Masked

Our last day in Hanoi, where we're now veterans of the craziness. Oh, how we stood and laughed at the newbies who couldn't cross the road. And, oh, how we impressed those same newbies by just casually approaching the busy junctions and strolling across. It's amazing how easily you get used to something.

Today was pretty lazy after all the recent exertions. We took another rickshaw tour and spotted a large market we hadn't visited, so headed back there on foot when the tour was over.

It turned out to be more of a wholesale market than retail, and certainly not for the likes of us. But we stayed and haggled and offended until eventually we realised we weren't going to have much luck. Total purchases: some knock-off headphones for the kids and the inevitable extra bag. So much for travelling light...

The pic is of a stall selling face masks. These are everywhere in Hanoi, but there's no discernible pattern as to why or when people choose to wear them. Anyway, this lady's stall was so overflowing with masks that she was threatened with an avalanche if she tried to get up too quickly. Actually, all of the stalls were like this, just not all so colourful.

Tonight, it's the night train (13 and a half hours) from Hanoi to Hue. Fun.