As tourists we’re drawn to the historical sites, museums, and natural wonders; all the places the guidebooks say we should go. But my favorite moments while traveling are those in which I witness the everyday played out in new and interesting ways. We arrived early in Hanoi off a night train, so we spent time wandering the city and soon found ourselves at Hoan Kiem lake where hundreds if not thousands of Vietnamese were exercising. Actions such as rubbing the belly or poking fingers in the ears derive from traditions of Chinese medicine, which many Vietnamese practice.
Lining up for some morning exercise
After 8 weeks of travel, we were a bit fatigued by historical sites and museums so we spent our time in Hanoi instead wandering, eating, drinking 25 cent beers and doing lots and lots of shopping. Enjoy the photos below:
Street corner breakfast in Hanoi
Typical Hanoi traffic
Amazing what you can carry on a scooter
Pour me another please
Bia Hoi - $.25 beers!
Shade from the morning sun
Old friends
Temple of Literature: okay, so we did fit in one site!
doc/wise 