The Streets Of Hanoi

Two flights and 20+ hours of travel later we found ourselves standing outside of baggage claim at Hanoi International Airport looking for our driver. We spot him with a 8x10 sheet of paper with Ian’s last name scribbled on it. We quickly exchange greetings, verbal passcodes and were on our way to Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

From the airport we drove on a quiet highway passing fields of rice paddies, going over bridges and weaving through traffic. I could tell we were getting closer to the city as more and more motorbikes appeared out of nowhere joining us in the weaving game. I was so nervous my stomach felt queasy. I tried telling myself this is normal, they drive this way everyday and then BAM! a motorbike hits our car. Our driver pulls over to check on the biker, they get into what seems like a squabble, the biker gets back on his motorbike while our driver returns to the car. He casually apologies for the delay as he puts on his seatbelt and off we went. Ian and I looked at each other with a, ‘What the hell just happened?' expression.

The car pulls up to the opposite side of the road in front of our hotel. The doorman sees us and quickly crosses the street to our rescue, grabbing our bags and ushering us through traffic. I scream while crossing the street completely embarrassing myself and Ian. While we settled in the lobby over a welcome drink and wet hand towels the concierge hands us some reading materials on Traveling Advice. My attention goes straight to the section, 'How to Cross the Road’. Step 1: Be relaxed and self-confident. Step 2: Look two ways or keep your eyes on the drivers. Step 3: Keep the speed and walk slowly. Step 4: Never step back.

We checked into your room, refreshen up and went searching for Pho. I tried to put into practice what I had just learned about crossing the road. Ian was an instant pro, me not so much. I continued my screaming while dodging motorbikes. After enjoying a bowl of Pho we stumbled upon Hoan Kiem Lake and happily learned the streets were closed off to traffic. I was able to let down my guard, relax and enjoy myself. It was Christmas Eve. Christmas music was playing all around us. Parents were watching their children (dressed up as Santa) ride battery powered Toy ATVs, Quads and Motorcycles. It was so cute! I even saw a bad Santa in tears being consoled by his dad. Teenagers gathered with their friends on the open streets. We joined the lovers walking by hand in hand on a romantic stroll. It was a perfect Christmas Eve.

As the days went by I eventually got used to walking the streets of Hanoi. It started to feel more comfortable and I shifted my focus and energy towards my photographs. Here they are: the streets of Hanoi.

Hanoi | December 2017