Tag 193 - Hello Vietnam @ Hanoi

Hallo Hello together

Today we actually managed to get up at 2:30 am, completely without oversleeping! Our host was also on time, very punctual and knocked on our door at 2:50 am.

Everything worked out perfectly! We were able to check in right away, and when we reached the gate, it was time to board after 20 minutes. In the plane, we not only had a row to ourselves, but the one behind us was also free. I sneaked one row back and so we could both lie across three seats. Accordingly, there was not much editing of the photos on the plane, because we could sleep almost the entire 3.5 hours.

Since we had applied for an e-visa, everything went super at the airport! Our counter was immediately free and we were out of everything within minutes. Really great!

We took a Grab driver (something like Uber) straight to our hotel. Since we were too early, we couldn't go to our room right away, but we were allowed to strengthen ourselves at the breakfast buffet.

Even from the Philippines, we bought two motorcycles for CHF 600.- for both. We could pick them up at 1 pm :).

But first we had to get some money... Kevin had heard that you don't have to pay any fees at "VP-Bank". So this bank was our next destination. The concierge said it was easy to find: turn left and then go straight for about 800 meters.

There are so many banks here! On every corner and each one has a different name! Since our router ran out of battery, we were out without a map... We walked and walked... It's much more pleasant here from the locals' perspective than in the Philippines! No one stares at us or talks to us - on the contrary! We're like air to them! So it was difficult to ask for directions. Many simply turned away and walked away. Others answered with "no idea", as long as they were rid of us again. After about 1.5 hours and surely two to three kilometers, we actually found someone who pulled out their phone and looked up the way out. Only 90 meters to go! We walked the 90 meters and... construction! The bank didn't exist anymore!!! So we kept looking... you won't believe it, but we found one and were so relieved. No idea what those people who watched us thought :). Just two overjoyed people standing in front of an ATM machine :)).

But we still had to get back... and surprisingly, we succeeded!

The traffic here is quite interesting. Everyone just starts driving, light signals are skillfully ignored and the horn sounds nonstop! So we also did it on foot. We ran across the street like chickens, suddenly one of us shouted "now!" and off we went! Honestly, it was a bit scary at first, but over time it became really fun!

When we returned to the hotel, we were already allowed to go to our room, even though it was only 11 am (check-in is usually at 2 pm). And our room... just great!!! So nicely done! We were thrilled!

We took a break, because we still had time until 1 pm.

Then we could get the motorcycles!!!

Our router went out on the way and we had told the two with the motorcycles that we would call them as soon as we arrived at the meeting point. No chance without a router... When we arrived there, we saw one motorcycle and by chance someone approached us: "Are you friends of those with the motorcycles?" We confirmed the question and this person let us into the hostel and told us where they live. When we arrived at the room, we knocked once, twice, three times - no reaction. Damn, they're probably on the go until we call! As we were leaving the hostel again, we almost ran into the two by chance. We explained briefly and were already with the bikes. Honestly... two real pieces of junk! Everything rattles, clinks, and hisses! But it wouldn't be us if we didn't take them :)

On the way back to the hotel, Kevin regretted this purchase more and more - I was really excited :).

You get used to driving these shaky things surprisingly quickly, everything is roaring and clattering - simply (sorry) awesome!!!

We brought the two motorcycles to the hotel and went to a bar to toast to our presumed mistake :).

The bar was really cozy! Good drinks, fair prices, and a nice location :).

Now we're back at the hotel. We will probably go out to eat later, but as I said: probably :)

So, now we're enjoying the evening and signing off for today - you probably read enough :)

See you tomorrow!