Now, this blog has been quiet for a while (6 years) but since I have moved to another continent, my mum requested updates. So here goes mamma, I'm blogging again! <3
And even if you're not my mum, I hope you'll enjoy reading this too.
My flight was smooth - Finnair did a good job. I had a layover in Hongkong without any hustle. Just a few weeks ago the whole airport was shut down. When I landed in Ha Noi Noi Bai airport it was HOT. Reallt hot. I quickly found my taxi driver who took me to the Airbnb I booked. When hopping into the taxi, I had my first culture shock. The traffic. Horrible. Apperently in Ha Noi, rules don't apply or they are just regarded as suggestions. Drivers were really creative when following traffic rules. Nonetheless, I arrived safely with my baggage at the Airbnb.
My first struggels in this strange new country were, first of all, to open the front door lock. I couldn't get out of the house at first and the second thing is finding an address. Apparently there is a system (and I think I get it now!), but if you just search for an address in google maps, it will mark a destination which sometimes is not at all where you were supposed to go. Google maps somehow marks a main street and believes that I will be fine on the alleys on my own.
In Ha Noi everyone rides a motorcycle. Only nobodies walk! I tried walking but since the locals use the sidewalks as parking for cars and bikes, you have to venture down onto the busy streets and get honked at. So I did it like the locals and took a "Grab" using the local app for ordering a taxi/bike taxi. Taking a Grab worked suprisingly well, safety was moderate and pollution present.
So far so good!
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| First things first! I said hi to Uncle Ho in his mausoleum. |
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| Exploring the UNESCO listed Imperial Citadel in Ha Noi |
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| Grabbing lunch at Xofa Café & Bistro |
