Back in Hanoi

  We are back in Hanoi for a couple days before we fly to Hong Kong for a night. 

 Last night the streets were blocked off in this part of the Old City. Thousands of Hanoi's young people turned out to eat at little restaurants, drink beer and socialize. Street entertainers put on various shows from classical Vietnamese folk drama to a Michael Jackson impersonator moon walking to Vietnamese dubbed music. As we paused to watch, a young couple pulled out 2 chairs and motioned for us to sit with them, a kind act. We sat for a while taking in quite a scene. 

     Although the French left Vietnam over 60 years ago, their traditional bread has survived. The baguettes sold on Hanoi streets are as good as any you'll find in Paris. 

    Vietnamese women hate getting any kind of tan, it's a sign of being a poor farm girl. Middle class women dressed in their western style outfits will put on the traditional peasants cone hat to keep their skin white. 

    The Vietnamese make nice quality porcelain which is seen everywhere for sale. The Chinese make cheap copies but it doesn't compare to the local wares. We bought some and mailed it home, a leap of faith.