Gate Hoàn Kiếm Lake This is the most famous lake in the center of Hà Nội, whose name means “return the sword” (for more about the legend, follow this link). If you look at the map, there are plenty of lakes in this capital. That one however is famous, next to the center’s tiny streets.… Continue reading A Walk around Hoàn Kiếm Lake at Night
Blog
Theorem
Whatever the width of the pavement, Vietnamese pedestrians just do not care and will walk on the street anyhow” I found a nice place for jogging from time to time – usually twice a week, at least once. The area has sparse traffic and large pavements, surrounded by gardens and trees. I find the sidewalk… Continue reading Theorem
Here We Go Again
This Monday evening was the last of a 4-days week-end which we thoroughly enjoyed. The good news is, the week-end won’t stop! (for the kids). The real news is, Hà Nội is closing schools like last year, and nobody knows when they will reopen. Guess I’m happy I bought a computer for my son. That… Continue reading Here We Go Again
A Typical Everyday Meal
This is what we usually eat in Việt Nam: plenty of vegetables salad: either salad itself or sliced cucumber the everyday fish sauce with chilis, lime juice and sugar (center) bowls of rice, of course proteins: fried tofu in the top-left corner bottom-left: a kind of dried pork meat, fried onions and eggs omelette last… Continue reading A Typical Everyday Meal
Phở Gà
Today is a great day, because I will finally right a wrong. Let me explain. Ten years ago I was eager to write restaurants or hotels reviews on Tripadvisor, feeling it was for the greater good. I enjoyed it and earned a few badges. In 2011 during my first trip to Việt Nam, I tried… Continue reading Phở Gà
Art and Cultural Activities
Yesterday morning I was in the French embassy for some paperwork. In the hall I was glad to see there are shows, culture is alive here. Also when exchanging emails, the civil servants at the embassy reply swiftly, I was impressed. Reason given is, there are almost no travelers nowadays hence they are no longer… Continue reading Art and Cultural Activities
Cash is King
There is something from childhood that stills fascinates me: checking out the bank notes wherever I travel. Traveling might not be the right term because I now plan to stay in Vietnam long-term. Anyhow, here is an overview of all bank notes used in Vietnam. No coins are being circulated nowadays as far as I… Continue reading Cash is King
Hà Nội Football Club Supporters
I was walking near the French embassy this morning (some paperwork needed) as I heard them across the street! I missed a detail because I stopped filming too early. In addition to the music with the loudspeaker, there was a man beating a big drum sitting behind on the van. I took money out of… Continue reading Hà Nội Football Club Supporters
A Crowded Mall
The 21st April is a bank holiday in Vietnam, celebrating Vietnam’s Hung kings. We went – again – to Big C Long Biên that day and it was indeed crowded: The sound systems here do not need to cope with stringent dB limits as it is the case in Switzerland. This was really loud. But… Continue reading A Crowded Mall
Rooftop Bar
One of the most exciting aspects of a big city is to have plenty of choice for eating out. I realized that after being unable to invite my wife for Valentine day in Switzerland, I thought we could go to a nice place for dinner. By the way, even if Valentine is not that important… Continue reading Rooftop Bar