HELLO VIETNAM! Or at least from Vietnam. We arrived Sunday, but it feels like we have been here forever. The first night was late so just ate in our room which had been pre-booked. Not a cheap hotel, so we were both thrilled with how comfortable the bed was. In China and hong Kong every night felt like we were sleeping on the floor. I didn't mind and actually slept quit well. But bev didn't have a full nights sleep until we got here, we just sunk into it, and the pillows, all feathers!! The first day in daylight we venchered out to the streets. We were only booked in the hotel for 2 nights so first job of the day was to find hotel no' 2. We almost considered staying put but at £83.00 a night, 2 was enough. We used Tripadviser which has been great, loads of reviews. So short listed 6 to visit. (after Sri Lanka we have learnt not to book without seeing the room first!!) so off we set, 2nd job of the day, new bags. The green one was far to heavy and had started to give up. (coarse that could be something to do with the amount we were lugging around with us, so we have dumped quite a bit and sent home a huge parcel!!) we took a good street map from reception and set ou. We found the one road that seems to Be the road that leads to all roads! But if you stray off you end up in a labyrinth of little roads not even on the map, ( great fun ), wall to wall street shops all selling more or less the same, but know one in a hurry to actually sell you anything! In some shops the owners were asleep in the chair or on the floor, very trusting, but then with so much stock held, would they even know if anything had been knocked!!! Anyway we visited a few hotels on the list and also a few that we're not. We ended up in the Angel Palace Hotel. Anyone planing a visit to Vietnam aim for the Angel!! It is a palace. (photos on FB) once moved in we don't want to leave. Popped our heads out for a few hours in the morning to visit the museums and will wander the streets when it gets cooler later in the afternoon. We ARE the only ones in the hotel!!! They have only been open two months and I don't think anyone has used our room!! We have a terrace balcony that looks out over the city, queen size bed and a jacoozy in the bathroom. All for £41.00 a night. We have booked for two nights but will probably stay for 4 as we need the time to sort out our trip to Hanlong bay and south, and to rest. Buy the way found an amazing market where we got two good bags. I bargained hard and got both for less than she was asking for one!!! (Still have the touch!!) now need to loose Bev for an hour to go back. Trouble is we neither of us feel we want to go out alone yet, it would be so easy to get lost, maybe tomorrow. The streets are as I expected, in need of a lot of repair, so trying not to use the wheel chair. What we weren't expecting was the number of small moter bikes. They out number the cars 10 to 1 at least, of course you have to have a death wish to ride one, as they have no rules at all. They even ride them on the foot path! The shops on the main road all look pretty glam, and at first I didn't go in because I am not into buying designer stuff. However saw a handbag that I liked so just went in to see how much, listen there is no way a real Burburry bag only cost £12.00!!!! I might treat myself after all, I can feel another parcel coming home. If I keep them small I could send them airmail, as the one sent yesterday will go sea mail and will take 2-3 months even then it cost me £26.00. Hanoi is really about shopping I feel, we need to get out of the town to see the real Vietnam. Will keep you updated!