Yesterday Andrew and I joined a local volunteer heritage organisation for a walk around part of the original French quarter of the city. We began at the Opera House with potted history of Vietnam and the history of Hanoi then walked a rectangle of streets where our guide, Stella, pointed out buildings of interest. We also took off down side alleys to hidden areas beyond. One was into an old village area with pagoda, temple and a room where they honour the dead with plaques on the walls.
Another fascinating detour took us into a large courtyard, full of motorcycles and surrounded by "condominiums". These are built stacked haphazardly on top of one another. Viewed from the street they have 'balconies' and are over very stylish shops. The view from the courtyard was another matter!
Many of the original French buildings are still there and amazingly a lot of them still have the same function. They created wide streets in contrast to the Old Quarter to the north Of Hoàn Kiem Lake.
Today I took a taxi to one of my favourite haunts Cho Hom, which has an amazing fabric market. Hundreds of stalls with fabric piled high and just very narrow alleys to get between them. Most are run by women who seem to happily chat together despite being in direct competition with each other. I bought several lengths of cotton, linen and one piece of silk which I couldn't resist. 8.5 m in total for £27.00.....and that includes the silk and the linen! I will go back next week!!! I walked back north to Hoàn Kiem lake and indulged in some refreshment. I think by this time the temp was 34c with humidity at 79%. I had a quick look at the old hat shop then got a taxi home. Off to see our Grandson in his school musical again this evening, it was the first night yesterday and they were really fantastic ! It is Dr Seuss's Seussical and Orlo has the part of the Mayor of Who.
Temp now 37 but the humidity has dropped to 51%.
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