My Christmas here in Hanoi has been fantastic. On Christmas eve Lyb, Graeme and I attended a party in the roof top bar of the hostel that's right across from our hotel.
The atmosphere was electric, the people were friendly and the beer was cheap. I met some great people, including a lovely guy called Scotty (from New Zealand) who I'm sure I will hear from again. We talked for hours and exchanged contact details. After a while on the roof top bar, the party pushed on to Finnegans, the only Irish pub in Hanoi and one of the few places open past 11pm. About thirty of us from the hostel made our way through the busy streets. There were HUNDREDS of locals out on motobikes and on foot - all madly waving Vietnamese flags and celebrating Christmas.
I spent most of the next day recovering infront of the T.V. in my hotel room. In the afternoon, Lyb Graeme and I went for a walk and I bought my plane ticket to Laos. Lyb and Graeme decided to get the bus, but because of my back I thought it might be a better idea if I took the plane (the bus ride is 24hrs but the flight is only 2hrs). I got quite a good deal from the SINH CAFE (USD140) and I leave in a few hours now!!
I'm not looking forward to the trip, but I can't wait to get to Laos where it's a little warmer (24 today). I've really enjoyed Hanoi - I've had some great times and met some amazing people. Hanoi is FULL of backpackers. I think if you really want to experience the culture of Vietnam, it's not really the place to spend all your time. But for Christmas/NYE, it's fantastic and the people here are generally very friendly.
Last night was another fantastic night. I met Ana (a 24yo who's from Portland, Oregon but lives and works in South Korea) in the hostel bar and we hung out for the evening chatting and drinking, and this morning we went out for coffee and then went shopping. She's such a friendly, down-to-earth person - I hope we can stay in touch and meet again one day. Most of the people I've met here are so nice.
Although, I did get into a fight with a drug dealer on a motobike yesterday afternoon. I was ingoring him as he asked me if I wanted to buy some pot from him (he asked me about 10 times and was following me - I had already said NO once) and then he said in an angry voice "Are you fucking deaf lady??!" so I turned around and said quietly but firmly "Fuck off. Go away." And thankfully for me, he did!
I would never usually sware at someone because I don't want to get into trouble but...well...he started it and I was right next to my hotel, so I thought it would okay.
It was lovely to have such a different Christmas and although I wasn't home and I missed my family and friends, I was glad to be with Lyb and Graeme who are both special to me.
I hope everyone is enjoying their holidays!! My next post will be from Loas! :)
