T'is wonderful.... I think I like this!

I woke at 4 a.m. to the sound of a woman screaming... in pain and terror. Really really screaming...... I tried to open my window... nothing. I am six floors up in a one room and a corridor wide hotel. I can't even see the ground of the alley and I look upon piles of rubbish heaped upon a rusting sagging roof. A board holds the iron down . I couldn't see a thing

The scream stopped and I heard laughter. 4 a.m. and this was my herald for the day.

The smog(fog) sits above Hanoi, covering any hint of actual sky and the humidity gathers strength as the day progresses, urging sweat to pour from my skin..... very bad hair day today.

I didn't want to do the Grand Tour of Hanoi with a group of tourists.... I am an individual.

With just tiny feelings of trepidation regarding the possibility of becoming a shadow of myself after a car has had its way with me... or ending up as a souvenir on the handlebars of a motorbike.... OR becoming a mere memory as I fade away among surging crowds...................... but I am brave so out I went.. into Hanoi. Well I went out into the Old Quarter anyway.

I sought support for my navigational skills from the porter who confidently informed me that it was impossible to get lost... I am a sucker for a cute face!

I went to the lake... Hoan Khiem Lake( I think that is it)..... Already the Tai CHi enthusiasts were out stretching and moving into the early morning. Strips of bubbling green covered the water, giving it a grasslike appearance in places but the reflection of the pagoda was magnificent........ peaceful and very serene.

There was some kind of youth dancing celebration on one side of the lake so I joined the throng... Glad to be the tallest person in the group cos I could block everyone else's view! I could see though..

A dear young man started walking alongside me. He inquired after my health( how thoughtful), then wondered if I might be lonely( how considerate) as I was walking alone. He was so polite ... asking where I was from.. these people are wonderful.. Yes??????? I smiled innocently at this man and informed him that he was so kind but my husband was joining me for coffee round the other side.... strangely enough he lost interest in me. I think it might have been only something akin to cupboard love.... but I did get over it!

Found the most important part of the Old Quarter................... the Silk Street. Had a little flutter there!!!!! Took ages................ I tried so hard not to give in!

This afternoon I have been at the Water Puppet Theatre... a most unusual form of entertainment but interesting and the cultural value was undeniable. It was loud and colourful.....................

Just got back a while ago...............

Off to Halong Bay tomorrow so try not to miss my comments too much........... Back on Wednesday afternoon. Will be having dinner with Michael........... Blue Dragon Children's Foundation and handing over the donations made by Roma........