Hanoi

Christmas day. Up early, woken by SMS message from Dean in the US. Packed and took a taxi through pouring rain to Changi airport. Down to the furthest terminal to board Vietnam airlines 915 flight to Hanoi -- arriving at 11:30. Very smoggy. Changed some money, and hopped in a taxi to Hanoi. Taxi changed drivers shortly thereafter. Close to town had a minor accident in all the traffic. They then attempted to take us to a 'better' hotel, then attempted to charge as the meter instead of the flat rate to town. Negotiated all that well enough to check in, although someone else's pack was already in the room. Walked around ever increasing circles from the hotel as we got more confident in the maze of lanes and traffic. Only three road rules: give way to bigger vehicles or else, drive on the right as often as you can, toot horn incessantly.

Had Christmas lunch of pizza in a european restaurant with huge, amazing photos all over the walls taken by the owner on his personal travels. The only sign of Christmas we could see in the city.

Rested in the room till 6:30 when we had our tour meeting, then went to a restaurant tea -- six course meal for eight dollars. Lovely. Off to bed to the sounds of Tom Jones and ‘Delilah’ at the nightclub across the road.