Arriving in Hanoi

So far, so good! The airport was nowhere as chaotic as I thought it would be. I was second in line for passport control, my bag was fifth off the conveyor, and no line at customs. So, from the time I stepped off the plane until I was out front meeting my driver (arranged by the hotel), it was maybe 15 minutes. I figured at least an hour! So, I arrived at my hotel way earlier than expected, which was very nice. 

Got to my hotel and my room was flooded. Hanoi’s been having major floods for a few weeks. No problem because they put me up at their (slightly nicer) sister hotel around the corner. I’m on the top floor (eighth) with a balcony.  I’m hoping the pics will post okay. 

It’s nice, it’s clean, it’s in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, which is 1,000 years old and still has the same street names, and it’s very Vietnamese. I couldn’t be happier. 

It’s strange. Everything is exactly as I expected, right down to the smells. I don’t know if I’ve really done that much research or if this is just one more piece in the puzzle that has compelled me to visit!

Have to be up in less than 5 hours for my early morning walking tour to experience Hanoi as it wakes up. I can’t wait to explore the city tomorrow!