We take the 9 a.m. train out of Hanoi, towards Ninh Binh in the countryside. The train is pretty easy. We are the only non Vietnamese (falang = gringo in Latin America), and squeeze into our seats with the rest…
First Vietnamese connections
Building a new life is a multi-dimensional process. One selects a place, a region, a city or a neighborhood. Then one starts making human connections. Some are transient, others are lasting. One never knows. Here are early connections that already…
Museum of Ethnology ~ previews of future discoveries…Hanoi,Viet Nam
Our visit to the Hanoi Museum of Ethnology whets our appetite for visits to the countryside. In all, Vietnam is comprised of 54 distinct ethnic groups, each with their own language, traditions, arts, clothing etc. Here, 9 sub groups of…
Foodie update ~ fish, eel, crab in Hanoi, Viet Nam
It’s quite obvious that we are going to have a problem writing this blog. It’s going to seem as though we are doing nothing but eating… Well, that in fact may be true, but it’s not our fault. World class…
Day trip from Hanoi, Viet Nam to an ancient farming village
After spending a week in the bustle and hustle of Hanoi, we head out to visit an ancient farming village which has managed to stay relatively intact over the past 100 or so years. The ubiquitous triangular hats and water…
Hanoi street vignettes, Viet Nam
Hanoi is full of visual surprises. Foot Massage parlors are EVERYWHERE! At about $10 for a 60mn reflexology session, it is hard NOT to have one every day… This building goes to more length than most to distinguish itself from…
Temple of Literature ~ Hanoi, Viet Nam
A rate example of well preserved Vietnamese architecture, the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070 (yes, 1000 years ago!!), by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong who dedicated to Confucius in order to honor scholars and men of literary accomplishments. The first…
Wasting NO TIME! Climate Adaptation is ON! ~ Viet Nam
It’s been how long? 3 days since we arrived? “Don’t worry” Ben said, “I’m taking a LONG (and much deserved) break”… (before jumping back into work) MMhmm… OK, so on our second day, we open the Vietnam News (English newspaper)…