16th May 2005

Its very hot and humid in Hanoi! been here for the last 10 days apart from a 3 day trip up to sapa for a little trekking around the hill tribes. Predominately being very lazy and not doing a lot other than a little sight seeing and some window shopping. Have relented and bought the first souvenir of the trip .. a very nice silk scarf..... and had a couple of pairs of trousers made.. at 4.50 each not really breaking the bank.

Staying in hanoi's old quarter where the day starts at 5.30am! .. am learning to sleep through the noise and despite really good intentions, have yet to get up at 5.30 to go for a walk around the lake and see the locals doing their morning exercises.. maybe tomorrow!

Most things are within walking distance, the only difficulty is in crossing the road! Have learnt to just walk at a steady pace and the motorbikes will just swerve around you!

Sapa was great, great scenery and the hill tribes were really interesting .. Ialso managed to trek without any further ankle injuries!

Will be posting more pictures soon, hope everyone is ok

S x