Oct.31st - Arrival in Vietnam

The flight was short and budget. Budget flights arent really that bad of a thing, as long as you can trust the plane (I know my Dad is shaking his head right now) and it gets you there on time. I went on Air Asia for $40, can you go wrong? Except they try to charge for water, all went fine.

Immigration at Hanoi is a breeze too, only IF you have the paperwork done. I guess almost 3 yrs in J-land have done some good since Im organized with the paperwork (like my office super book).

There's a million motorbikes here. Actually maybe more. Motorbikes carrying families of 5, who needs a minivan or SUV?? Motorbikes carrying building supplies. Motorbikes carrying 3 dead pigs strapped on the back. Hanoi has a cool feel too it, and the lake in the center of town (Hoam Kiem) is nice, so is the Old Quarter nearby. Tons of shops, lots of energy. Crossing the street here is a nutshow though, its like a real life frogger game. You just have to walk into the madness of mopeds motorbikes taxis bicycles and cars coming straight at you, they usually turn (if they DIDNT turn would I be here writing this?). It all works out somehow, like all things in SE Asia, and the main thing is DONT HESITATE. If you freak out and start ziggin/zaggin you're going to the next one strapped to the motorbike.

Tonight I even caught the Water Puppets show. Supposedly world renowned, a 'must see'. It was pretty good, and impressive how the actors (puppet masters?) can control the puppets on the long pole while underwater.