Goodbye Cambodia, hello Hanoi

We've passed into another dimension. Cambodia couldn't been more perfect. The people are lovely, the photographic opportunities were endless, the food was fabulous...it could not have been any better.

Then we arrived in Hanoi. The officers at the visa counter were testy, the lines were slow, then we finally left the airport into what must be one of the most smoggy cities in the world. Even though our van was air conditioned, we all immediately began to feel the effects of the smog. Our eyes were burning, our throats were closing up.

Our hotel, The Hanoi Elegence Diamond, is a nice little gem in the middle of the Old Hanoi district, walking distance to the lake. After settling in, we all met at the roof top restaurant for a late night snack.

This morning after breakfast, Augie and I set off for a walk around the lake and a search for a geocache. Then he continued on his search while I took a walk around the local streets looking at shops. I finally gave into the many requests for a ride on a pedi-cab and let one of them peddle me around the city. We're back at the hotel now and getting ready to check out. We'll take a tour of the city while we wait for our transport to Halong Bay at 3 pm. More later....