Food adventures

As we ventured away from the local streets, we have found a couple of interesting places to try. So for two nights, we have eaten at a busy corner restaurant with a fabulous menu. I really just wanted to buy the menu! The various "meats" were shown by illustrations but after that you were on your own. enteric of chicken? flaccid beef strips? The first night, David was taken sternly to task by one of the young women, who took the bamboo paddles away from him and correctly stirred the earthenware pot of steamed rice, and then filled his bowl. He tried an eel chilli and citronella (lemongrass), my dish was cha ca, the local fried fish speciality and a plate of garlic and morning glory.

It was later than we have usually eaten because we saw the Water Puppet Show fisrt. This was unexpectedly good - very clever work and funny. The theatre empties in a rush onto the street where mighty coaches wait to transport tour groups to their hotel. We meandered past the crush on foot. The streets and verges were a little more open as some shops began to close. The lights glowed in the dusk, and families sat in open doorways.

I have just stopped to chat to an elderly man called in to talk in Russian to a traveller. He says he also speaks French and good English!

Today we passed the HoaLoa prison- the original Hanoi Hilton. I have read that the local Hilton was forced to choose an alternate name for obvious reasons. we were on our way to Hoa Sua which trains kids in skills which lead to hotel employment. Very pleasant courtyard and indooors areas, with charmingly eager young staff. We enjoyed a French oriented light lunch and coffee. Still not what we expect from an espresso. Very popular and some air kissing moments.

A large exhibition space, part of a French study complex, had a French photographer's work on hands of writers.
Lots of gallic posing going on!

I have been channelling Holly often as we pause at shoe shops and lace stalls and material corners. Lots of bling, shiny colours and outrageous violations of "name" brands.

Yesterday, we walked early to the big local market. What a buzz! The wholesalers obviously to many of smaller vendors. Huge bales of fabrics being strapped onto bikes, unbelievable loads wheeled away with a casual hand steadying the stack. The edge of the markets was all foods - I tried a tea, and yearned after the fruit, but not some of the dried fish on offer. Golden mounds of dried noodles, red sunflower seeds, and threatening pots of chilli pastes. Even pets were avalaible. The tiny green turtles were lovely.

Last full day tomorrow so we are paying our respects to uncle Ho.