It must have rained much of the night, from the size of the puddles on the streets this morning. It started during the evening. I had connected with a good friend of my neighbour Chris back home – a fellow named Zak – and we… Read More
I walked south-east from my hotel, a direction which would take me south of the bottom end of Hoan Kiem lake, into the French Quarter. Here, I found myself on a wide avenue with broad sidewalks, and large buildings, many of which with the yellow… Read More
I continue to enjoy early morning walks in Hanoi, watching the city come alive. Today I headed for Pho 10, a bricks and mortor soup place I’ve heard is excellent. A few customers were already eating at 6:30 am, and by the time I left… Read More
I enjoyed an excellent cooking class today at the Hanoi Cooking Centre on Hanoi and Northern Highlands cooking. This was about family style Hanoi cooking, rather than street food. I was the only person signed up today so the chef gave me a private lesson.… Read More
The centre of Hanoi is situated west of the Red River and at its heart is a small lake called Hoan Kiem. I’m staying at the west side of the Old Quarter, about a 20 minute walk from Hoan Kiem. North of here are 2… Read More
I saw a sign for banh gio at the corner of an alley – convenient for people to stop on their motorbikes to grab something to go. There were only a couple tables and a few blue plastic stools, made for someone half my size.… Read More
This morning I connected with Candy via Zoom and my cell phone and we recorded a new episode of The Agency Podcast from a sidewalk cafe, complete with street noises. The weather remained overcast but the rain stopped and a cool breeze dried things out.… Read More
My sleep pattern is still a little messed up with the 12 hour time difference. Just like when Sheila and I were here 2 years ago, I awoke at 3 AM, and stayed up for half an hour before dozing off again. It was drizzling… Read More
This evening I ventured west from the hotel to a place known as Chicken Street. I didn’t see so many tourists walking out there, although there were some Australian travelers sitting down to dinner. Chicken Street is a small street or alley. In the evening… Read More
I awoke to a slightly drizzly morning, wet enough that I wore a rain pancho but not so rainy that I was in danger of getting wet. I walked around the corner for pho cuon for breakfast – noodle rolls stuffed with beef and greens.… Read More
27th Street 