After a longer than expected transfer from the airport to Ha Noi's Charming Hotel 2 we were ready to enjoy our night out on the town. Jay insisted on a quick, NASA approved, 26 minute power nap to recharge. An hour and a half later we were off in search of a local watering hole to enjoy the famous Bia Hoi (Fresh Beer). After wandering the desolate old quarter, we squated down on a few of the child sized plastic chairs that line the streets and enjoyed our beers and conversation with a young friendly German couple. After about 30 minutes the clock struck midnight and the police had shut down the entire street. We handed over our $3.75 to the local "bartender" for finishing her keg and she thanked us before closing up shop and heading to bed in the back of the store.
Another highly anticipated early morning for the group as we were boarded our bus to Ha Long Bay. The turbulent four hour ride through the rice fields only added to our anticipation for the 2 day 1 night cruise through Ha Long Bay. Unfortunately, once aboard the V'Spirit Luxury Cruiseliner we were informed by the guide that the police were not allowing over night stays in the Bay due to inclement weather approaching. They mentioned something about sinking ships and drowning tourists, but regardless we were dissapointed. We spent the next few hours cruising the limestone rock-laden bay, exploring the Paradise Cave, and seeing the endemic floating fishing villages before the weather forced us into heading back to Ha Long Harbor.
Our bus back to Hanoi wouldn't arrive for another two hours but as the old adage goes. You can't control the direction of the wind, but you can adjust your sails. So that's what we did.
We finally got back to the hotel around 11pm. We wanted to maximize the new full day in Ha Noi so we got to bed early.
The next morning we woke up and walked to the Temple of literature, the Hoa Loa Prison, and the French quarter. We piggy backed a free tour at the prison from an Australian group. The prison served as a French prison for Viatnamese during their occupation and then, more famously, for the Vietnamese to hold US pilots during the Vietnam war. The pictures, videos, and stories that they shared were a bit different than John McCain's takes of his time in what would be known as the Hanoi Hilton.
Having already learned that Vietnamese go out early we headed back for quick nap before going back out at 7pm for the night. This time, however, the streets were bustling, shops were open and smalls plastic chairs for drinking and eating were everywhere. We made our way to the most famous area in town, Bia Hoi Corner. A busy intersection with tons of bars serving the areas namesake drink. We had the best seats in the house and we were enjoying watching the motorbikes dodge each other in the intersection and police monitor everything that was happening. The night didn't really start until a group of 6 Ha Noi University students asked to do a video interview for their project. Their project was to get a tourist's prospective on Bia Hoi corner (hectic) and of the quality of the fresh beer (bad). However, what they actually ended up with was a few hours of a street corner karaoke music video. Apparently, One Direction is more popular throughout the world than I thought. As pure gentleman we picked up the tab as our friends had to leave to head back home. Our night concluded after checking out a few more establishments in the area.
The next morning we had scheduled a tour through Hanoi Free Tour Guides and were pleasantly surprised when we were met by two young Vietnamese, Hiem and Lam, who were excited to show us around Ha Noi. Our first stop was to visit the mausoleum of the man who gained independence and reunified north and south Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh. He is so beloved that every family refers to him only as Uncle Ho. After touring the living quarters Unclo Ho used and saw his final resting place, which all school children must also visit, we needed a more uplifting activity. Soon enough the three of us were entered into what can only be described as a tour guide bachelorette contest. We answered questions, performed talents, and ultimately pleaded our cases. The jury is still out on the true victor as she was only willing to pick the person who was physically closest to her heart. Sneaky move, Jay. After all agreeing on a mutual win we hopped in another karaoke cab and headed to a small hidden cafe that serves famous egg coffee and egg hot chocolate. You know the place is good when you ask about it and concierge jumps from her seat to tell you more.
Our time with our guides was enlightening, funny, and memorable, but with time short we headed back to the hotel to say our goodbyes. We dished out hugs to everyone including the check-in counter, concierge staff, tour guides, and bellhops. By now we were practically family. As we loaded the taxi the entre staff came out and waved us goodbye.
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