The last night in Hanoi

We arrived at Hanoi Train Station at around 5.30am in the morning and after saying our goodbyes to everyone, Gaby & I took a taxi to the Prince Hotel only to find that because we were so early our room wouldn’t be ready until check-out at around midday. However, the manager phoned the sister Sunny Hotel where there was a room free for us. A quick taxi ride paid for by the hotel and we were checked into our room. The US$25 got us a 'proper' shower with a cubicle, two double beds, satellite television, and most importantly, a dark and quiet room!

We spent our last day wandering around the streets of the Old Quarter, eating our last 'street meal' and drinking a final iced coffee bought from the lovely old woman on Hang Bac Street - she still thought that Gaby & I were a married couple!

When the rain started in the afternoon we finally had an excuse to take a ride in a cyclo - three in total before the night was through - back to the hotel. They build up quite a head of speed when they get going!

That night we ate at 69 again. I tried the Banana Fish hot-pot which has a texture and taste unlike any other fish that I’ve eaten and the customary plate of steamed Morning Glory with a shared bottle of red wine!