Thursday, January 18, 2007
Thursday, January 18th 2007 - Hanoi
Well, the weather is still overcast and cool. Perfect for walking around and it definitely gives this city a very French feel. I went running a bit earlier this morning around lake Hoan Kiem in the old quarters and there were many people walking. Also people were playing badminton until about 7:30am-8am on makeshift courts. Some were doing dancing while others were doing Tai Chi. It is a very busy little place in the morning and just perfect for running without having to deal with the traffic. It's hard enough to walk across streets, running would be very hard. And there was this old man who I saw yesterday as well who kept greeting me each time we'd met around the lake and almost giving me a victory acclaim as if I was doing something so amazing. Actually a few men seemed to encourage me today.
Old men walk the streets with berets on their heads. And with the distinct French feel of the streets and building, it would be easy almost to forget one is in Asia. After the traffic on the left in Thailand, we are back to driving on the right. As it was also in Doha. But this is definitely Asia as well. Crowded with people everywhere, scooters, cycles, pedicabs, cars. And always the constant solicitation from everyone. "Madame, motorbike?, Taxi?" I've never heard the word Madame pronounced so many times. People are trying to catch your eye to be the first motorcycle (scooter) you see so you might select him instead of the hundreds of others. Or every salesperson also tries to appeal to you.
I still have to be cautious too about taking taxis or walking in the streets at night. It's harder to do these things when you are traveling on your own and when you are a woman. Some taxis are not registered taxis and will either overcharge you terribly (if you are lucky) or you may end up hurt and without a penny if you aren't so lucky. This is where I once again realise how safe I felt in Doha. I never had to think about such things. What a relief that was. But then again I never felt as safe as I did in Doha in Canada or Australia. And yet I'm not one who stops myself from doing things. It's just the feeling.
That's it for now
Well, the weather is still overcast and cool. Perfect for walking around and it definitely gives this city a very French feel. I went running a bit earlier this morning around lake Hoan Kiem in the old quarters and there were many people walking. Also people were playing badminton until about 7:30am-8am on makeshift courts. Some were doing dancing while others were doing Tai Chi. It is a very busy little place in the morning and just perfect for running without having to deal with the traffic. It's hard enough to walk across streets, running would be very hard. And there was this old man who I saw yesterday as well who kept greeting me each time we'd met around the lake and almost giving me a victory acclaim as if I was doing something so amazing. Actually a few men seemed to encourage me today.
Old men walk the streets with berets on their heads. And with the distinct French feel of the streets and building, it would be easy almost to forget one is in Asia. After the traffic on the left in Thailand, we are back to driving on the right. As it was also in Doha. But this is definitely Asia as well. Crowded with people everywhere, scooters, cycles, pedicabs, cars. And always the constant solicitation from everyone. "Madame, motorbike?, Taxi?" I've never heard the word Madame pronounced so many times. People are trying to catch your eye to be the first motorcycle (scooter) you see so you might select him instead of the hundreds of others. Or every salesperson also tries to appeal to you.
I still have to be cautious too about taking taxis or walking in the streets at night. It's harder to do these things when you are traveling on your own and when you are a woman. Some taxis are not registered taxis and will either overcharge you terribly (if you are lucky) or you may end up hurt and without a penny if you aren't so lucky. This is where I once again realise how safe I felt in Doha. I never had to think about such things. What a relief that was. But then again I never felt as safe as I did in Doha in Canada or Australia. And yet I'm not one who stops myself from doing things. It's just the feeling.
That's it for now
# posted by AdeC @ 1:14 AM 
