Saturday, September 8th -- We are trying to catch up to real time, and should be there soon.
Supposedly, Hanoi has 4 distinct seasons, but early September is definitely still the dog days of summer. With the excessive heat and humidity, we intend to start each day early before it gets too hot, but with 2 children to prepare, we don't seem to live up to our own good intentions.
So the plan for Saturday was Hoan Kiem Lake, followed by silk shopping at Hang Gai Street. Hoan Kiem Lake is also known as the Lake of the Restored Sword. According to legend, in the 15th Century, Emperor Le Thai To was supposedly handed a magic sword by a divine tortoise living in the lake, helping him repel Chinese invader. The sword was eventually returned to te tortoise, and continues to reside in the lake. (Sounds like Excalibur). The lake is surrounded by a lovely park, filled with local life and tourists. As tourists, we are constantly flocked by people trying to sell tour books, hats, and souveniers. I guess not that different than a tourist who walks through Times Square in New York.
Eli was once again assaulted by admirers in the park. In this case, a group of teenage girls asked if they could take pictures with Eli. They wanted to hold him, but he would only agree if his mommy held him for the pictures.
We were constantly approached by Vietnamese who spoke differing levels of english. Many would point to Lilly and ask, "Vietnam?" Everyone seemed very pleased and honored that we chose to adopt from their country.
Around the lake, we passed vestiges of ancient architecture. We passed by Indira Ghandi park. We saw a sign for the Water Puppet Theater. Water Puppet shows are apparently a Vietnamese tradition -- puppet shows where the puppeteers are immersed in water, and the water serves as a stage for the puppets. We intend to try to take in a show when we get a chance.
Completing our circuit around the lake, we proceeded to Hang Gai Street for silk shopping. This shopping district could easily have been found in any Western city. Right across from the lake was a building being renovated, with a big sign for "Calvin Klein, Coming Soon." Though still officially a communist country, there is a definite capitalist vibe everywhere.
On the advice of the tour books, we proceeded to Khai Silk at 96 Hang Gai Street. Certainly it had lovely silk merchandise, and the store would have fit right in on Madison Avenue. All prices were in US Dollars (though Dong is the official currency -- 1$=16,000 Dong -- The dollar is accepted by just about everyone). And the prices would have fit right in to New York.
We quickly exited the store, knowing we would find similar quality merchandise up and down Hang Gai Street, at a fraction of the price. By this time, after a couple hours in the heat and humidity, we were all flustered, but especially fair skinned Eli. So Eli and Adam went back to the hotel for some rest, Eli spent some time at the playground and in the playroom. While Chloe, Pam, and Lilly completed a bit more shopping.
1 comment:
Congratulations! My kids and I volunteered in the Tam Ky orphanage in January and February of this year. I'm so jealous that you got to bring one of the babies back. They are well-loved there; wonderful people.
Definitely do the Water Puppet show and despite what my guidebook says, you should do the front row seats. I think they are about 40,000VND. Your older child will love it, I think. the vignettes are short and understandable, despite the language barrier. There is even one about Hoan Kiem lake and the story of the tortoise and the sword. Warning though: the woman puppet has droopy breasts hanging outside her shirt. We never could figure that out, but just tried not to stare, perplexed.
Congrats again.
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