Day 6 - Hanoi

Well, today, to make up for not going to Hoi An due to airline difficulties (apparently Vietnam Airlines do not have reserved seats under the names of Tracey and Milla Jane and Jodie George at all times to all Vietnamese destinations on the off chance we might feel like flying *sigh*) we decided to head off to the tailor's to get some clothes made up. Both Tracey and I felt very unsure about the whole thing, wondering whether we'd be able to communicate what we wanted, if we'd be decisive enough, what materials they would have, etc. But we were wonderfully surprised - somehow, even with all our "helpful" explanations, they understood everything! We get to pick everything up tomorrow at 8pm - I can't wait!


Milla at the tailor's (love the guy in the background)

By the time we finished at the tailor's it was well past lunch so we quickly started scoping for a restaurant. Usually this is a fairly ardious process, trying to find somewhere we can all eat happily but today, luck was with us. About two minutes into our search Tracey stumbled upon a tucked away French cafe right in the middle of Hanoi; a beautiful little bistro plucked seemingly from the heart of Paris itself. It was absolutely charming and the food was fantastic as well, all the better!



After such a beautiful lunch, sadly we headed off to do more shopping, an activity that becomes exponetially less exciting when you're forced to follow a list. Still, after far too many hours, the job was almost done, just a few more bits and pieces left to get for all the loved ones.

On the way home we added a little last bit of excitement to the day by getting caught in a flash rainstorm, thunder and lightning suddenly tearing the sky open. Luckily we were close to the hotel, but even 30 metres is a dangerously long distance when you're under attack by raindrops the size of golfballs. But good news: we have our new kimonos to dry off in. Til tomorrow then when we're off to see some culture!


Milla in her kimono