Sunday, May 26th

PLAYING TOURIST 

...In A Far Away Land

Saturday night after dinner we decided to "sleep in" on Sunday, hoping to provide the "jet-lagged westerners" with some much needed sleep. (It didn't happen. Our brains were still on Tennessee time.) After a leisurely morning we headed out in the city for alittle lunch and sightseeing. Michelle and Brooks live close to West Lake (Ho Tay) so we decided to take in the sights with an electric car ride around the lake.   What a great way to see various parts of the city -- a slice of Hanoi culture and society,...and did I mention the motorbikes?

While touring the lake Michelle pointed out these lotus fields. The lotus flower is the official flower of Vietnam. The flowers grow in a pond. For Vietnamese the lotus symbolizes the purity of heart and mind and represent long life, health and good luck. You can't see the buds in this photo, in a couple of weeks the ponds will be covered with beautiful flowers.  Some of the people you see are posing for pictures, possibly their wedding pictures.
 


After touring the lake we visited a local pagoda. Most Vietnamese are Buddhist. 

Time for Lunch. Michelle took us to one of her favorite Italian restaurants.  The owner is Italian. The chefs/cooks are Vietnamese. The food was delicious.

If you know Graham, you know he loves his seafood. Thanks Graham for showing us your squid. 

My Yummy Ravioli

While eating we could hear a band playing and saw a crowd forming outside a nearby catherdral. So after lunch we went to investigate.

Evidently this was some type of Christian religious ceremony or celebration. 

After leaving the cathedral, we decided to head down to the Old Quarter. The Old Quarter is the oldest part of Hanoi, dating back to the 15th century. The Quarter is unique in that it is made of 36 streets or selling districts. Most streets are named for the items that are sold on that particular street or district. (We were touring in an electric car, so most of these shots are blurry. Trying to get used to the new camera. But at least I took my lens cap off, right Graham?)

I took this picture while crossing the street.

The Old Quarter is a very busy and stimulating place,...and did I mention NOISY?  

After arriving back to the apartment we turned our thoughts and attention to planning for our next adventure--a cruise on Halong Bay. Michelle gave us the "run down" on the itinerary and then came the "Vietnamese money lesson"...

10,000 vnd = $.50

20,000 vnd = $1.00

50,000 vnd = $2.50

100,000 vnd = $5.00

etc....

So tomorrow Jordan, Graham and myself will depart on a 3-day cruise on Halong Bay. Halong Bay has been listed as one of the 7 Wonders of the World. To say we're excited is an understatement.