Day 5 in Hanoi.
Our last day here before we leave tomorrow. Today is the only day where I can do some souvenir and local produce shopping. I heard Hanoi is very well known for their silk products, rattan bags, lacquer ware and nuts.
i went Tin Tin Lacquer plaque hunting! And i bought 3 pieces home.
Next I bought some chicken floss with chilli, super yummy,
Bought a few packets of cashew nuts for myself and mother.
Bought peanut brittle for my colleagues.
and spent the rest of the day, walking through all the tiny streets and back alleys of Hanoi!
drank like a local at their market
visited their market in search of a good buy, alas i'm not very good at searching in such a BIG BIG market! And the boys kept complaining hot and tired.
Rested at a convenience store, James could walk no more and hubs had to carry him all the way back to the hotel.
On the way back, we rest again at this quaint cafe with hanging umbrellas. It's called Cafe Nola.
use google maps and you will find the place.
the food aint great but it is a good hideaway place and you can actually see how a typical "shophouse" interior looks like. Small tight staircases, dingy rooms and brightly lit courtyards. Lots of hanging plants, potted greens. Very traditional and makes it a really special visit.
my elder son Jules just had to sit on the trishaw. Ok. so we did the touristy thing and went onto the trishaw. I guess the good thing is that we help to spread the money around. It's pretty hard work, pedalling us around the city. Our trishaw uncle was super friendly, always ready for a smile when taking photos and even gave us tips on where to eat, what is nice to see in Hanoi etc etc despite his broken english. Such a nice nice uncle!
Dinner at Pizza 4Ps.
I think this place needs no recommendation or reviews from me. I really enjoyed the service, food and space despite knowingly I will be paying an arm and a leg here. But hey, it's our last night in Hanoi and I just wanted somewhere cool, air-conditioned, nice music, ambience and a glass of wine.
above: my white sangria, BIG Burrata pizza and crab pasta
goodbye HANOI!
we totally enjoyed our rest and relaxed 6 days and 5 nights here.
