Food and stuff

So, the big news of my week is that I ate bun cha (pork soup) three times from the same "street" food" place (which is really just an outdoor restaurant) in Hanoi. Apparently, the woman who cooks the food has been on this same corner for sixty years. The roasted pork is so tender, and the broth is a sweet fish sauce and includes carrots and green papaya. It's served lukewarm with chilis, rice noodles, and other greens, including basil and banana flowers. Yum.

The shot of the stairs is the alley where Maya and Jason live. Their apartment is beautiful--an entire house. I am lucky to have the very spacious guest room with high ceilings. On top of the house is a terrace, which we have used a couple times so far, including on Maya's birthday, for the dessert portion of our evening. (Chocolate!)

The other picture is an afternoon shot of Hoan Kiem Lake, which is just near the Old Quarter. This morning, I went there around six-thirty, which is actually on the late-side. There were lots of people there, groups of women walking, couples playing badmitton, and children on bikes. The only tough thing about the lake--as far as I can see--is crossing the busy roads to get there. I'm a hair more used to the motorbikes by now. But I admit: more fun to be on the back of one than to worry about one running me over. At the lake the other day, a young man (17 years old--I asked) sat down next to me and asked me (among other things--he wanted to practice his English) what I don't like about Hanoi. I demurred, but he pressed and so finally I said, "When I cross the street, I feel like I am going to die." He thought that was funny, and we laughed. Only I was serious.

The other picture is from one of the courtyard's at Van Mieu (Temple of Literature), which is the oldest university in VN, established in 1076. This shot is of the stone steles (purpose of which is to commemorate those who successfully passed their exams) which are placed on top of stone turtles. The vibe here is incredibly peaceful. After looking around, I settled into a green space, just outside of the courtyards, and read for a while.

Yesterday, the highlight was eating a spicy beef and noodle dish at a street food place, and being joined by a young woman who was on her lunch break. Her English was great and we chatted for a while, about her line of work (import/export business), her boyfriend (who is away now, so she spends her time at night online, emailing him), and what I am doing in Viet Nam (good question!).Lunch was so nice and I was, of course, so happy to communicate. And then she "invited" me to lunch, which means she treated me. It was so kind and really made my day--Yen, wherever you are, I owe you one!

Tonight, we are meeting up with a German journalist who literally works across the street from where Maya and Jason live. We're meeting at the "bia hoi," which means "fresh beer." The bia hoi-thing is popular here, and even though I won't partake, I am looking forward to a new experience.