This driver picked me up upon my arrival at Noi Bai Airport. He couldn't speak English and I thought at least knew some simple words like "You pick me...here to Hanoi.... FREE?" as the hostel offered the pick-up but apparently left my query unanswered when I asked if it's included in the price. "Yes, yes " was what he said and just hurried off driving me to the hostel. Sure enough, I was asked to pay this guy USD 13 upon arrival. Felt cheated, I knew it's around this cost but I would find a cheaper alternative if I'd known it earlier. Maybe a bus(USD 30cents) or sharing a taxi with other fellow travellers. In fact, I had all the time in the world and not in a hurry to reach Hanoi.
It was my last evening in Hanoi. The people and traffic had not slowed down. Across the street was a popular activity venue for the locals. There's a monument and around it people play football, rollerblading, and what do you call that... ball taming/balancing/passing with foot. Over here where I'm standing, there were still people jogging, walking and spending their time beside the lake, locals and foreigners alike.
4 comments:
u must have enjoyed yrself there. its always nice to see other countries lifestyle
That looks like such a great time! It sure is a bustling place.
Hi Johnny,
Yea, it's different especially the language. Apparently, I learnt that the alphabet 'd' is pronounced 'z' in Vietnamese. During the trip, I heard lotsa "Zai , zai ,zai" and I wonder if it's "Yes, yes, yes". Also, do not be offended when someone called you 'oi'. Apparently, it's the polite way to get someone's attention. For example, at supermarket, I heard lotsa children calling their mom with "May oi". And when I strolled the streets, the mototaxi drivers addressed me by "Co oi, #$@##^% " thinking I was one of them. I just smiled or say "Khum". I simply enjoyed the trip all because I get to mingle with fellow travellers and practising my language skills. That's the best part and I got credits for that. Many even expressed their admiration of Malaysian fluent in lotsa languages. So, I think I played a Malaysian Ambassador quite well. *LoL*
Hi Sagan Morrow,
Thanks for dropping by. Yay, you bet, I really did enjoy myself and came back with more confidence as that was a solo trip. Yeap, Hanoi is indeed a bustling place. Many say that Hanoi's traffic's CRAZY!
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