Enjoy Hanoi: Freestyling - Day 3

Dear Pipsqueaks,

It was another one of those mornings where I had automatically gone through the routines and found myself at the breakfast table sipping on my noodle soup with beef and noodles. When I said I can have this for breakfast everyday, I wasn't kidding.

Not long after we swallowed our last bite of breakfast, our guide had arrived. How not exciting does a 4hr bus ride to and back (totally of 8hrs) sound? Very not exciting. But, the long hours were so worth it.

We joined the tour cruise named Alova, and the staff were fantastically friendly. Even though we were kinda fed through this touristy shop to use the toilets during drive breaks, it was kind of neat to see the local crafts. They also supported handicapped/disabled people by teaching them how to make local crafts or be a part of the sales team - so yes, wanting to put in my two cents for such a good cause, I found a piece I liked and brought it home.

(It was too bright that I couldn't open my eyes for the photo! But, what a nice weather to be out cruising in Halong Bay eh?!)

Enjoy Hanoi: Freestyling! - Day 2

Dear Pipsqueaks,

The day started at our own pace around 9am, brushing up to catch breakfast before it ended at 10am. Breakfast area was petite and homey, so I had expected a very simple breakfast. I couldn't be more wrong.

A whole counter filled with local fruits; a section with western pastry; hot noodles and fried fish cake; drinks and sauces. Then, the great offer to order anything from the hot meal menu. From noodles to omelette to sunny-sideups, what an unexpected surprise! Just brilliant - not to mention a smart way to save space and food. Also, a personalised feel to breakfast when it comes out nice and hot just for you. Thumbs up!

Then, a cup of their famous Vietnamese coffee. Wow, even hotel breakfast coffee can taste this awesome. I'm amused alright. I can do this kinda breakfast any day!

(You're looking at most of the breakfast buffet - not a big one, but they do have a hot food menu to order from. I like this system better where I order my pho and munch on the fruits and drink soup while waiting. There is another smaller table with hot plates holding a few other selections to choose from. The second best part of breakfast is the Vietnamese coffee! It's been a while since I had hotel breakfast coffee that I actually look forward to!)

Enjoy Hanoi: Freestyling! - Day 1

Dear Pipsqueaks,

And I thought a 3am wakeup call was the worst part. Boy, was I wrong. After dragging myself out of bed, brushing up and finishing the last bits of packing, we hopped on our pre-booked taxi Mr.Goh - yes, I can always count on him to get me to the airport one way or the other at the most random hours - at 4am to KLIA2.

I'm just not a morning person. This time of the day isn't meant for traveling. So, unless absolutely necessary, I will not take flights before 9am. Seriously too painful to go through the rush at that hour.

So anyway, we reached the airport and went straight to baggage drop. The crazy part was, the only thing I could think about at that point wasn't even food (that's how tired I was). Then, the worst thing happened...

"I need a what to board the plane? A letter of approval for VOA?"