Arrival in Hanoi - Day 1 & 2

Day 1

Despite a bumpy start (last-minute appendectomy, last-minute visa), we made it to the Asian continent. We soon realized at the airport that as European-looking people, we stand out. The locals were already arguing over who gets to sell us SIM cards.

We've gotten through the first culture shock. On the way from the airport to the hotel, we noticed that there are an incredible number of scooters flooding the city. After realizing how heavily loaded they are and how they zoom around corners, we were relieved that we weren't picked up by a scooter.

After almost 24 hours of traveling (very pleasant trip with China Airlines - didn't check working conditions), the lilac welcome drink in the marble lobby of our hotel made us feel royal (as Emilie put it - quote: 'I always knew royal blood flows in my veins!').

While we have already checked off the first items on Emilie's kitsch list (sipped on a coconut, saw palm trees), we were able to get used to the not-so-royal hustle and bustle of the city. The primary goal is not to get run over, and the constant honking will apparently be part of our everyday life for the next three months. Dead animals on the streets or chickens locked up are not uncommon, Karl Lauterbach would lose it over the hygiene standards.

In the evening, the city transforms into a beautiful light spectacle with great fairy lights and lanterns in the trees (perfect for us kitsch lovers). This made the city, which was more than turbulent during the day, appear in a completely different light in the evening. We finally relaxed and ended the evening in Beer Street after a variety of food offers. Then we fell into bed, extremely tired from the journey and the jet lag.

Day 2

Prices in Vietnam are very cheap compared to German prices. We took advantage of that and celebrated our submission of the master's thesis, graduation, and arrival in Vietnam. We treated ourselves to a massage at the Hanoi Spa. It was very pleasant there, there was even tea and cookies for relaxation.

Afterwards, we headed to a well-known tourist attraction: railroad tracks that run directly through rows of houses. Unfortunately, a month ago, a tourist was hit by a train, so access to the cafes along the railway tracks was blocked and even guarded by the authorities! However, since the locals depend on income, we were secretly led through a back room to a creatively furnished cafe along the railway tracks.

After taking a short stroll through the city, we were able to plan our onward journey in a cute little cafe.

Because organizing makes you hungry, we soon had to look for something to eat, which is difficult for vegetarians. Firstly, because a lot of meat is eaten in Vietnam and secondly because communication is difficult. Very few people here speak English. Finally, we sat in a small roadside eatery as usual, on low plastic stools and tables, and enjoyed a portion of morning glory (steamed water spinach with garlic) with rice.

We ended the evening with a typical Vietnamese beer (Bia Saignon Speciale) and fried banana.