After Hoi An, a quick four hour bus ride through the remarkable
mountains surrounding Da Nang bought us to Hue. Hue was seen, but never has to
be spoken of again because it is the most boring city one could attempt to lose
oneself in, so we quickly jumped another bus (we simply could not get enough)
and began the arduous 15 hour journey from Hue to Hanoi. Now 15 hours overnight
isn’t that bad, actually we were quite tired so spirits were suspiciously high
for the following trip. As per usual when you think something is going to be
fun filled it quickly goes the other way. Our thrilling 15 hour journey quickly
turned into a 21 hour death march through northern Vietnam, as our driver did
everything is his power to hit all potholes. Anyway…. We did make it to Hanoi
to be greeted by 15 degree rainy weather, quite a shock to the sunburnt bodies
but a welcome relief after sweating non-stop for four weeks.
Hanoi is romantic, exciting and fun when it is cold. The
city has a shine that makes you smile. Street vendors offer warmth through
their foo and smiles, there is coffee on every corner and the lake makes you
feel like you are in Central Park. It isn’t the prettiest city nor the most
vibrant, but there is cheap Nikes to be found and all the pancakes you can eat.
