Yesterday morning we made a gloriously muddy return back to Hanoi in the same weather we left it: unyielding drizzle. With our plastic ponchos flapping in the wind, we managed to navigate the inbound traffic thanks to a wide shoulder specifically designated for bicycles. We had been worried about whether we would be allowed to ride over the major bridge connecting the airport area to downtown Hanoi, because we actually illegally crossed another bridge on the way out by pedaling quickly and avoiding eye contact with the traffic cop who was walking toward us. But this time we encountered no problems - in fact, we followed the stream of motorbikes down an off-ramp and crossed the bridge on a lower level specifically for 2-wheeled vehicles. Vietnam is definitely biker friendly, and we're loving it! Even though honking trucks got annoying, people here are know how to drive around bikes. (In the same way that people from Lancaster know how to drive around horse and buggies, except we tend to slow down and then slowly pass, rather than honk and then speed by!)
This trip has been fantastic despite some frustrations (none of which were related to cycling - our bikes served us well), and I can't wait for my next bike tour! It's incredibly liberating to be powered by your own two legs, and I'm hooked. It's also been a big confidence boost to know that I can handle a) crazy Asian traffic and b) riding with a load.
I rented my bike from Lotussia Travel for a reasonable price of $13/day. Their website is a little hard to use, but they had great service. Thanks to Meg Sine for the snacks and the velcro bag, and to Kim for being awesome, as she always is.
Kim has posted a recap every day, and I will post pictures (Get ready for some panoramas! I got really excited about this camera function!) when I get back to China. Tomorrow I fly to Ho Chi Minh City (stupid planning on my part) and the next day to Hong Kong, where I'm meeting up with Ana for a few days of fun before starting the spring semester.
dear margaret,
ReplyDeletejust caught up on all your blogs and read some of Kim's too. what a great bike adventure and with royal blue nail polish! look forward to seeing your photos. i still love your sense of humor the most. the meat market expose was a treat to read and underscored my devotion to strict vegetarianism. Life back at your teaching job is going to seem very boring, now that you've seen hanoi et al. much love, auntie carolyn