Hoan Kiem Lake Bridge, Hanoi, Vietnam

Day 17

A six hour drive down the winding mountain road from Sapa back to Hanoi. Passed colourful markets, and water buffalo beside the road. Pleased to get a mirror image of our transit in one of the extras.

Must record some of the hotel names in Sapa - e.g. Fantastic Hotel, Honeymoon Hotel, Success Hotel.

Once back on the highway, driving by rice fields, many with family graves. So much water everywhere.

After checking back in to the Marriott hotel, our driver dropped us off in the Old Quarter beside the Lake. This area is closed to traffic at the weekend. Lots of families taking part in street games. SL had a go at the Bamboo Dance. Various monuments in this area.

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien. Obama has made this place famous, after dropping by to try the food. It was a bit like pork burgers in a broth, with thin noodles.

Back to the hotel, we enjoyed a performance of zither music, then a session in the gym, with amazing views over the city. Watched part of the Ladies' Wimbledon Final while exercising.