Hanoi here we come

This drizzling morning we left the hospitable Trang An Legend (https://www.bing.com/maps/?q=Trang+An+Legend&ypid=YN8196x2883458823857445453&cp=20.24611473083496%7e105.93096160888672&ppois=20.24611473083496_105.93096160888672_Trang+An+Legend&mepi=129~~Unknown~Address_Link) and lovely Dung and, with her nephew as driver, we went to Ninh Binh. He is studying business in Hanoi (4000000 a year?)

He said his accommodation in Hanoi was OK sharing with 3 people but found Hanoi restaurants expensive.

The train is due 8:55 but we will see

We are certainly more dressed than in HCM, it is 15 C this morning.

The train arrived on time in Ninh Binh and early in Hanoi. The scenery was not as spectacular as Hue to Ninh Binh. The seats were reclining and comfortable.

We even passed from the crazy train street where the train is so near to the shops and coffee shops that is unbelievable.

The hotel was 12 min walk from the train station but of course we had to negotiate bikes parked on the pavement and that kind of stuff. The view though from our accommodation (an apartment really) was rewarding

We went for a long walk towards Kiem lake and the French quarter where we had lunch Bun Cha a combination of thin pork slices and patties along with spring rolls with shrimp and crab as filling. Another different charcoaling device was used.

The third pic above is obviously not food but ashes container.

And then the water puppet theatre. Because a lot of tourists go many think is a tourist trap. Nothing can make justice to its magic feeling of the puppets movement and the music and singing.

The evening an excellent meal with Cha Ca where you cook on your table the already slightly cooked fish with lots of onions lettuce and dill.