All posts filed under: Hanoi

Going home

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I caught the sunset from Tokyo, Japan over the wing on AirCanada’s 767. There is nothing like being back home and in your own bed after 9 flights and 5 countries. I had many amazing memories from two weeks of travelling. But I then had an 18 hour journey home from Hanoi, Vietnam through Tokyo, Japan to Toronto, Canada. Cankles are not a good look so I put my very cool pink compression socks… and prepared to catch up on movies.   If you like these purchase on www.bondiband.com. Be trendy when you compress your ankles and calfs! I also definitely ate my way home. In Hanoi, I had my last freshly pressed watermelon smoothie to fresh sushi in Japan. A side note: The Toyko airport washroom was also an experience. The Japanese brought the public WC to a high-tech experience. I will admit I tried every option and button from spray to dry… The Japanese brought the public washroom experience to a whole new level! Expect to wait longer in line… I caught the sunset from Tokyo, Japan over the wing on AirCanada’s 767. Travelling …

Water Puppet show in Hanoi

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If you are looking for something different to see in Vietnam, buy a ticket to the famous Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi. Art form that dates back to the 11th century. The tradition of water puppet theatre comes from a time when rice paddy fields were flooded in the Red River Delta. The Vietnamese believe in spirits, that lives in among us, and controlls different aspects of our life. Water puppetry was created in order to satisfy these spirits. Villagers would create entertainment by standing in the waist-deep water with the puppets performing over the water. Large rods to support the puppets it appeared as if they were moving across the water with the puppeteers hidden behind a screen. Tradition is unique to North Vietnam but has recently found fame on stages all over the world; so it’s a rare event to see the puppets perform in their original location at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Performances are accompanied by a Vietnamese orchestra playing traditional music using drums, wooden bells, horns, bamboo flutes and cymbals. Also authentic Vietnamese …

Top 6 street foods in Hanoi

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I love, love street food. Vietnamese street dining is experienced on a tiny plastic chair at a stainless-steel table. Steaming Pho, fresh vegatable dishes, and complex noodle creations are sampled on crowded sidewalks, open-air markets and tiny, hidden eateries. A discovery of flavours and aromas await on the streets of Hanoi… 1. Pho Hanoi is the birthplace of Pho, a noodle dish now popular around the world Fragrant rice noodle soup served with fresh herbs Ingredients vary — locals prefer it with chicken or thin slices of beef in a rich beef broth; garnish it with bean sprouts, chiles, hoisin sauce and fresh Vietnamese herbs. 2. Bun Cha Bun Cha is the favourite lunch of choice all over Hanoi. Pork patties and slices of pork belly are grilled over hot coals Served with fish sauce, tangy vinegar, sugar and lime, when combined, creates a sort of barbecue soup that is eaten with rice vermicelli and fresh herbs. Paired with deep-fried spring rolls, this rich dish is served with garlic and chilies on the side for an extra kick. 3. Banh cuon Banh cuon,(“rolled …

Top sites to visit in Hanoi

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Hanoi, Vietnam is an energetic city, with ancient pagodas, tree lined lakes and fascinating blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French influences,. Lots to see and do from visiting the Old Quarter to experiencing the Opera House. I will only have two days here but will see what I can fit in – Halong Bay is top of my list! 1. Temple of Literature 2km west of Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature is rare example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong Temple is dedicated to Confucius (Khong Tu) and pays homage to Vietnam’s finest scholars Vietnam’s first university was established here in 1076. Entrance was only granted to men of noble birth, then 1442 an egalitarian granted gifted students went to study the principles of Confucianism, literature and poetry. A tiered gateway (on P Quoc Tu Giam) forms the main entrance is preceded by a curious plaque, whose inscription requests that visitors dismount their horses before entering. Paths lead through formal gardens to the Khue Van pavilion and to a large square pond known …