Leaving Sapa and heading Back to Hanoi…

4 October 2015-

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IMG_7465Trying to bargain with several of the Red Zao ladies….I'm feeling like I'm being swarmed!  I wound up buying a few handmade pillowcases (that all ended up with zippers that don't work. Sigh):

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Unique construction techniques:IMG_4944

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Let me tell you about our ride from Sapa to Hanoi.  First, we hired a private car through the lodge- we thought it'd be fast and easy.  That may be true but what we weren't counting on was the fact that the young male driver was having trouble staying awake.  Yikes! (was up all night partying???) He also spoke very little English so we were communicating via hand gestures.  We kept talking to him…or better put, we were talking AT him in order to keep him awake.  We stopped a few times – once for lunch.  Thank goodness we managed to get to Hanoi without incident!!!  
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Back in Hanoi and just in time for dinner! 

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check out this on the menu:IMG_7470

We're back in Hanoi.  Yahoo!  Made it back in one piece.  Now it's time to finally walk around the Old Quarter. Do you feel the joyful vibes this place seems to exude?

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Lake of the Restored Sword…this place is surrounded by legends.  The one story I remember involves a turtle and a sword.  Yeah, that's a really detailed account of the legend, right?  I guess I'd better look it up to help refresh my memory.  IMG_4963

And here begins the photo series: Girls with Goonie Grins:IMG_4965

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IMG_4976Gee, thanks girls!  

Here's a quick peek into one of the buildings.  Looks like a temple to me.

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IMG_5034We bought this iPho souvenir t-shirt for Ava.  The sad thing about this t-shirt???  Even after several months of airing out this shirt STILL stinks of mothballs!  I've tried everything…soaking it in vinegar, alcohol, and airing it out.  In the end we couldn't keep the shirt.  Meh.

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Weasel coffee????  Really?IMG_5046

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A lovely last meal at the hotel:IMG_7487

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