Hanoi's Old Quarter

So, my life as a “Digital Nomad” resumes from last fall. I arrived in Hanoi (or Ha Noi in the local language) on April 15th after a 16 hour trip from Texas to Taipei, then a layover and 3 hour flight from Taipei to Hanoi. I managed to sleep about 10 hours on the long flight, using a little xanax and (both inflatable and collapsible) pillows that allowed me to rest my head and body against the wall/column of my window seat. Despite getting good sleep, I still had jet-lag here for a few days. It’s because your biological clock is turned upside down—night is day, and day is night.

I’m having some typically strong coffee at my little Hotel. I went out late last evening to get some food and met a great, young French couple who were really delightful and we talked and talked. Gosh, we even talked about current events and we still ended up as friends! Imagine that! So, we’re now connected thru Whatsapp. That’s my advantage in traveling alone: I’m available. I can and do start conversations with strangers.

My unexpected new and beau-ti-ful friends visiting Vietnam from France. Ignore that old guy on the right! (click to enlarge)

A complete map guide to Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Click to Enlarge.

Cultural Comments

Vietnam is a Socialist country that has had some real economic successes lately as businesses are fleeing China. It seems poor and 3rd world to me in parts. The citizens are struggling and really hustling for money. I’ve been mildly manipulated a couple of times, all the while knowing it, by people who are just trying to survive. I’m talking small stuff.

There’s some old Catholic churches here, but they seem to fenced-off and locked-up. As I’ve mentioned in The Ten Most Dangerous Countries In the World For Christians in 2023 and Raymond Ibrahim’s A Pandemic You Rarely Hear About: 360 Millon Christians Persecuted Worldwide, it’s totalitarian, Marxist/Socialist and Islamic/ Muslim supremacist countries where just being a Christian can be risky, inconvenient or even a death sentence.

Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hanoi’s Old Quarter which was locked-up during a weekday and seemed unmaintained on the exterior. I think Vietnamese leaders barely tolerate Christianity. It’s design is reminiscent of Notre Dame

But many Vietnamese in the US, given religious freedom, are enthusiastic Catholics. For example, there’s a new Catholic cathedral in downtown Houston that holds Mass in Vietnamese language. Another sign: I went to a Vietnamese restaurant in Houston around Easter and it was closed for Easter. As you might know, Vietnamese people are a great immigrant story for the US melting pot.

Here’s some photos. Click on any image in the photo gallery for a Substack Pop-Up picture viewer.

Around Ho Huan Kiem lake in the Old Quarter

Despite my jet lag, I have taken some walks around the Old Quarter. I’ve been particularly interested in seeing remnants of French architecture in the old city. I found many examples.

The Search for French Influenced Architecture in Ha Noi's Old Quarter

Some parts of Hanoi’s Old Quarter remind me of Mexico City’s Zona Rosa with old growth trees, but Zona Rosa is better and in good/great repair. Hanoi’s old quarter is shabby in places.

The Hustle and Bustle of Hanoi's Old Quarter Streets. The 'Zona Rosa' of Vietnam?

On Saturday, April 20th, I’m flying to Nha Trang in the SE coast of Vietnam. I booked my flight online at 12Go: Book Trains, Buses, Ferries + Flights and a condo room at The Panorama through Airbnb. I’ll post something in a week or 10 days.

Let me know if you like these occasional “personal” posts. It’s important for us to maintain balance in our worrisome and stressful times. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy my journeys vicariously. Did you see my post Not Losing Your Zest for Life that emphasizes the importance of Joy and zest for life? Stay tuned!