Hanoi, Vietnam in a nutshell

Hanoi, Vietnam has been an eye opening experience in many ways.

Initially the plan was to go to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City); a more modern city compared to Hanoi but Dad didn't manage to confirm seats for us even at the eleventh hour so Hanoi was the next best option. Because of the change in plans, we had to look for accommodation only at the very last minute. It was a heart wrenching experience because many of the affordable, convenient-within city hotels were all fully booked. But after much research, sis managed to find one- a really neat one too.

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Everything that i imagined Vietnam would be, was, or maybe better.

Although it has only been 31 years since being officially integrated with South Vietnam as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, this country has come a long way in rebuilding its nation, its people. The majority of people are still in kais-pagi-makan-pagi-kais-petang-makan-petang-like poverty. Western culture is still slow in making its mark in Hanoi as compared to Saigon & i was told that were no fast food outlets or huge malls in the city.

Hanoi, North Vietnam as it is now:-

Streets of Hanoi: According to a local, Hanoi is known for its two S - slim ladies and small (narrow) roads. And it's really true. The highways consist of only two lanes; whereby one lane is perpetually taken up by motorbikes/bicycles/carts while the other lane for other bigger vehicles. Crossing the streets in Hanoi was an experience in itself; cars,motobikes (a LOT of them), bicycles, trishaws, etc were all over the place. No rules, no traffic lights.

Streets of Hanoi, Vietnam

Trades: One of the things that would not go unnoticed while walking thru the streets of Hanoi is women with baskets selling anything, from fresh meat to fish, fruits to hand-made goods, accessories and trinkets.

Taking this pic almost got me into trouble. Thankfully only got scoffed at from afar. The French baguettes (seen in the pic) are one of the must-try-s in Vietnam apart from their Pho` Ga and Pho` Bo ( similiar to chicken/beef kuey teow soup). I remembered the last time i had really good Vietnamese food was in Melbourne (ironic i know but it's true). Having authentic Vietnamese in Vietnam itself was nice. Surprisingly, authentic Vietnamese were more bland as compared to Vietnamese back home or Melbourne.

Scenery: To me Hanoi has some of the most beautiful places on earth and Halong Bay was one of them. We decided to check out Halong Bay after hearing many many good reviews about it. Conclusion: it was no regret.

Boarded one of these

With Dad

Halong Bay and some of my fav pics taken.

World Heritage Site granted by UNESCO

with Anh (local), whom we've met en route to Halong Bay.

Hoan Kiem Lake

at 7.30 am

Water Puppet Show, Hanoi City

It was no regret we visited Hanoi instead of Saigon. Seeing for myself how people in that country lived reminded me of how blessed we are, how blessed our nation is.

Personally, Vietnam is a beautiful country with so much to offer and so much more to discover.

Was telling dad that i don't mind visiting that place again.

Christmas Dinner

This year's Christmas dinner was a lil different as compared to the previous years. No home cooked dinner. No gathering at home. Instead we opted for a no-fuss buffet dinner in a coffee house which were very much welcomed by mum and uncle. Though it would be really nice to have the christmas dinner at home, the buffet spread i must say was superb.



The condition of the tree on christmas eve.
We are the reason that He gave His life
We are the reason Jesus suffered and died
To a world that was lost, He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live.

100th

I'm leaving on a jet plane....!!

Will be off to Vietnam for a short stay next week.
One place amongst others which i've always wanted to visit.

Unexpected

How can i say thanks

For all the things

You O Lord have done for me

Things so undeserved, yet You gave

To prove Your love for me?

Battle of the trees

Have been doing a lil window shopping this past few days (maybe quite abit) and it's always a pleasure to walk in shopping complexes on weekdays during the Christmas season especially when the carols are playing in the background. Puts you into the mood.


Watch out...Christmas tree galore!

Tree I in The Gardens.




Tree II in The Gardens. One of my favs. Real stuff


The Drummer Boy in 1u was so overpowering that i forgot all about the tree.

Tree in Mid Valley. With orange deco. Nice
Tree in the Curve


And finally....

My favourite...

Tree in my living room. (Haha!)

Yes...the tree is up. All ready to be adorned with gifts..:)

Memory lane

Walked down memory lane the other day. Happened to be there to run some errands. Can't help reminiscing about the good old times i had when i was younger.

I was not a Barbie doll playing kinda kid. I remember getting one for Christmas and the next thing that happened was a decapitated doll. I just can't see how combing the doll's hair over and over again was exciting.
I remember too on one occasion how i wanted to change the doll's hairstyle so badly that i resorted to cutting its blonde hair short. Nope, it didn't turn out right.
Somehow, playing with dolls was not my cup of tea when i was younger.

But one thing was...
Cycling or just being outdoor.

I love cycling and it was here i learned how to cycle. Grandpa played a big role in teaching us the art and he used to say..." It's ok to fall from the bike or to bang the gate in order to stop the bike..it's ok" and so that was how i learned.. falling and banging things. After being upgraded to a bicycle from a quadcycle and a tricycle..there was no turning back.. i roamed the streets. Back streets and alleys, to the wet market and back on my bicycle. I remember once, the electricity was out, and how i felt my brother was so ingenious when he fixed a torch light onto the bicycle's handle and we roamed the streets that night. Felt as though i was on some Famous Five adventure.
I remember also how we love putting a broom horizontally on the floor so as to act as a road bump when we cycled over it but made grandpa and mum really furious.

Haha..yes cycling was my favourite pastime.

Oh my, i'm only 20+ and i'm already reminiscing about my past..