Tuesday, June 24, 2008

In the mood for...

Hanoi!! Haha.. I am.. let me see.. 11 days away from my holiday destination and I am sooo excited! Can't blame me.. It's after all my first time going off for a holiday on my own, mountain tortoise what to do.. =P

What are we going to do at Hanoi? Well we intend backpack around three areas in the region of Hanoi. They are Sapa, Hanoi, and Halong Bay (does it ring a bell, James Bond fans?) =) As promised, by the most amazing provision of God, this year is turning out to be the year which I get to do some of the things I had set my heart on doing at the start of the year.. =) I remember posting about going overseas mid year to see a new side of life, to experience a different perspective on life. Now I'm just 11 days from being able to do it! Humble folk like me can hardly believe it is really happening.

So, what am I doing posting about my trip so prematurely? Well, basically to indulge in my fantasies and dream about what can be done over in Hanoi. Haha.. I will be posting about three places individually.


First up, Hanoi! I am so looking forward to hitting the streets of Old Quarter in Hanoi.. I've heard about the coffee, I've read about the coffee, I've seen the coffee, I've even drunk a sample of Vietnamese Coffee (courtesy of a friend who went there with a backpack courtesy of me haha)! And yes, I am definitely heading towards the Cafe that I read about from a friend's travel guide. I'll plonk down my heavy backpack, relieved to see my two backpacking mates (this will be 1.5 days after they have arrived; I join them later due to work), and celebrate sweet reunion with them over a cup of ca phe sua da, the vietnamese name for iced milk coffee. Ahhh.. It will be sweet haven...

Pictures courtesy of tripadvisor.com
Of course, there's much more to Hanoi than its coffee! There's also.. sugarcane juice!! =P My friend's guidebook claims that in summer (which is about now) they set up sugarcane kiosks along the road and we can definitely get to sip down the icy cool sap of purple sugarcane in the heat of the day.. Why are we only talking about drinks??? Oopsy daisy.. Haha.. I guess I'm a real sucker for sweet drinks.. It's a must try for me.. Top priority..
Got this info off the internet too..
The Old Quarters is an elaborate maze of (about) 36 street, each one named for the goods sold on it -- shoes, bamboo, metals, bags, herbs & spices, silks, etc. It is where old East meets West, as evident in the multi-cultural cafes that sit side by side with "pho" (noodle) houses; and in the Russian Babushka dolls displayed beside Uncle Ho paraphernelia; and where tourists from all over the world mix and mingle with the locals peddling fresh fruits, baskets and fresh flowers across their shoulders. Nestled within the Old Quarters is the Bach Ma Temple and the Vietnamese House, an old house-turned museum for visitors to see and appreciate how Vietnamese families lived back in the day. Also found there is the Sinh Cafe Travel & Tours Office and my favorite restaurant, The Green Tangerine, that opens into a charming little courtyard with a dimly-lit, romantic 2nd floor. The fig fritters, a bold and delicious appetizer, is a must-try!


The fig fritters sound so intriguing! I always thought figs were a Greek/Jewish delicacy.. Hope I find it there or even get to recognize it. Oops food again. =P Oh yes, I doubt we will be visiting the Temple, but there is a Cathedral there, and I do look forward to visiting that, if time permits.

Picture courtesy of tripadvisor.com

Being the art closet enthusiast that I am, definitely will look for interesting sights and galleries to visit. I hear there's an art gallery (or a few!) and I think it will be interesting to see. I am most intrigued by art pieces that give a provoking message using simple and bold colors and statements. T-shirts capture my attention that way too.



This art gallery is found at Nha Chung Street

I'm also avid about performances, and how can a trip to Hanoi be a trip to Hanoi without attending a water puppetry performance? After all, the art took a thousand years to master and perfect!


These are the water puppet figurines used for the performances.

Die la! Haven't go yet provide so much info le.. Come back how to post?? Haha.. I'll let tomorrow worry for itself. It sure looks like I have so much to see and do and feel and taste in Hanoi!

Mantou at 11:51 PM

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