It might not be the biggest capital in the world, but we're willing to bet Hanoi is the noisiest. Home to 3 million people and at least as many mopeds, there's not a street or avenue that enjoys a moment's peace from the cacophony of screeching brakes, blaring horns and over-stretched 2-stroke engines.
We love it.
Lord knows where they're all going. Honestly, it's completely exhausting just watching from the pavement, with every bugger and his dog constantly buzzing between neighbourhoods stopping for neither man, beast or tourist.
This can make crossing the road a lengthy and unnerving experience. The trick is to be assertive. Try to make eye contact with any rider hurtling towards you and stride purposefully into the road. No-one will stop, but they usually make the effort to swerve.
Not that they care whether you live or die of course, they just don't want their mopeds damaged.
Once we got our confidence up we actually ventured quite far today. Firstly dotting around the vibrant maze of the old quarter, then completing a quick circuit of Ho Hoam Khan lake, and finally ending up across town at the Temple of Literature.
The latter is a gorgeous place, comprising five separate courtyards built 950 years ago in homage to Confucius and his disciples (not sure disciples is the correct term, maybe his 'top geezers' would be better?). Anyway, it was a very pleasant afternoon, and there was even a bout of Chinese Dragon fighting going on to keep the crowds entertained.
We were especially taken with the ceremonial drum that's used on special Confucius occasions. It's massive man; bigger than most of the rooms we've been staying in since we came away and probably just as loud.
I suppose it needs to be if it's ever going to be heard over the rest of the racket in this town.
2 comments:
Wow, so many amazing pictures.
Keep up the good work.
Love ya.
Good words.
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