Here are my first impressions of Hanoi, Vietnam. I did very little research on the place except for the running event I will be joining on Sunday. So it will be another adventure…
1. Modern infrastructures are rising. The airport is big, clean and organized. The highways are very wide. Not many skyscrapers… yet.
2. I’m staying at the Old Quarter area. The roads are smaller now. Last night, it was quiet and peaceful. But this morning, the roads are crowded with motorcycles.
3. Motorcycles rule the roads here in Old Quarter. They just zip past the intersection even if a car or a person is crossing the street. They are not that fast but you have to be alert.
4. I arrived at 2:00 in the morning and the hotel had their front door chained from the inside! No kidding. It was locked with chains! I wonder why it has to be that secured. Now, I’m having second thoughts staying late at night around Hanoi. 😛
5. I went inside a stationary store. They have nice notebooks, pens and art materials. Among the designs are references to the war. They seem to be very proud of this part of their history.
6. I love the houses here. They are narrow and tall. One house would look like blocks stacked on top of each other. Each floor would have a different design from the other floors.
7. Where are the fast foods? I haven’t seen McDonald’s or KFC yet. No Jollibee too?
8. 30+Mbps wifi!!! I think I will love it here.
