Hanoi old quarter

The small ally’s and streets of Hanoi’s old quarter feel like a different country than everywhere I’ve visited in Vietnam. Authentic, corner coffee shops, street food on tiny chairs, bicycles piled with vegetables or fruit for sale, women with baskets if pastry for sale. Time to stop and soak in the culture. Bars, motorcycles life is different here.

BBQ hotplate dinners here are crazy great. Cook your own food. $3 US gets more great food then you need. And the people watching is endlessmy entertaining.

I traveled the famous coastal area; Ha Long Bay for a few relaxed days on a Junk. Kayaking, and sharing travel stories with other visitors. Cold this time of the yea, I’m glad for my fleease.

Trump is the talk everywher. The NK and USA summit is underway. America flags on the streets of Hanoi - who would have thought just a few years ago!!?

When talking with some Vietnamese, they are confused why the Europeans and many Americans hate Trump so muc. They don‘t understand why protecting the borders is a negative for him - their country does!! And the US economy is rocking, and he is playing hardball with the Chinese... all things they like and want. Yes, I say; it’s confusing.

I finish my my stay with a coffee on the streets from a local. Filtered, but strong and delicious.

Life seems simple here. Yes, they are still short on some freedom. But 1-2 more generations, That will change.