More mopeds

I think Hanoi was probably a lovely place when bicycles were the main method of transport and not mopeds. The roads here are a constant flow of mopeds and the pavements are for moped parking. Walking about is a challenge and crossing the road is not for the faint hearted.

The photo is of a common sight here, colourfully wrapped up moped tyres.

This morning we went to the Museum of Fine Art. A really interesting museum, well worth a visit and the 60p entrance fee.

After a walk along the crazy streets we went into a Vietnamese restaurant for lunch. It was a huge place, with the main seating area surrounded by small cooking areas; almost like a food court but you order at your table. One of the dishes we ordered was shrimp paste hash on sugar cane. This arrived as a make your own spring roll, with the shrimp paste removed from the cane by the waiter at the table. A waitress then showed us how to make up a spring roll and then watched Niall try to do the same (correcting him when he didn't do it quite right). Another example of the friendliness of the people here. It was a fabulous feast and cost us about £7 each.

Last night we had an ok meal in a very new cafe. I think it must have been their first night or first week. They were hesitant in their service but very very eager to please. It was charming. We only had one course and a couple of beers and were then given complimentary green tea and peanut biscuits. The bill came to £6 and Niall tipped them £1. They were saying this was too much and tried to insist we take it back. When we said no they gave us the two remaining biscuits to take away, they were obviously delighted.