Hanoi - Honky Honky Tonks

The cyclo (pronounced sic-clo),the bicycle rickshaw is a common form of transportation for tourists. However, we cabbed everywhere as they allowed all 6 of us to fit in a cab. An average ride to anywhere around Old Quarters and Central Hanoi would costs USD1. Except when once we were taken for a ride by a cabbie who most probably tampered his meter. He kept singing songs to us and telling us stories "Ho Chi Minh veli good!!". In the end we were forced to pay him about USD4!

Hanoi roads are chaotic and filled with motorcycles (and some cars) going in every direction possible. It is the practice of all who operate vechiles to keep their fingers on their horns and honk at all times. Basically, it is a MUST in Hanoi to horn at every other vehicle or pedestrian in sight. And don't just honk once. You need to honk-honk-honk for a couple of times. Somewhat like morse-code.

Crossing the busy roads is an acquired skill. Well, it's actually not skill but guts and a strong conviction that you won't be hit by the 10 motorcycles that are heading your way from all possible directions. The trick is to just cross the road. Look confident, look ahead. Do not look left or right. The vehicles will honk and avoid you. The Melia pocket travel guide advised "When crossing the street, do not change your speed of pace, do not run, do not step backward".

With all the din on the streets of Hanoi, it's amazing to see her sleep so soundly on a bike behind her man.

Having a haircut amidst all the motorcycles!