Welcome to Hanoi!

 We had an evening flight to Vietnam and arrived in Hanoi around 8:30pm. A Grab driver took us to our AirBnB in old town Hanoi. We were amazed at the smooth roads, lights and modern city of Hanoi. 

Our AirBnB home for the next few days. Annabelle and Liam are excited about their little loft room with a ladder. 

In the morning we wandered the streets of Hanoi to find a place for breakfast. All four kids are sleeping pretty late now, so we’ve been ending up eating an 11am brunch most days and Annabelle wonders why we don’t have breakfast anymore. As we explored the city we saw  a beautiful mix of French and Vietnamese architecture and style. There’s lights everywhere and colorful lanterns hanging in trees. We even found railroad cafe street where restaurants and cafes are set up on either side of the tracks. We walked down the center without issue, but there is a train that still comes through! We walked around Hoan Kiem Lake which is a beautiful spot in Old Quarter with bright flowers and shady trees. 

7-11 is a constant stop for us this trip for cold waters and snacks. It’s one of Liam’s favorite places so far and he looks for one wherever we go! 

Liam running down the steps of our AirBnB 

In the evening we walked back to Hoan Kiem Lake and to Hoang’s Restaurant for dinner. I’m not sure if this was an exercise group or a performance, but it was neat to see. Dinner was delicious. We tried beef pho, bun cha (fried pork) and deep fried pho. It is pillows of fried dough with stir fry meat and vegetables. It was very tasty. Our waiter said it’s not a widely known dish and I was eating like a local. 

Josh ordered the bun cha and our waiter showed him how to dip his rice noodles in the broth and then put it on a plate with meat. He told Josh he wouldn’t make him eat vegetables. 😂 Then our waiter proceeded to pick up the bite with chopsticks and feed Josh. It was both awkward and hilarious. I wish I’d gotten it on video. 

Deep fried pho 

I really enjoy walking around this city (although HOT doesn’t even begin to describe the temperature here). It is an adventure though. Mopeds are parked and occasionally driven on sidewalks. Pedestrians do not have the right of way. Lights and lanes are not strictly followed. Thankfully we’re a big group and there is definitely safety in numbers. Every time we crossed a street our first day here Liam said “I’m glad nobody died.” Me too buddy, me too. 

Sidewalks

Breaking Family News: Liam lost his 1st tooth!!!