it was actually for the Water Puppet show, which was one of the things we wanted to cross out in our to do's in Hanoi. This show is internationally acclaimed, and dates back to the 11th Century CE.

Guidebooks say that it's very hard to get tickets, and some have to reserve slots a day or two before. Everyday there are only two shows in the afternoon, and luckily, we caught a 3:30pm slot. It was still early so we had time to have our pho' lunch and a quick rest at the hotel (previous post) before going in to watch the show.

Tickets cost 60,000 VND each.


































The very talented artists and musicians performing at the stage.






































Script/lyrics were in Vietnamese but there was a list which said the titles of the different acts. The puppets didn't lack in action and expression so it was very easy to enjoy the show.
















































































































































































After the show, the puppeteers go out to greet the audience. They are of course met with lots of applause and admiration. It's truly amazing what they do.


















































We had a drink after the show as a refresher...
























The show was truly a feast for the senses. It didn't end for us there, for the hubbub in the streets of Hanoi was equally entertaining. Motorcycles were everywhere!!!






























































Another keepsake we wanted to take home with us were the embroideries. These could be mistaken for paintings but are actually handmade. We took home a few of these embroidered decor in different designs and sizes.



















































































We wanted to see the Catholic Church in the Old Quarter so we walked on before the sun went down. Its been a long day and thought it would be a nice stop before calling it a night.


















Across the church was the daily crowd of people having their beer or "bia"... They are seated in low stools and it looks like they're having a great time. :)



















There was this pizza restaurant we kept on passing, called "Pepperonis". Looked very appetizing so we just had to stop and have our dinner there!































D had the Bia Ha Noi...
























While I was loading up on some lactobacilli due to a stomach flu I was still recovering from... YES I got sick somewhere along the way!!! ;)
























Goodnight Hanoi!
















:)