Modern Hanoi
Lots of motorbikes now! It's a key difference from my last extended visit in 1995. Perplexingly, though, one thing that has not changed is the utter lack of traffic management systems at street intersections. As when bicycles ruled the roost, now all manner of motorized machines (and pedestrian traffic) are simply merging through intersections irrespective of oncoming or cross directional traffic. It was midly amusing then, but it's downright hazardous now. They seldom even slow down first. It's absolute chaos! The accident rate must be astronomical - I saw at least two in just a few hours.
The water puppet show has improved over the years with pyrotechnics and dry ice to liven things up. Only a day here before we head out to Halong Bay. It's enough time to sample the incomparably improved cafe scene. My Spaghetti Carbonara was to die for.
