Spent our first day in Hanoi. Lots of development going on here. Its a small economy, just developing in many sectors. Tourism is a new thing here, but it will grow. It’s cheap to visit and they dont’ make things too complicated.

There are a few cultural things to get over for the foreigner. One is a verticle matter. Most of the social world here takes place at about 8 inches in height. That’s how long the legs of most chairs seem to be. You can see everyone squatting to sit in chairs that would typically be in the toddlers area in the States. Tables are about 18″ off the ground. Food is cooked at ground level on the sidewalk in Woks. Then they wash the dishes there and throw the food in the gutter. All in one convenient place.

Tonight we will ride an all night train high into the mountains to Saba, near the highest peak in Indochina. Then by bus and later by foot, we will trek into the tribal areas. Should yield some great pics!