Big win on the weekend, Hanoi and back to Saigon

A good day in Hoi An checking out the ancient city with a bit of rain to cool things down a bit. The dragon shows continue each night with a build up for the full moon on Saturday.

Our last day in Hoi An included watching the mighty Swans do their damage. They only seem to win when I am out of the country. Annette has taken it graciously and is disappointed with her boys. Mr. Rob will know what Buddy’s problem is.

A long train trip to Hanoi for 18 hours by soft sleeper and shared a berth with an elderly Vietnamese couple that had the upper berth and went up and down the bunks like squirrels. They were a lovely couple with a lot of sign language and sharing of food on the trip. The trip was ok, but Annette was a bit unwell from dodgy food and still suffering shock from the loss of her team.

Arrived in Hanoi and stayed at the Rising Dragon Palace Hotel in the Ancient quarter of the city. I looked around near the Hotel while Annette recovered. Plenty to see as the streets traditionally had only one type of good sold in each street know as the 36 streets i.e. silk street, Coffin Street. Most were still there although expanded into electronic gear and phone plans.

Not finding the traffic too bad and it may not be as horrendous as I was told as we have been to many cities that are just as chaotic, if anything they actually stop at the lights.

Found some Weasel Ass coffee to try or more politely green coffee beans that have passed through a Civet (similar to a Weasel) and then collected, roasted and blended. Not too bad and as they say bottoms up.

Headed out to the full moon night market, which was more of a Halloween event than a traditional Vietnamese/Chinese affair. People everywhere wearing devil horns (must be Melbourne supporters), Masks and blown up 1000 pound hammers not sure how it fitted into the full moon part, but they seemed to enjoy it.

Unfortunately Annette had not recovered after two days and headed off to an English Speaking medical practice which was very good, but could not help after two days and recommended we head to Saigon to see their Gastro specialist rather then go to the Hanoi Hospitals.

Sadly James, I did not get to go to the street barber to have a cut and shave. I had selected one guy that had the hairstyle of a Vietnamese Mr T and keep point at my face. I hope it was to give me a shave and not slit my throat.

So back in HCMC and the Victory Hotel were we last stayed. The hotel name does sum up the weekend. Annette is a lot better now, but still being treated.