Revisited some old haunts... the Post Office downtown.
It is the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the War against the French, followed by the war against the Americans and 75 years of communism. The streets are decorated to celebrate.
Did I mention it was hot?
Old and the news: crazy apartment buildings with the skyscrapers behind.
So we are now in Hanoi. We were here November 7th 2009 and find us here again December 7th 2018. The city has seen some really big changes. The bridge and highway has cut the drive in from the airport by an hour and 20 minutes. The cranes dot the horizon as skyscrapers are being built everywhere. The scooters are still very present but now there are many cars. Neon signs are everywhere as well.
We had a laugh the other day in Ho Chi Minh, as we came to a crosswalk where two Brits were waiting to cross. When you cross the road, you must watch carefully for cars (they weren't an issue 9 years ago) as they don't stop for pedestrians but keep a steady pace and just walk into traffic. The scooters move around you. Anyway, we crossed like veterans and I heard one Brit say to the other " let's go with them...(us)" and the other replied... "no, I am just not ready." You need steely nerves.
Vietnam also has added some traffic lights. We saw a t-shirt that said... Traffic lights in Vietnam - green - I can go; yellow - I can go; red - I can still go....
When they do have a pedestrian light, they usually have only one pedestrian cross light per intersection. The light doesn't mean it is safe to cross, just safer.. the cars might stop if they aren't turning right. The scooters still go. If there is a light, you may have to look behind you, across, in the other direction just to find it. Crazy really.
Scooters and shops.
Nine years ago, the bridge was empty ---- lots and lots of tourist here now.
Typical traffic... cross that!
Kate in Hanoi, 2018 and Kate in Hanoi, 2009. :)
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