Halong Bay to Hanoi

We did not know what was about to hit us when arriving in Hanoi. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and upon arriving we needed to put aside all of our desire for personal space. Crossing the roads are a mission but you can't help but feel like Moses parting the red sea, as scooters merely drive around you. The trick – once you are committed to crossing do not stop and do not change your walking speed. Closing your eyes is also an option. Many in our group found Hanoi to be one step too far on how busy it is. I personally quite enjoyed it but not a place I would want to spend a lot of time in.

Hanoi has its roots entrenched in French influence and we even visited a massive Catholic Cathedral in the Old Quarter of the city not far from our Hostel. Some highlights here were visiting the old city gate, the Women's Museum, tasting the best egg coffee of my life (and getting the recipe – not common practice), and watching a train pass by our noses when it drives through a residential sector of the city. That was an amazing experience and the locals were really friendly and even invited us in to their home for something to drink – we declined the offer – can never be too careful. - Kyle
(Egg coffee is made egg whites, condensed milk,

rum/whiskey, coffee and spices. Traditionally it is whipped with chopsticks, but now they use egg beaters. It is sweet and silky smooth!)