Ha Noi

This is Ha Noi. I had heard that it was crazy before arriving and it was. Having only gone straight from the airport to the bus terminal on my way to Cat Ba, now seeing it again really for the first time in three years I'd have to agree with other's assesment. Compared to Saigon though, this isn't too bad. Like Saigon, the number of cars on the streets have increased dramatically. They really do clog up the otherwise zen flow of the motorbikes. Check this rig!



I've spotted Audi G7's and many a Lexus'. It's incredible that these do exist here in Vietnam as the import duties have caused these prices to almost quadruble what they are in Europe or the US.



This is Isabelle and Christoph. They're Rick's cousins. Rick had this romatic notion that his relatives are working as spies in Vietnam, with the hopes of overthrowing the Communist government. In reality, Christoph works for the UN helping Vietnam to better its social and economic standings in the world. He told me that within the last few years, Vietnam's poverty level as dropped to 60% of the population from 75%.This is defined as the number of people earning less than $1 a day. I forgot to ask if they'd be moving that barometer up any time soon as the $1 is not worth what it used to.

Earlier talking to Eric and Onslo about the economic climate out on Cat Ba, I found out that things are really grim there for the locals. Growth and development has brought more money for the island but only for a few, top teared business people. Now that prices have inflated, blamed on by the current high cost of fuel, locals have had to pay more for goods and not having any opportunity to earn more. The tourists that come mostly stay or patronize advertised, recommended establishments. I guess this is what eco-travellers say when they ask us all to support local businesses.

I don't have a picture here unfortunately but Thomas and I found a great little Pho house just a few buildings down from where we stayed in Cat Ba, where SloPony is based. I'd have to say that it makes top 5 honors of "The Best Pho House that Linh Has Ever Been To" list. The broth was excellent and the service top notch for Vietnam, as good if not better than the service we get in the US. I readily turned Onlso to the place and he agreed. In return the SloPony guys turned me on to their local haunts.

Anyway, more on North Vietnamese food in a second......