Ha Noi, Viet Nam

It's almost a challenge to remember Hanoi in the lingering brain fog of the oppressive summer heat. Sweat appeared upon contact with the outside air, or even when the air conditioning was switched off. Getting back to the Air BnB was a race to strip from our wet, sticky clothes and take a cold shower, or bask under the air conditioner's blow. 

But some other memories are distinct:

The lucious Royal Ponciana's and lavender crepe myrtles overhanging the streets of the Old Quarter were a lot like the women of Hanoi - adorned in nice dresses with their hair and makeup done, unphased by the miserable humidity and temperatures.

The multitude of colors from hanging lanterns, seasonal fruits, plastic plates, and overhead trees echoed the chaos surrounding it:

The rush of cars and motorbikes along the road while old men gave haircuts on the sidewalk, and women sold produce out of bikes and hanging baskets.

People squatted on tiny plastic stools in store fronts, eating everything from coconut jelly to pho or other morning soups. 

The chaos of no queues, just a crowd of people waiting for the right moment for it to be their turn to purchase groceries, order food, or pay for their meal.

Hanoi was quite unlike any place I'd been to before. Distinct in its liveliness and frenzy but also its beauty. 

06.17.24